Public Humanities Projects

The National Endowment for the Humanities Division of Lifelong Learning is soliciting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program under solicitation number 20261209-GE-GI-BP-BR-GGX. This program supports projects that bring humanities insights to the public through exhibitions, historic site interpretations, and public lectures and discussions. For 2027, the agency is prioritizing topics including Western civilization, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, civic education, civil discourse, cultural literacy, and the relevance of great works of literature, history, philosophy, and theology to contemporary issues. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by December 17, 2026. Funding is available for planning projects with a performance period of up to 24 months and implementation projects ranging from 12 to 48 months, with start dates between November 1, 2027, and March 1, 2028. While standard awards are available, projects of exceptional significance may apply for a Chairman's Special Award of up to 2,000,000 dollars. Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration and a Unique Entity Identifier. Evaluation is conducted by peer reviewers based on the technical skills of the project team, the significance of the topic, the reasonableness of costs, and the potential for long-term influence, with final funding authority resting with the NEH Chairman. Submission requirements include a mandatory 15-page narrative, a work plan, résumés for key personnel, and letters of commitment. Implementation projects require an additional 10-page walkthrough. Compliance with various federal regulations is mandatory, including the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and accessibility standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, recipients must adhere to executive orders combating anti-Semitism and ensure that any conference venues comply with the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990.