The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) offers Rebirth Grants to support humanities-based projects throughout the state of Louisiana. These grants fund initiatives that promote public engagement and discussion around humanities topics, including public programs, digital media projects, documentary photography and radio projects, festivals, exhibitions, and humanities-based educational efforts. To qualify for funding, all projects must involve humanities scholars and contribute to the understanding and appreciation of Louisiana’s culture and history.

Applications for the 2025 Rebirth Grants are currently open and will be accepted until April 8, 2025. Grant awards will be announced at the end of May 2025. Funded project activities should commence no earlier than September 1, 2025, and must be completed by October 31, 2026. To assist applicants, LEH is hosting two Q&A sessions: one on Wednesday, March 5, at 10 a.m. and another on Wednesday, March 12, at 2 p.m. Interested applicants can register online to attend.

Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000. All applicants must demonstrate matching funds, either in cash or in-kind contributions. In some cases, the LEH may award partial funding, and applicants must confirm that their project can still proceed with the reduced amount. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, humanities organizations affiliated with accredited higher education institutions, state and local government agencies, and Louisiana-based tribal governments. Special consideration is given to organizations serving underserved populations.

Applications are evaluated based on several key criteria, including the strength of the humanities content, the scholarship involved, outreach strategies, partnerships with other humanities organizations, alignment with LEH's areas of focus, geographic distribution, budget feasibility, and community engagement. Required documentation includes a federal tax identification number, a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), IRS determination letter (for nonprofits), and a Form 990.

Rebirth Grants fund projects in several categories, including public discussions, podcasts and radio documentaries, digital humanities projects, exhibitions, publications, and humanities-based festivals. However, grant funds cannot be used for creative and performing arts, academic research for scholarly audiences, capital improvements, staffing costs, or social and political advocacy. Additionally, grant funds may not be used for food, entertainment, liquor, equipment purchases, or indirect overhead costs.

For more information or assistance with the application, applicants can contact the LEH at 938 Lafayette Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70113, or call 504-523-4352. Additional resources, including a PDF request for proposals (RFP), budget guides, and samples of past successful applications, are available online.