The "Awards for Faculty Institutional Support – HBCUs and TCUs" grant program from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is a targeted funding opportunity designed to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). The program specifically supports institutions where faculty or staff members have received an NEH "Awards for Faculty" grant for individuals during the 2024 federal fiscal year. The goal of this program is to help these institutions enhance their capacity to support humanities research by providing financial resources that cover the costs associated with faculty members' temporary absences or reduced teaching loads.

The funding from this program can be used in several ways. Primarily, it allows institutions to hire replacement instructors to teach humanities courses that would otherwise be disrupted due to the faculty member's participation in their NEH-funded research. Additionally, funds can cover stipends for faculty or staff members who assume additional teaching or administrative responsibilities during this period. In cases where the Awards for Faculty fellow has regular administrative duties, such as serving as a department chair or managing undergraduate advising, the grant may also support hiring temporary administrative personnel to ensure continuity of service.

The financial structure of the grant is set at a fixed rate of $2,500 per month, with a maximum total award of $30,000. This rate is determined based on the period of performance of the NEH-funded faculty and their usual workload at the institution. The maximum funding available depends on the length and nature of the awardee’s work plan, providing flexibility for institutions to tailor the financial support to match the specific needs of the faculty fellow's research timeline.

The period of performance for this grant can extend up to 24 months, giving institutions considerable leeway in planning how best to replace or supplement the teaching and administrative contributions of their faculty. The timeline for applying is straightforward, with application materials available from October 4, 2024. There are two submission deadlines: February 3, 2025, and May 1, 2025. Notification of awards for the February submission will be provided by March 31, 2025, with projects beginning as early as April 1, 2025, or extending to start as late as September 1, 2026.

This grant program is designed to be simple to access, featuring a streamlined application process to encourage participation from eligible institutions. It ensures that faculty members at HBCUs and TCUs can engage fully in research without significantly impacting their teaching commitments or leaving gaps in their academic programs. It also helps institutions manage their workload and maintain continuity of educational services, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of humanities education during faculty absences.

Institutions interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Division of Research Programs for more information or assistance. The NEH has provided contact details, including an email address and phone number, to facilitate communication and support institutions during the application process. This grant represents a significant opportunity for HBCUs and TCUs to further develop their humanities research capabilities while ensuring stable and consistent instruction for their students.