Search Through History Grants in Arkansas in the U.S.

About

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Access to the Humanities Grant

The purpose of this grant is to assist nonprofit organizations in ensuring their humanities projects, events, and programs are accessible to Arkansans with disabilities and/or language interpretation or transcription. The program, event, or project must be related to the humanities in order to be eligible.

The goal is to provide a stop-gap solution for organizations to ensure access when other funds are not available to do so.

Types of Eligible Projects:

• captioning services,
• language transcription,
• American Sign Language or other language interpreters for in-person or virtual events,
• acquiring services to make documents, websites, presentations, and exhibits accessible, and for the captioning of videos.

Arkansas Historic Marker Program Grants

The Arkansas Historical Marker Program, established in 2017 by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, is another way the department is fulfilling its mission to preserve and promote our state’s valuable cultural and historic resources. The markers commemorate the past by acknowledging the historically significant people, places and events that have shaped our state and confirm the importance of educating the public about these Arkansas treasures. Even though national and state events are sure to be recognized in the marker program, local history is just as important and having communities come together in this endeavor is rewarding and beneficial for our state as a whole. The Historical Marker Program creates a visible and lasting tribute to our history, heritage, and shared identity as Arkansans.

General Marker Criteria

• In order for a historic person, place and event to be eligible for marker commemoration, the significance must have been attained at least 50 years ago. There are exceptions if the person, place or event is of extraordinary historical significance.
• No living person shall be commemorated.
• Markers must be sponsored by civic groups and organizations (Chamber of Commerce, historical societies, etc.) partnering with individuals. Individuals, including private property owners who wish to apply for a marker to commemorate an event or person pertaining to their land, cannot solely sponsor a marker.
• The application must go through the proper approval process as stated below with the Historical Marker Program Review Committee having the final approval on marker eligibility and text.
• The marker’s proposed location must be identified with a photograph and a map including cross streets, a north arrow, visitor parking and GPS coordinates if applicable.
• Markers are the property of the State of Arkansas.
• Cost of the marker is split 50/50 between the sponsor and the Division of Arkansas Heritage. Additionally, a maintenance fee will be added to the total cost in order to supplement future repairs or replacement if the marker is damaged or destroyed. Regular maintenance of the marker, such as cutting the grass around marker, is the responsibility of the sponsor.
• Installation of the marker is the responsibility of the sponsor. The sponsor must have the location approved by the landowner and/or local or county public works and gain the proper permits if necessary. If the marker is to be installed by the Arkansas Department of Transportation, then see which district engineer to contact provided through the link on the application.
• Please notify the Historical Marker Program Coordinator when planning your dedication ceremony. The Division of Arkansas Heritage will promote the celebration and assist with unveiling the marker.

Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant

The Skokos Foundation is a family foundation established in 2008. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that impact communities in the fields of arts, humanity, education, and faith.

The Skokos Foundation invests in visionary leaders of nonprofit organizations that provide impactful programs and services to individuals with sustainable minimal overhead, integrity, transparency, and collaboration.

We believe there is a direct connection between a nonprofit's results and the strength of its leadership. This leadership includes staff as well as its board of directors. We take an all-encompassing look at the people, infrastructure, values, past and present practices, and policies that the staff and board embrace and promote for organizational success. We realize that a cross-section of stakeholders, rather than isolated efforts by a single organization or individual, result in more effective means of tackling an issue. 

The Skokos Foundation receives considerably more requests for funding than we can support. 

