Successful applications will meet the following criteria:
Proposed Program
The program must qualify as a humanities program. Public humanities programs bring the insights and methods of the humanities disciplines – for example, history, literature, philosophy, or cultural studies – to analytically explore a topic. Successful applicants will demonstrate how their program's design will interpret or explore a chosen topic or issue to encourage participants to learn more about the subject.
Subject Matter Expert: The project must involve at least one individual with scholarly expertise in the program’s subject matter who will play an active role in the project’s development and execution. An individual's expertise may result from an advanced academic degree (MA, PhD, or J.D.) in a relevant field or come from serving as the keeper of community traditions and knowledge. Examples of scholars include but are not limited to tribal elders or historians, advanced graduate students, or a professor at a university.
Free and open to the public: NHH strongly prefers to fund accessible programs and projects that will be free and open to the public. If your organization intends to charge admission for a grant-supported program, we highly encourage you to speak with NHH staff to discuss parallel free or low-cost options. For example, a museum could offer one day free admission or request donations in lieu of an admission ticket.
Cost-Share: Applicants must be able to meet a 1:1 cost share requirement. For every grant dollar NHH awards, the applicant must contribute an equal value of goods or services to the project, as cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. **At least 10% of an organization’s cost-share must be cash contributions from the applicant organization and/or partner organizations.
Grant Period: All expenses and events must occur with the grant period defined by the applicant in their project proposal. NHH cannot retroactively fund projects.
Unique Entity Identifier (SAM): All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier through SAM.gov to recieve grant funds. Register for a SAM UEID at https://sam.gov/content/home. There is no cost to register. For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.
Restrictions on Funds:
NHH grants cannot be used for any of the following purposes:
- To fund art or performance-based programs, including musical performances.
- To advocate for a political ideology policy, cause, or party.
- To advocate for a particular religion.
- To provide social services.
- To offer scholarships or prize money.
- To cover an organization’s general operating expenses.
- To purchase and supply alcohol.