SHARP Grants Frequently Asked Questions
What are the humanities?
The National Endowment for the Humanities defines the “humanities” as including but not limited to, the study and interpretation of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism and theory of the arts; those aspects of the social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life." - National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act, 1965, as amended.
What can SHARP grant funds be used for?
SHARP Grants are intended to help organizations plan and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used to support: General operating costs, including staff support and administrative costs; humanities programming (new and extant); strategic planning and capacity building related to coronavirus impacts; technical or consulting needs related to digital transition or access; expansion of outdoor and/or virtual activities and increase in access to those activities for target population; equity assessments and planning related to coronavirus and attendant economic crisis. Applicants should demonstrate how their use of the funds will help them recover from the pandemic.
Do arts organizations qualify for SHARP grants?
No. The NEH prohibits us from providing general operating support to organizations whose mission falls outside of the humanities and the humanistic social sciences. This includes organizations whose work includes the creation or performance of art; creative writing, autobiographies, memoirs, and creative nonfiction; and quantitative social science research or policy studies. We recommend contacting the NH State Council on the Arts for more information about grant opportunities for arts-oriented organizations.
What is the grant period of performance?
The grant period for each awarded grant will begin on the date of application and end on November 30, 2022. All expenses and activities related to the grant must be incurred during that period. Activities for an awarded grant must begin no later than December 1, 2021.
Is there a cost-share for this grant?
No, SHARP grants have no associated cost share. They cannot be used to meet other federal cost-share obligations.
I have applied for other emergency funding (grants and/or loans). Can I still apply for a SHARP Grant?
Yes. It is important to look at any restrictions for how each type of funding may be spent. For example, you can still apply for an NHH SHARP Grant if you have applied directly to other federal grant programs (including the NEH), but the funds may not be used for overlapping costs. Make sure to read all the guidelines closely and only apply for funds that you need.
Can organizations that received NHH CARES Grants apply for SHARP grants?
Yes.
My organization has an open Community Project or Focus Grant with NHH. Can we apply for SHARP funds?
Yes. Qualifying humanities organizations with open NHH can apply for SHARP grants. However, Program expenses may not overlap between the two grants and the SHARP Grant may not serve as cost-share for your Community Project Grant.
Can I receive the COVID-19 Response Grant and still qualify for a Community Project Grant in the next year?
Yes, although you could not use any funds you received through the SHARP grant to meet your cost-share.
How much funding did New Hampshire Humanities receive through the American Rescue Plan Act?
NHH received just over $650,000 to help sustain the public humanities in New Hampshire. The majority of the funds will be distributed through the SHARP Grant program. The remainder will support other programs administered by NHH.
Where can I review the SHARP grant guidelines?
Click here to view and download the SHARP Grant Guidelines.
How do I access the SHARP application?
The application is available for download here.
How do I submit my application?
Fill out and sign the SHARP Application, then save a copy to your computer. Click here to access the online application portal. Enter the requested information and upload your saved application file and a copy of your organization’s W-9. Click submit. You will receive a confirmation message when your application is received.
Does my organization need a SAM account to apply for a SHARP grant?
No, SAM registration is not required for this grant. You are required to have a DUNS number.
What is a DUNS number?
The Federal Government requires all organizations that receive federal money obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, currently a valid Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S®) number. Register for your DUNS number at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. There is no cost to register.
As new or additional information is available, questions and answers may be added to this page. Check back for updates.
For more information, please contact NHH Community Project Grant Program Manager, Agnes Burt, at aburt@nhhumanities.org.