Criteria

• Leadership: (Executive Director, Board & Key Staff)
  • What level of visionary leadership does your organization have within the executive director, board and key management or programmatic staff? We look at both individual and collective experience, expertise, passion, commitment, recognition and professional and community reputation. We compare your group’s approaches and solutions to what others are doing.
• Impact: (Program, Project, Service Model)
  • What impact on the community does your program or project have? Is it a model of service for others in the nonprofit sector? We consider your group’s unique circumstances and ask more questions. Will your proposal’s impact be direct and exponential? Will it bring about systemic change? Is your project idea unique? How are you measuring impact and effectiveness? Is there an evaluation system in place? If yes, please describe.
• Sustainability: (Organization and/or Program, Project or Service Model)
  • We look at the sustainability of both your program or project and your organization as a whole. We assess the strength, stability and diversity of your nonprofit’s finances as well as your board’s contribution to your organization’s financial strength. At the program or project level, we assess whether a grant would trigger significant contributions from other sources or whether a sustainability model may require on-going foundation involvement. We insist on sustainable minimal overhead.
• Organizational Strength: (History, Reputation, Structure & Management Systems)
  • What is your group’s history, reputation, structure and management? Is your organization regarded as a provider of high-quality, relevant and meaningful services? Qualities that are needed to do the hard work of system change include strong management and communication systems, positive staff morale, integrity, and financial and operational transparency.
• Collaboration: (Collaboration with other nonprofits, sponsors, patrons, government)
  • Collaboration is an important tool among nonprofits. We ask whether your organization is well-integrated into its community and involved in public-private partnerships. We also consider whether your organization has developed strategic partnerships as an ongoing part of its work.

Community Grants

Community Grants are awarded in Arkansas and West Texas in the following areas:

Aging Population

Meeting the physical and emotional needs of the elderly, especially efforts to preserve and promote the independence, health, and quality of life of seniors; to improve the quality and availability of both nursing home care and alternatives to nursing home care; and to protect seniors from abuse or financial exploitation.

Arts, Culture, And History

Supporting artistic, historical, or cultural experiences that enhance learning in school-age children, or extend the benefit of the arts to children, the elderly, and others who might not otherwise have access. 

Children And Youth

Meeting the physical and emotional needs of young people, especially efforts to prevent child abuse or neglect or mitigate their effects; to provide healthcare; and to promote and to develop sound character and values in young people.

Economically Disadvantaged

Moving low-income people toward economic independence; providing emergency shelter and assistance; providing healthcare; offering transitional housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; and promoting the creation of affordable housing. 

Education

Preparing young children for school; supporting the educational process broadly through means such as parental involvement and teacher training; promoting adult literacy; improving English-language skills in both children and adults; and supporting student-focused programs at the college level that advance other areas of the Foundation’s mission.

Nonprofit Capacity

Building the infrastructure of agencies working in aging, arts, children, economically disadvantaged, or education.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Our Mission

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We support the humanities in Arkansas through public programs, community forums, partnerships, and grantmaking to nonprofit organizations for humanities-based projects statewide.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with the humanities by encouraging the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences. Learn more about HumanitiesAR.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Collaborative Research Grant

Research projects on topics such as Arkansas prehistory, history, and culture are available to nonprofit organizations. The outcomes of that research must be of interest and value to audiences outside the academic community as well as within.

Collaborative research projects involved the nonprofit organization, humanities scholar(s), and a third party such as a college or university.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Documentary Film Preproduction

Documentary film preproduction and production projects must be specific to Arkansas subjects such as, but not limited to, historical figures or events, culture, archeology, history of an Arkansas community or organization, activities, music, or similar topic.

Film preproduction applications must provide a schedule, name of filmographer with information regarding their expertise and filmography, a research concept, and those to be interviewed (if applicable).

Film production applications must include a schedule, name of filmographer with information regarding their expertise and filmography, copy of script, editing suite, distribution plan, and signed consent forms from interviewees (if applicable).

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Individual Research Grant

Research projects on topics such as Arkansas prehistory, history, and culture are available to nonprofit organizations. The outcomes of that research must be of interest and value to audiences outside the academic community as well as within.

