The NEH Research and Development program is designed to support projects addressing critical challenges in the preservation and accessibility of humanities collections and resources. These projects may range from early-stage planning to advanced implementation, and they aim to contribute to the evolving knowledge base for heritage practitioners. The program funds research and development in various areas, including preserving fragile artifacts, addressing technological obsolescence, and improving methods for organizing and using materials.

For 2025, two tiers of funding are available: Tier I grants provide up to $100,000 for projects lasting one to two years, and Tier II grants offer up to $350,000 for projects lasting one to three years. The application process will open on February 20, 2025, with an anticipated deadline of May 20, 2025. Notifications are expected by December 31, 2025, and projects can start either on March 1 or September 1, 2026.

The program encourages projects in a wide range of humanities collections, including audiovisual and digital heritage, archaeological artifacts, and time-based media. In particular, NEH highlights several areas of interest, such as advancing heritage collections work, using artificial intelligence in collections, and responding to climate change impacts. Additionally, projects that align with NEH's American Tapestry initiative, which focuses on strengthening democracy, promoting equity, and addressing climate change, are particularly encouraged.

Applicants must ensure their submissions include all required sections and comply with formatting guidelines to avoid disqualification. The program has a competitive funding ratio, with a 31% success rate based on recent statistics.