The Climate Smart Humanities Organizations program, offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), aims to support U.S.-based humanities organizations as they assess their environmental impact and develop strategic climate action and adaptation plans. This initiative addresses the pressing need for institutions in the humanities to become more environmentally responsible and resilient in the face of climate change. The program emphasizes sustainability, planning, and implementation of organizational changes to address both environmental and cultural sustainability goals.

The primary purpose of this grant is to enable humanities institutions to identify and document climate-related risks, develop institutional climate action or adaptation plans, and strengthen their capacity to respond to climate challenges. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate community engagement, partnerships with climate science experts, and approaches grounded in equity and environmental justice. The grant supports planning efforts as a critical step toward creating more sustainable infrastructure and operations within cultural organizations.

Funding may be used for various planning-related activities such as climate impact assessments, energy audits, staff training, climate-related risk assessments for collections and sites, consultant services, and the development of institutional climate plans. It is not designed to fund physical infrastructure improvements or construction; rather, it focuses on laying the groundwork for such future changes through careful assessment and strategy formulation.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, state and local government entities, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. The program encourages applications from organizations of all sizes, especially those in underserved communities, and prioritizes efforts that integrate equity and inclusivity into climate action planning. Partnering with consultants, other institutions, or community organizations is allowable and encouraged.

To apply, organizations must submit a complete application through Grants.gov, including standard forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), a detailed narrative proposal, work plan, budget and justification, résumés of key personnel, letters of commitment, and other supporting documents. The narrative should address institutional context, goals and challenges, activities and impact, and the team’s qualifications. Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2024, with a project start date no earlier than March 1, 2025.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the significance of the proposed activities, appropriateness of methods, qualifications of the project team, and overall impact. Reviewers will also assess how well the proposal addresses institutional challenges and priorities related to climate change, and whether the outcomes will lead to meaningful and sustainable change. Projects may last up to two years, and awards of up to $300,000 are available. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.