Individual research projects involve a humanities scholar and a nonprofit organization.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Other Media Grants

Projects that focus on Arkansas, prehistory, history, and culture and involve collaboration between humanities scholars and experienced media specialists are eligible for grants from the council.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

Publications

Publications on topics such as prehistory, history, culture, and/or other scholarly works are available. A transcript of the proposed publication must be submitted along with the application. All transcripts must be peer-reviewed and published by traditional means through a contract, providing editing, publishing, and distribution. Examples of traditional publishers are university presses such as the University of Arkansas Press, Random House, Simon & Schuster, etc. The exception is small nonprofit organizations such as museums, historical societies, churches, and/or similar entities that may wish to independently self-publish through various means. These may include publishing software, Amazon Publishing, Shutterfly Books, and/or similar means. A copy of the proposed transcript must be submitted at the same time as the grant application.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Our Mission

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We support the humanities in Arkansas through public programs, community forums, partnerships, and grantmaking to nonprofit organizations for humanities-based projects statewide.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with the humanities by encouraging the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences. Learn more about HumanitiesAR.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Public Program Grants

Public programs involve interaction between humanities scholars and Arkansas audiences. Formats for public programs include, but are not limited to, lectures, discussions, workshops, conferences, guided tours, film series, webinars, and other imaginative means of bringing the humanities to specific Arkansas audiences

About

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

REACH Grants

• Principal signature required
• Humanities-based pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade classroom projects
• Professional development for teachers and school librarians and nonprofit literary organizations
• Professional development such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or webinars (in-person or virtual) in-state or out-of-state
• Funds for professional development may be used for registration, travel costs, books or other teaching aides
• Educators receiving funds for professional development must agree to disseminate content learned to colleagues at their school, district, and/or education cooperative

About

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

African American History and Culture Grant

To provide funding for nonprofit organizations who wish to research, document, preserve, and interpret Arkansas’ African American history and culture.

Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program

The Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program provides support for African American historic and historical preservation and public programming projects in Arkansas. The program accepts grant applications year round. Past projects include historical research, exhibits, workshops, publications, oral history interviews, documentary films and cemetery preservation and documentation.

Who was Curtis H. Sykes?

Curtis H. Sykes was born in 1930 in the Dark Hollow community of North Little Rock. He was a tireless community activist and historian. Sykes was an educator for over 34 years, was a school principle and served as a charter member of the North Little Rock History Commission. Sykes was an original member of the Black History Advisory Committee, now The Black History Commission of Arkansas (BHCA), in 1991. He served as its chairman from 1993 until his death on Sept. 9, 2007. During his time as the BHCA chair, he pushed for legislation to have African American history taught in Arkansas schools, leading to the pass of Act 326 of 1997. The former chairman was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Historical Association in 2008. In 2009, the Arkansas General Assembly named this grant program in his memory (Act 660).

Evaluation Criteria Includes:

• Track record as a previous grant recipient in grant reporting, meeting project deadlines, success of project vs. project goals, etc…
• Likelihood that project can be completed within proposed timeline
• Likelihood that project can be completed with available funds
• Reasonableness of project budget 

Our Mission

To identify Arkansas’s heritage and enhance the quality of life by the discovery, preservation, and presentation of the state’s cultural, historic and natural resources.

Small Museum Grants Program

Goals

The Division of Arkansas Heritage has set these goals for Small Museum Grants:

• Promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history
• Increase ability of community-based small museums/organization to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history

Funding

The maximum grant award is $2,500. All, part, or none of the applicant’s request may be awarded.             

T.L.L. Temple Foundation

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation works alongside rural communities to build a thriving East Texas and to alleviate poverty, creating access and opportunities for all.

Focus Areas

In support of its mission to build a thriving Deep East Texas and to alleviate poverty, the foundation makes grants in the areas of education, economic development and community revitalization, health, human services, arts and culture, and conservation and the environment. Central to the foundation’s work is the aim of breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation prioritizes support for residents and communities that most lack access to opportunities they need to succeed

Health

America’s Health Rankings, an independent health measure that combines more than 30 health-related metrics, ranks Texas 34th out of 50 states in resident health. Texans show comparatively high rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes. Disparities in health status–by race and ethnicity, geography and income–are also higher in Texas than in many states: Texas ranks 44th in the prevalence of health disparities in the nation.

