To advance public humanities in New Hampshire, nonprofits can explore various grant opportunities from federal, state, and local sources, as well as private foundations and organizations dedicated to the humanities. Here are some potential sources of funding:
Federal Grants
- National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH):
- NEH offers several grant programs that support public humanities projects. These include the Public Humanities Projects, Humanities Discussions, and Media Projects grants. These grants fund a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, community conversations, and documentary films.
State and Local Grants
- New Hampshire Humanities:
- New Hampshire Humanities provides grants to nonprofit organizations for projects that engage the public in the humanities. Their Community Project Grants support programs that involve public participation and contribute to a deeper understanding of human experience, culture, and society.
- They also offer Quick Grants for smaller-scale projects with quicker turnaround times.
- New Hampshire State Council on the Arts:
- While primarily focused on the arts, this council may offer grants that intersect with humanities, especially projects that integrate the arts and humanities to enhance public understanding and engagement.
Private Foundations and Organizations
- Andrew W. Mellon Foundation:
- The Mellon Foundation supports a wide range of humanities initiatives, including public humanities projects. They often fund projects that foster public engagement with history, literature, and culture.
- Whiting Foundation:
- The Whiting Foundation provides funding for public engagement programs that aim to make humanities research accessible and engaging to the public. Their Public Engagement Programs offer substantial support for projects that reach diverse audiences.
- American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS):
- ACLS offers fellowships and grants for public humanities projects that promote understanding and dialogue about the humanities. Their programs support initiatives that engage broader audiences with humanities scholarship.
Local Community Foundations
- New Hampshire Charitable Foundation:
- This foundation offers grants to support community initiatives, including projects that advance the humanities. They provide funding for programs that enhance the cultural and intellectual life of New Hampshire communities.
Academic and Cultural Institutions
- Universities and Colleges:
- Institutions such as Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, and other local colleges may have internal grant programs or partner with local nonprofits on public humanities projects.
- Museums and Historical Societies:
- Local museums and historical societies often collaborate on public humanities projects and may have funding or resources to support such initiatives.
Tips for Applying for Humanities Grants
- Identify Funding Priorities:
- Carefully review the grant guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the funding priorities of the granting organization.
- Develop a Strong Proposal:
- Clearly articulate the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes of your project. Provide evidence of the need for your project and how it will benefit the community.
- Engage Partners and Stakeholders:
- Collaborate with other organizations, community groups, and stakeholders to strengthen your proposal and demonstrate broad support for your project.
- Plan for Sustainability:
- Consider how your project will continue to impact the community after the grant period ends. Include plans for sustaining the project’s benefits.
- Follow Application Guidelines:
- Adhere to the specific application instructions, including required documents and submission deadlines.
By exploring these sources and following the tips provided, nonprofits and organizations in New Hampshire can secure funding to advance public humanities projects and engage the community in meaningful cultural and intellectual experiences.