The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Media Projects program provides funding for the development, production, and distribution of media projects that engage general audiences with humanities topics. These projects may include radio programs, podcasts, documentary films, and documentary series that creatively explore humanities themes while being grounded in rigorous scholarship. Projects should demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, analytical, and balanced. The program offers two distinct funding levels: Development and Production. Development grants provide up to $75,000 for a project period of 6 to 12 months, while Production grants offer up to $700,000 (or $1,000,000 for Chair's Special Awards) for a period of 1 to 3 years.

The program's primary objective is to enhance public understanding of the humanities through high-quality media productions. Applicants are expected to focus on projects that not only reflect strong humanities content but also employ innovative methods to appeal to broad audiences. NEH encourages interdisciplinary collaborations and the inclusion of expert humanities advisors to ensure the depth and accuracy of the content. Applications must clearly demonstrate how the project will engage audiences in a meaningful way and provide insights into relevant humanities themes.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, state and local governmental agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribes. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant potential for audience impact, particularly those that reflect diverse perspectives and foster inclusivity. Applicants are encouraged to consult NEH program officers and reference previously funded projects for guidance on crafting competitive proposals.

Applicants should prepare to submit their proposals via Grants.gov by the anticipated deadline of August 13, 2025. Updated guidelines for the 2025 application cycle will be posted in advance, but applicants can use the current guidelines as a reference. The anticipated project start dates are May 1, 2026, or November 1, 2026. Application packages must include a detailed project narrative, budget, work plan, and letters of commitment from project team members and consultants.

Proposals are evaluated based on the significance of the humanities content, the creativity and clarity of the proposed approach, and the project’s potential for broad audience engagement. Other key criteria include the qualifications of the project team, the feasibility of the work plan, and the strength of partnerships with collaborating organizations. Applicants should note that all NEH awards issued after October 1, 2024, will adhere to revised federal regulations on administrative and cost requirements.

Prospective applicants can access recorded workshops, webinars, and resources provided by NEH program officers and previous grantees to gain insights into preparing strong applications. While the workshops date back to earlier years, their tips remain relevant to the application process. For additional support, applicants can contact the NEH Division of Public Programs via email.

Key dates for the 2025 application cycle include the availability of the application package on May 13, 2025, and the submission deadline on August 13, 2025. Award notifications are expected by April 30, 2026. Applicants should subscribe to NEH updates to stay informed about future deadlines and guidelines.