Best Social Science & Humanities Grants

The Lindberg Foundation Trust Grant, established in 1954, supports various charitable causes in Washington. Founded by W. H. and Isabel P. Lindberg, it has a history of philanthropy that includes contributions to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Humane Society. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, offering grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the state. This commitment reflects the Lindbergs' legacy of community support and cultural enrichment.

The Maurice J. Masserini Trust Grant aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in the San Diego area. Established in memory of Maurice Masserini, a World War I veteran and passionate investor, this grant focuses on arts, education, environmental initiatives, health, human services, and religious organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while start-ups and general operating support requests are typically not funded. The Trust prioritizes specific project requests to ensure impactful contributions.

The Harold and Rachel McMillen Foundation, established in 1961, supports educational, scientific, religious, and charitable purposes, primarily in Allen County, Indiana. Founded by local residents Harold and Rachel McMillen, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through various program areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible for support, ensuring a focus on impactful contributions in the region.

The Meserve Memorial Fund, established in 1983, is a private foundation that supports impactful public, charitable, and educational projects in the Greater Danbury area of Connecticut. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate measurable benefits and enhance service capacity. Eligible projects include those in arts, education, environment, and health, with a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations serving specific towns. The fund does not support individual grants or projects primarily benefiting religious groups.

Humanities Texas offers Mini Grants to support public humanities programs, enhancing educational quality in Texas. These grants, available on a rolling basis, fund projects that engage communities through lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or governmental entities and need a DUNS number. The program emphasizes collaboration with humanities scholars to ensure projects are rooted in inquiry and accessible to diverse audiences. This initiative not only fosters lifelong learning but also strengthens the cultural and civic fabric of Texas.

Humanities Montana's Community Project Grants support nonprofit organizations and public institutions across the state, fostering public humanities programs that engage Montanans in meaningful discussions about the human condition. These grants aim to strengthen cooperative relationships among diverse communities and cultural organizations, enriching civic discourse. Projects can range from film screenings to cultural festivals, all designed to inspire timely conversations and reflect local community needs.

The Minnesota Humanities Center invites applications for the "Why Treaties Matter" program, a community-based exhibit promoting understanding of Dakota and Ojibwe histories. Hosting organizations can receive up to $2,000 to develop educational programming that centers indigenous voices and knowledge. This initiative emphasizes the importance of cultural engagement and aims to strengthen relationships among communities in Minnesota. Applications are accepted continuously, with a preference for community-engaged host sites.

The Rapid Response Grant from Vermont Humanities offers quick funding for humanities-focused community projects, providing up to $1,000 in support. Applications are reviewed monthly, with timely decisions made by the 15th if submitted by the first of the month. This grant aims to engage and strengthen Vermont communities through small, impactful projects that can be completed within three months, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for reading and learning.

The Vermont Humanities Project Grant supports nonprofit organizations that engage communities in the humanities, fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and a love for learning. By funding community programming and curriculum development, this initiative aims to enhance access to humanities for diverse audiences. Eligible projects include interactive discussions and programs that promote engagement among various groups. Vermont Humanities invites both new and existing projects to apply for funding to enrich the cultural landscape of Vermont.

The Georgia Humanities Grant Program aims to enhance community engagement through public humanities projects. Established in 1971, this nonprofit supports diverse organizations in fostering connections through cultural programming. Grants can fund lectures, exhibitions, and workshops, promoting dialogue among all ages. Projects should be accessible, enriching the lives of Georgia's citizens by addressing local concerns and encouraging shared experiences, ultimately strengthening community ties.

The Envisioning Justice Grants by Illinois Humanities support nonprofits using arts and humanities to foster justice and community engagement. With a focus on mass incarceration, these grants prioritize projects that are regional and partnership-oriented, benefiting vulnerable populations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to applicants across Illinois, particularly from areas with significant incarceration rates. Accessibility and media funds are also offered to enhance project outreach and inclusivity.

Connecticut Humanities offers Public Presentation Planning Grants of up to $25,000 to support the research and development of humanities projects. These grants enable organizations to conduct scholarly research, gather stakeholder feedback, and prepare for project implementation. The initiative promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the humanities intersect with various fields like arts and STEM. By funding such projects, Connecticut Humanities aims to strengthen community engagement and enhance understanding of cultural and historical narratives.

The CT Humanities: Public Presentation Implementation Grant supports the execution of humanities projects such as exhibitions and public programs. It is designed for projects ready for implementation and requires applicants to demonstrate significant humanities scholarship. The grant encourages proposals that clearly define goals and highlight the intersection of humanities with other fields like arts or STEM. This grant is an opportunity for projects that enhance public understanding of humanities themes.

