The Public Humanities Program Grants offered by Florida Humanities support projects that engage the public with history, literature, cultures, and personal narratives to foster a deeper understanding of community and civic identity in Florida. These grants are intended to encourage collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in public humanities programming. For the Fall 2025 cycle, funding is available for eligible organizations proposing programming that begins on or after October 1, 2025, with the grant period extending through October 1, 2026.

The primary purpose of these grants is to preserve and promote Florida's rich cultural and historical heritage by supporting a broad range of public programming formats. Projects can include lecture series, exhibitions, oral history initiatives, media projects, and more. Central to each project must be scholarly involvement and the use of humanities expertise. Florida Humanities strongly encourages applications that focus on engaging underserved communities, offer accessibility accommodations, and are free and open to the public. Collaborative projects involving multiple community partners are also prioritized.

Grant funds can be used for planning, developing, and executing humanities-based programming. Planning and development expenditures can begin at the start of the grant period. Florida Humanities encourages projects that align with its special 2025 Area of Interest—the United States Semiquincentennial. Proposals marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence are welcomed and may incorporate themes of civic life and democratic renewal.

Eligible applicants include Florida-based nonprofit organizations, local and state government agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Priority is given to small to mid-sized organizations, first-time applicants, those in Rural Areas of Opportunity or economically distressed communities, and projects that serve underserved audiences. Colleges and universities may not apply directly but can collaborate with an eligible nonprofit, which must serve as the applicant and take full responsibility for the project and grant administration.

For the Fall 2025 cycle, applicants must first submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) via Florida Humanities’ online portal by June 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants with approved LOIs will be invited to submit a full application, which is due by August 6, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Funding decisions will be announced the week of September 29, 2025. All funded programming must start no earlier than October 1, 2025, and conclude by October 1, 2026.

Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with funding priorities, the involvement of humanities scholars, the clarity and feasibility of the project plan, and the ability to serve a public audience. Florida Humanities provides additional resources and guidance to assist applicants in preparing strong proposals, including access to informational webinars and consultations with staff for those invited to submit final applications.