Access to health care providers is also a challenge in Texas, particularly in rural areas of the state. This is partly a function of insurance coverage. According to the U.S. Census, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the nation: in 2016, 17.1% of Texas residents do not have health insurance coverage, compared to 9.4% nationally. It ranks second in lack of health insurance coverage for children: 9.5% of children in Texas have no health insurance, compared to 4.8% nationally. In our region, insured rates are even lower: in 2014, 21.3% of residents had no health insurance coverage, compared to 19.1% for the state in 2014. 

Given these challenges, our goal is simple: to improve the health of residents of Deep East Texas. The barriers of poverty, geographic isolation, and a lack of access to health care services make it particularly difficult for many residents in our region to improve and maintain their health. Yet poor health status often limits residents’ ability to get a high quality education, hold down a sustaining job, and stay out of poverty.

Education

Educational attainment is a significant challenge in our region. Based on U.S. Census data, Texas ranks 49th out of the 50 states for having the lowest percentage of adults with a high school diploma, with 18.5% of people 25 and older not having earned a high school degree or equivalent. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the problem is even more pronounced in our region. In the most recent 8th grade cohort available, there were 24,639 students in upper and southeast Texas counties we serve. Five years later, only 72.0% completed high school, meaning that almost 7,000 young people did not complete the most basic education.

The counties in our region lag even further behind when it comes to college completion: according to the U.S. Census’s 2015 American Community Survey, only 14.0% of people 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 27.1% in Texas and 29.3% nationally. This is particularly problematic considering that many of the region’s fastest growing occupations require at least an associate’s degree, if not a four-year degree. 

Education has always been a top priority for the T.L.L. Temple Foundation because it is the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty and build a thriving region. Addressing the region’s low rates of educational attainment—particularly for low-income students—is critical to improving outcomes in poverty, health and economic development. We aim to increase access to high quality educational opportunities for residents in Deep East Texas. We invest in programs that measurably improve education outcomes in the region, including: early childhood education, out-of-school-time programs, and programs dedicated to increasing postsecondary preparation, access and success. We also support efforts to ensure that Deep East Texans have the skills needed to obtain and retain high quality jobs.

Economic Development and Community Revitalization

The 24 counties in our service region have very high rates of unemployment: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2016, 52.9% of the population 16 and older was in the labor force, compared to 64.4% in Texas and 63.5% nationally. In the Deep East Texas Workforce Development Area, the unemployment rate was 7% in 2016. While this decreased from 10% in 2011, it is significantly higher than the state unemployment rate of 4.7% and the national unemployment rate of 4.9% during the same period.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, between 2012 and 2022, jobs are expected to increase by 13.1% in the Deep East Texas Workforce Development Area, compared to 21.3% for Texas, and 10.8% for the U.S. The fastest growing occupations correspond to the region’s aging population: home health and personal care aides, nursing, medical secretaries, and medical assistants. Most of these jobs require a two or four-year degree. 

We aim to improve economic opportunities and help develop and sustain thriving communities in the most economically challenged places in our service area. Vibrant communities and a robust regional economy are central to creating and sustaining a thriving Deep East Texas. We invest in efforts to transform disinvested communities into places with economic opportunities and equitable access to the essential community resources needed to help families thrive. Impact Lufkin, a foundation-initiated program, is an example of the foundation’s approach to holistic, resident-engaged community revitalization. Because engaged citizens are central to fostering strong communities, we also fund programs to increase civic participation. Finally, we invest in programs that strengthen the regional economy and improve economic opportunities for residents of Deep East Texas.

Human Services

Too many residents of Deep East Texas live in poverty. According to the U.S. Census, in 2015 in the 24 counties that we serve, 19.3% of residents live in poverty, compared to 15.9% of Texans and 13.5% of people in the U.S. The median household income (2010-2014) is 21% lower than the state of Texas, and 22% lower than the U.S. For these residents, poverty can become a vicious cycle, limiting access to the quality education, self-sustaining employment, and health care needed to rise above poverty.