The CT Humanities Capacity Building Grant Program supports organizations bringing humanities to the public in Connecticut. By providing funding for consultant-led projects, this program enables organizations to improve their strategic planning, audience understanding, and operational efficiency. Eligible projects include board training, financial planning, marketing assessments, and more, fostering a stronger cultural community that reflects the diverse needs of the state.

The Maine Humanities Council offers Major Grants to support nonprofit organizations in Maine that engage the community through rich humanities programs. With funding between $1,001 and $7,500, these grants aim to foster deeper understanding and connections among diverse audiences. Projects may include exhibits, films, and discussions, emphasizing broad public outreach and community involvement. Emphasis is placed on proposals that demonstrate strong humanities content and clear project goals.

The Maine Humanities Council Mini Grants program provides funding of up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations in Maine for humanities projects that foster community engagement and outreach. Applicants are encouraged to present clear project proposals, including detailed budgets and timelines. Priority is given to organizations led by or serving under-resourced communities. A 1:1 funding match is required. This initiative aims to enrich the humanities landscape in Maine through collaborative and inclusive programming.

The Oregon Humanities Public Program Grants support diverse community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding. With up to $100,000 available in funding for 2023, organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000 to cover program-related expenses. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and federally recognized tribes in Oregon, focusing on projects that engage communities through various formats, including multilingual programs. This grant emphasizes inclusivity and aims to uplift underrepresented voices.

The Iowa Humanities Mini Grants provide funding up to $3,000 for organizations aiming to promote cultural understanding and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round, with a preference for submissions at least four weeks before project start dates. Humanities scholars play a vital role in these projects, encouraging public dialogue and critical thinking. However, due to funding constraints, the availability of these grants is currently uncertain as federal funding has been terminated until further notice.

Humanities DC offers Community Culture and Heritage Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life and promoting the understanding of local history in Washington, DC. Founded in 1980 as an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, HumanitiesDC supports diverse humanities programs that foster cross-cultural appreciation. These grants are designed to enrich neighborhoods through various cultural initiatives, ensuring a vibrant community heritage.

The East Arts Grant Program supports BIPOC-centered non-profit organizations in the northeast and southeast quadrants of Washington, DC, providing high-quality arts and humanities experiences. This initiative aims to enhance community identity and elevate the creative excellence of artists through various disciplines, including dance, visual arts, and literature. By fostering access to these experiences, the program enriches the cultural landscape and quality of life for local residents.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories-Open Track grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about Massachusetts, focusing on voices often overlooked. Eligible projects range from oral histories to community exhibitions and documentary films. The program prioritizes underrepresented experiences and aims to engage local communities in meaningful dialogue. Applicants must be compliant with regulations ensuring accessibility and equity, while funding cannot support individuals or profit-driven projects.

The Community Foundation of the Virginias, Inc. supports philanthropic efforts through grants and scholarships in Mercer County, West Virginia, and Tazewell County, Virginia. Funding is available for non-profit organizations in various categories including Education, Health, Human Services, and the Arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or public institutions, and must acknowledge the Foundation's support if funded. The Foundation does not fund individual support or ongoing operating expenses.

The Salem Community Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Salem area that address community needs in arts, health, and education. Priority is given to innovative projects that promote collaboration, enhance self-sufficiency, and assist underserved populations. The foundation seeks applicants that demonstrate a commitment to community welfare and effective resource use. Note that grants typically do not support individuals or operational budgets unless specifically designated by donors.

The Dr. Robert Palmer Grant Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, supports non-profit organizations in Luna County, NM. This funding aims to enhance the well-being of local residents through various initiatives, including education, health, and arts. The foundation has been a vital resource for community improvement for 35 years, fostering collaboration and empowering projects that create positive change. Grants are available for both new and ongoing projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes.

The Visions – Projects + Events Grant, administered by HumanitiesDC, invites DC-based nonprofit organizations to create innovative public humanities programs. By supporting projects that engage with the community through documentaries, events, and educational initiatives, this grant fosters creative interpretations of humanities scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to Washington, DC, and incorporate relevant expertise in their projects. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and accessibility, enriching the cultural landscape of the District.

The MAC: Arts and Humanities Grant supports Maine organizations in showcasing the state's rich cultural narratives through projects that blend arts and humanities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public schools applying via their districts. The grant covers project support for new or ongoing arts initiatives, with a required match of 1:1. Ineligible expenses include operational costs, fundraising, and equipment over $5,000.

The AHA Mini Grant supports public humanities projects in Alabama, accepting applications monthly. It is particularly aimed at first-time applicants, encouraging them to consult with AHA’s grants director for project verification. Funding is available for a broad range of initiatives, emphasizing active public participation and strong humanities content. Mini Grants offer a simplified application process without requiring cost share matches, ensuring accessible support for diverse projects aimed at enhancing community engagement.