The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Public Humanities Projects program supports efforts to bring humanities themes to life for the general public through innovative and accessible programming. This initiative emphasizes engaging broad and diverse audiences in non-classroom settings across the United States, employing scholarship in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. Projects can include exhibitions, interpretation plans, and discussion series that make significant themes within the humanities approachable and meaningful. The program supports work at two funding levels—Planning and Implementation—and offers awards across three project categories: Exhibitions, Historic Places, and Humanities Discussions. Proposed projects may also include complementary digital or interactive components, such as websites or apps.

Eligible projects may focus on local, regional, national, or international topics, and NEH encourages proposals that appeal to specific groups like families, youth, underserved communities, or veterans. While small and mid-sized organizations are especially encouraged to apply, all projects must address broader themes or questions of regional or national relevance. Organizations proposing projects with primarily local impact are advised to consider alternative funding sources, such as their state humanities councils. The scope and size of a project’s expected audience will influence the amount of funding awarded.

Funding is available at multiple levels. Planning grants provide up to $60,000 for up to 24 months, while Implementation grants offer up to $400,000, with an additional $100,000 available for applicants applying under the Positions in the Public Humanities option. For larger-scale projects of exceptional ambition, Chair’s Special Awards may provide up to $1,000,000. The period of performance for Implementation grants ranges from 12 to 48 months. Awards are designed to help develop, plan, and execute projects that present humanities scholarship in an engaging and accessible way.

Applicants should be nonprofit organizations, state or local governments, or other eligible entities. Organizations must propose projects that align with the program’s goal of fostering public engagement with the humanities. NEH also encourages applications from institutions working with underserved populations or addressing underrepresented themes. For projects starting after October 1, 2024, applications must comply with revised federal regulations (2 CFR Part 200).

The anticipated next application cycle begins with guidelines available on May 13, 2025, and a submission deadline of August 13, 2025. Award notifications are expected by April 30, 2026, with project start dates of May 1, 2026, or November 1, 2026. Applicants should prepare materials that demonstrate how their projects meet the program’s goals and articulate the anticipated impact on target audiences. Evaluation criteria include the significance of the proposed humanities themes, the quality of the project’s interpretive approach, and the potential to reach and engage a broad audience.

Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the program’s guidelines and participate in upcoming webinars to ensure a strong submission. Interested parties can contact the Division of Public Programs for further information. Additional resources on the NEH website provide detailed instructions for assembling an application and navigating the federal award process.