The foundation works to ensure the most vulnerable residents in our service region have their basic needs met. By helping provide access to food, shelter, social services and other programs, we strive to make sure that there is a strong safety net to support the region’s low-income and vulnerable residents.

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture are critical for healthy communities and a thriving region. The foundation has long supported efforts to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and document its important history. We will continue to help enrich the lives of Deep East Texans by investing in programs that provide access to artistic and cultural experiences.

Conservation and the Environment

Beginning with the first timber harvested in the second half of the nineteenth century, the Temple family has had a special bond with the forests, wetlands, and open spaces across our region. We believe that the health of our natural environment is closely connected to the health of our residents, our communities, and our region and so seek to protect our important natural resources.

The primary emphasis of the foundation’s conservation and environmental efforts is the Boggy Slough Conservation Area  - a Temple Foundation-managed program.

The aim of the Boggy Slough Conservation Area is to:

• serve as a model for conservation and land management;
• serve as a catalyst for creating a stewardship ethic and connection to nature in our communities; and
• bridge critical research gaps regarding the forest and bottomland ecosystems of the Neches River basin and the Southeast.

Type of Support

The foundation awards funding for multiple purposes, including: general operating support, project support, capital improvements, and organizational development and capacity building.

Size and Duration of Grants

The size and duration of grants is matched to the applicant’s scale of impact, need, capabilities and opportunities, and typically follow these guidelines:

• We provide one-year funding for initial grants
• We rarely make grants that exceed 30% of a project or organizational budget

Albemarle Foundation

Across the world, we believe that nurturing our communities and promoting our employees’ philanthropic efforts are among our most important responsibilities. Over the years, Albemarle, our employees and retirees have invested millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours in support of our communities. In 2007, Albemarle created the Albemarle Foundation - a private endowed 501c3 entity who set out with a mission to make a positive, sustainable difference in the communities where we live and operate.

Today, Albemarle Foundation builds on this history of commitment and participation to make an even greater, more sustainable and profound impact on the places we call home. By utilizing the tools and resources of Albemarle Foundation, Albemarle Foundation Global and the Albemarle Care Fund - employees are empowered to Grow the Good in our own communities, and beyond!

Non-Profit Grant Funding

Albemarle provides three types of grant funding to non-profit organizations:

• Community Investment Partnership (invitation-only)
• Community Resiliency Grants
• Strategic Pillar Partners

Community Resiliency Grants

We are investing in communities where we operate to promise safe, healthy, and economically vibrant regions. Through our Community Resiliency Grants, non-profit organizations within proximity to our locations may submit requests for a grant of up to US$15,000. Our Community Impact team partners with local Employee Advisory Councils to determine these grants. 

Grant funding provided by The NRA Foundation must meet all NRA Foundation requirements and be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials. Eligibility and funding amount are determined solely by the Foundation.

Grant requests must conform to, and foster the purposes in, The NRA Foundation’s mission statement, such as:

• Promote, advance, and encourage firearms, the shooting sports, and hunting safety.
• Educate individuals, including the youth of the United States, with respect to firearms, firearms history, participation in the shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship, as well as with respect to other subjects that are of importance to the well-being of the general public.
• Conduct research in furtherance of improved firearms safety and marksmanship facilities and techniques.
• Support activities of the National Rifle Association of America, to the extent that such activities are in furtherance of charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which includes activities that are charitable, educational, or foster National or International sports competition.

About

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Other Media Grants

Projects that focus on Arkansas, prehistory, history, and culture and involve collaboration between humanities scholars and experienced media specialists are eligible for grants from the council.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Collaborative Research Grant

Research projects on topics such as Arkansas prehistory, history, and culture are available to nonprofit organizations. The outcomes of that research must be of interest and value to audiences outside the academic community as well as within.

