Project Grant

Our project grants support public programming in the humanities in Massachusetts, including but not limited to:

  • humanities based civic conversations
  • public lecture, conference and panel discussion
  • reading and discussion programs
  • film and discussion programs
  • museum exhibitions and related programming
  • theatrical productions with post- or pre-performance discussion
  • oral history projects
  • walking tours
  • audio projects
  • film pre-production and distribution
  • websites
  • content-based professional development workshops for teachers

To get a sense of some of the specific programming we have supported, we suggest a stroll through the Past Grants Awarded section.

In general, Mass Humanities prioritizes funding projects that engage those whose contact with humanities programming is limited (see our Engaging New Audiences for the Humanities  initiative), and programming that responds to our current theme, Negotiating the Social Contract.  Please contact one of our Program Officers if you have questions about Mass Humanities’ strategic priorities.

(Standard) Project Grant

Project Grants

The standard Project Grant award is up to $5,000.

(Incentive) Project Grants with a maximum award of $10,000:

Negotiating the Social Contract Project Grants

Proposals for public programs that respond to our theme, Negotiating the Social Contract, may be eligible for a maximum award of $10,000. The theme invites proposals that explore how Americans participate in creating the basic social and economic relationships that shape our society, both historically and in the present. Projects may utilize the full range of public program formats. All other Mass Humanities’ grant guidelines and restrictions apply. (DETAILS)

Engaging New Audiences for the Humanities Project Grants (ENA)

Proposals for public programs that include a detailed and realistic plan for engaging new and larger audiences with limited access to the humanities may be eligible for a maximum award of $10,000. Projects may utilize the full range of public program formats. All other Mass Humanities’ grant guidelines and restrictions apply. (DETAILS)

Media Grants

Grants for humanities-based film projects carry a $10,000 maximum and are only available for pre-production and Social Media Outreach (DETAILS). Preference will be given to projects that address Massachusetts topics.

Essentials for Applicants

What we do not fund.

  • Mass Humanities accepts applications online. There are three parts to the project grant online application process. See deadlines chart for specific deadlines for each part of the application process.
    1. Submit an online Inquiry form (LOI) six weeks prior to the application deadline (LOI form preview).
    2. If LOI is approved, submit a draft about three weeks before the final application is due.
    3. Submit full application by deadline.
  • Download and read the project grant guidelines document before submitting an online Inquiry form (LOI). Full instructions on how to apply can also be found on page 9.
  • A public humanities project must be substantively rooted in one or more of the humanities disciplines.
  • Humanities scholars participate in all Mass Humanities funded projects.
  • Eligible: Any non-profit organization, whether or not it has 501(c)(3) status.
  • All project grants are 1:1 matching grants.

Deadlines

Project Grants (Three Grant Rounds Per Year)
Inquiry Form (LOI) Deadline Draft Deadline Application Deadline Approximate
Notification
Type
November Round September 21, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 2, 2015 December 14, 2015 includes film pre-production and social media outreach proposals
February Round December 15, 2015 January 8, 2016 February 1, 2016 March 21, 2016 excludes film pre-production and social media outreach proposals
May Round March 21, 2016 April 8, 2016 May 2, 2016 June 20, 2016 includes film pre-production and social media outreach proposals

Guidelines/Application Related Material

The application process is all online. Most of the documents listed below are available through links in the online application process.

Guidelines pdf icon
Application Contract Form word icon pdf icon
Budget and Budget Explanation Template word icon
Budget and Budget Explanation Sample word icon
Budget Form “Cheat” Sheet pdf icon
Description Template word icon
DUNS Information Sheet pdf icon
Guidelines for Scholar’s Statement word icon
Relevant Web Addresses for Projects, SMOG and Media Form word icon
Events Listing Form word icon
Oral History Guidelines pdf icon
Teacher Training Program Outreach pdf icon
Membership List of Mass Humanities Board and Staff pdf icon pdf icon
Important Payment and Reporting Information word icon pdf icon
Publicity, Event Updates, and Acknowledging Mass Humanities pdf icon
Sample Letter to Your Legislator word icon

Post Funding/Reporting Documents

Grantees receiving grants after August 1, 2011, are filing their reports in the online application system.
Required reports are assigned to you. Log on to complete your reports.
Grantees receiving grants prior to August 1, 2011, must submit their reports via the mail system or email.
The necessary forms you may need can be found below.

Project Director`s Evaluation Form  (all projects) word icon pdf icon
Participating Scholar`s Evaluation Form word icon pdf icon
Audience Evaluation Form word icon pdf icon
Factual Report word icon pdf icon
Interim Expenditures Report (for grants of more than $5k) word icon pdf icon pdf icon
Final Expenditures Report word icon pdf icon pdf icon

Grant Publicity Requirements, click here.
http://masshumanities.org/grants/project/
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