Ohio Humanities offers Spark Grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations to support programs that foster meaningful conversations about contemporary issues affecting Ohioans. These grants are intended for smaller, focused projects that address social, economic, and historical challenges while inspiring civic engagement and a deeper sense of place among Ohio residents. Spark Grants can also help organizations build capacity for larger projects with broader impacts.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with final applications due on the first business day of each month. Preliminary applications must be submitted one month prior to the final due date. Applicants should ensure their proposals are submitted at least two months before the anticipated public events tied to their projects. However, applications will be unavailable from May 3 to June 3, 2024, and October 4 to November 8, 2024, due to administrative processing.

Eligible projects must meet four primary criteria: (1) applicants must be nonprofit organizations, (2) the project must center on public humanities content, (3) public humanities professionals must be actively involved in the project, and (4) the application must follow Ohio Humanities’ budget guidelines. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with a Program Officer to refine their proposals and increase their likelihood of success.

Organizations can explore a list of previously funded projects for inspiration and guidance. Spark Grants are designed to ignite conversations and engagement around critical issues while making humanities content accessible and impactful for Ohio communities.