Endowments for Advancing the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities is soliciting applications under solicitation number 20270113-CHE to provide federal matching funds for the creation of 20-year term endowments. These awards are designed to strengthen the financial stability of independent research institutions and college or university campuses to support long-term work in the humanities. Priority areas for capacity building include Western civilization, great works of literature, history, philosophy, and theology, civic education, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The program anticipates awarding approximately 5 grants from a total funding pool of 10 million dollars, with individual award floors of 1 million dollars and ceilings of 3.1 million dollars. This total includes federal matching funds between 1 million and 3 million dollars, plus 100,000 dollars in outright funds for fundraising support costs. The grant period of performance lasts up to 3 years, starting between November 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028, after which a restricted 20-year endowment term begins. Applicants must provide cost sharing and are evaluated based on fundraising feasibility, institutional financial health, personnel qualifications, and the projected impact of funded positions or programs. Required application materials include an institutional profile, key personnel resumes, letters of commitment, and a detailed spending plan. All submissions must be made via Grants.gov by January 13, 2027. Eligible applicants must maintain an active SAM registration and a Unique Entity Identifier. Awards are subject to 2 CFR 200 and specific federal mandates, including the Build America, Buy America Act and executive orders combating anti-Semitism.