Collaborative research projects involved the nonprofit organization, humanities scholar(s), and a third party such as a college or university.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Documentary Film Preproduction

Documentary film preproduction and production projects must be specific to Arkansas subjects such as, but not limited to, historical figures or events, culture, archeology, history of an Arkansas community or organization, activities, music, or similar topic.

Film preproduction applications must provide a schedule, name of filmographer with information regarding their expertise and filmography, a research concept, and those to be interviewed (if applicable).

Film production applications must include a schedule, name of filmographer with information regarding their expertise and filmography, copy of script, editing suite, distribution plan, and signed consent forms from interviewees (if applicable).

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Individual Research Grant

Research projects on topics such as Arkansas prehistory, history, and culture are available to nonprofit organizations. The outcomes of that research must be of interest and value to audiences outside the academic community as well as within.

Individual research projects involve a humanities scholar and a nonprofit organization.

About

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

What We Fund

We support innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to the community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Operations

The eligible costs for operations include: salaries for current full-time and part-time employees, utility costs for up to 6 months, website design and maintenance, building insurance, employee insurance, fire suppression systems and/or extinguishers, equipment purchase or repair for computers, scanners, printers, hot water heaters, and HVAC, software or web application licenses and fees.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arkansas Humanities Council is to promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas.

Publications

Publications on topics such as prehistory, history, culture, and/or other scholarly works are available. A transcript of the proposed publication must be submitted along with the application. All transcripts must be peer-reviewed and published by traditional means through a contract, providing editing, publishing, and distribution. Examples of traditional publishers are university presses such as the University of Arkansas Press, Random House, Simon & Schuster, etc. The exception is small nonprofit organizations such as museums, historical societies, churches, and/or similar entities that may wish to independently self-publish through various means. These may include publishing software, Amazon Publishing, Shutterfly Books, and/or similar means. A copy of the proposed transcript must be submitted at the same time as the grant application.

About Us

HumanitiesAR, under the official name of Arkansas Humanities Council, is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In spring 2024, we rebranded with HumanitiesAR as our name. But the new brand serves as more than a new name—it embodies our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and forging stronger community ties through the humanities. It’s about providing clarity in our identity and strengthening the recognition of our role within the state of Arkansas

Through the humanities, we remember our history and envision our future. Reading, writing, storytelling, research, and many forms of public dialogue and conversation are central to the humanities and the core of what we do at HumanitiesAR.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with and promote understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities and ultimately discover our mutual experiences through programs that:

• Engage educators across the state of Arkansas
• Offer profound storytelling from local historians, authors, and scholars
• Provide Arkansans a place to celebrate and be empowered to connect with the humanities through the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences

We work to achieve its mission by awarding grants through a competitive process to nonprofit groups, organizations, teachers, and schools statewide, and by working with key partners to develop local humanities projects and programs for Arkansas audiences.

Our Mission

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We support the humanities in Arkansas through public programs, community forums, partnerships, and grantmaking to nonprofit organizations for humanities-based projects statewide.

Our mission is to empower Arkansans to connect with the humanities by encouraging the discovery and understanding of our diverse and mutual experiences. Learn more about HumanitiesAR.

What are the humanities?

The term “humanities” includes the study of history, literature, ethics, philosophy, language, and the various legal, cultural, religious, and folk traditions—past and present—that define the human condition.

What We Fund

The Arkansas Humanities Council supports innovative, humanities-based projects that connect Arkansans to the past, to one another, to community, and to all areas of the humanities we share across our state.

Public Program Grants

Public programs involve interaction between humanities scholars and Arkansas audiences. Formats for public programs include, but are not limited to, lectures, discussions, workshops, conferences, guided tours, film series, webinars, and other imaginative means of bringing the humanities to specific Arkansas audiences

About School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN).

Utilizing a unique framework of funding systems offered by the Department of Health and Human Services, managed care organizations, health insurers, and private donors, SBHSN promotes a system of care model (Coaching Model℠) offering a mix of evidenced-based intervention, prevention, and care coordination services to children in grades K-12. The Coaching Model aims to expand quality mental healthcare access on public school campuses and improve children's social, emotional, behavioral, family, and wellness outcomes.

School-Based Mental Health Implementation Grant

In response to the growing number of students who need mental health counseling, the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN) is accepting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEA), Public and Private Universities, State and local Colleges, Charter School Management Companies, Public Schools, Charter Schools, and Non-Profit Organizations (501c3) to implement and expand mental health program services on local school campuses. Grantees will receive direct funding and reimbursement to support the following activities: 

• Expanding access to School-Based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Coordinating mental healthcare services with school administration and staff. 
• Delivering mental healthcare services and coordinating academic-support activities to students with a history of attendance, behavior, and poor academic performance.

FUNDING

5-Years, renewable based on meeting performance goals 5-year award ceiling is $5,500,000.

Supporting Historic Sacred Places

A program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Fund for Sacred Places provides financial and technical support for community-serving historic houses of worship across America.

What We Offer

The National Fund for Sacred Places provides matching grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to congregations undertaking significant capital projects at historic houses of worship, along with wraparound services including training, technical assistance, and planning support.

What We’re Looking For

The National Fund for Sacred Places assesses applicant eligibility according to the core criteria shown below, while also striving to build a diverse participant pool that reflects a broad range of geographic, cultural, and religious identities.

Historic, Cultural, or Architectural Significance

We are looking for buildings that have historic, cultural, or architectural significance—and sites that have important and relevant stories to tell. Many of our participants are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the state register, or the local register. Your building does not have to be on one of these lists, but eligibility for one or more of these lists is a good benchmark for National Fund eligibility.

As part of the National Trust’s commitment to telling the full American story, we particularly encourage congregations to apply that illuminate a unique or overlooked aspect of American history and that expand our understanding of our shared national heritage. We encourage submissions related to historic sacred places of importance to historically and contemporaneously underrepresented communities including, but not limited to, women, immigrants, Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latinx Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQIA communities.

Successful applicants are able to demonstrate their place in history by answering questions such as:

• Does the building tell a story relevant to our history—either cultural or religious?
• Does the history highlight previously underrecognized communities, stories, or locations?
• How has the building served the community over time? Does the building have a great physical presence in its community due to its location or programming?
• Is the building the work of a notable architect? If so, is it a high-quality example of their body of work?
• Is the building an exceptional example of its architectural style or building technology?
• Does the building embody the congregation’s resilience over time?

Community-Serving Congregations

We are looking for congregations that are engaged in their communities and that are serving others. Engaged congregations operate and host programming that serves vulnerable, at-risk, and diverse populations; share space with non-affiliated groups and organizations (often at subsidized rates); work with other congregations, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and/or municipalities; and have a widespread reputation for being a welcoming center of community life.

Project Scope and Need

We fund historic preservation projects addressing urgent repair needs and/or life safety. We also fund projects that increase congregations’ ability to open their buildings to new populations or to serve greater numbers of people. All projects must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which is a universally accepted framework for doing work to older and historic properties.

We prioritize congregations/projects where there is a demonstrated need (meaning that the congregation cannot raise the funds alone) or where it is clear that our grant will have a catalytic effect (meaning that our grant is likely to lead to additional monies being contributed to the project).

Readiness

Once-in-a-generation capital projects require a great deal of planning. We are looking for applicants that understand their buildings’ needs and that are ready to undertake a capital campaign. National Fund congregations typically have a history of successful capital campaigns, which demonstrate an ability to raise significant funds and complete a project.

Successful congregations come to us with a realistic fundraising goal, which has been generated with the help of qualified preservation professionals and is not too far beyond the congregation’s fundraising capacity.

Healthy Congregations

The National Fund prioritizes healthy, stable congregations so that our investment is truly impactful and lasting. We look for the following, although this is not an exhaustive list of characteristics that indicate healthy congregations: tenured, well-respected clergy; capable lay leadership; stable or growing membership; financial strength and stability; support of the judicatory or governing body, if applicable; and a history of weathering any congregational conflict or trauma with resilience.