Humanities Grants Frequently Asked Questions

What are the humanities?
Disciplines of the liberal arts are often cited when the humanities are defined—history, literature, philosophy, the history and criticism of the arts, folklore, comparative religion, etc. What is essential to these fields of knowledge is a special approach to understanding the human experience. This approach is at the core of the humanities.

The humanities raise questions about a given subject and explore the issues, ideas and perspectives around it. These questions, issues and perspectives are articulated and discussed.

Examples of humanities programming:

  • Women in the Civil War
    What roles did diverse women play during the war—on the home front as well as the battlefield? How did their backgrounds influence the kinds of roles they took? How did the war reshape conventional gender roles? How do their roles compare to those of women today?

  • Contemporary Indian art
    How do contemporary Indian artists integrate India's cultural traditions with contemporary media and methods? How do they address issues concerning India's rise as a political and economic power? How does their work express the upheavals caused by global popular culture's impact on ancient culture and traditions?

  • Urban neighborhoods
    How do neighborhoods change over time? What places and institutions are important landmarks in these communities? How have new groups of residents transformed the landscape? What memories shape a neighborhood's identity? What associations connect neighborhoods to communities in other parts of the nation and the world?

What grant programs does PHC offer?
PHC's primary grant program is the Humanities Grant program. In 2008, PHC is integrating Humanities-and-the-Arts Grants into this program. Starting in January, humanities projects, as well as projects which combine the arts and humanities, will be supported by Humanities Grants. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, PHC also offers Arts Commentary Awards, which support individuals working on projects combining the arts and humanities. The awards are offered on even-numbered years.


What are Humanities Grants?
Humanities Grants are intended to engage participants in learning about subjects centered in humanities fields other than the arts. Organizations should apply for a Humanities Grant if, for example, understanding an event in American history is at the core of the project. An arts component here may play a supporting role—bringing to life, for instance, a story from history or a powerful idea.


How will my organization know if the proposed project meets PHC's funding requirements?
All projects funded by PHC must have strong humanities content and the involvement of a humanities scholar. The humanities raise questions about a given subject and explore the issues, ideas and perspectives around it. (See What are the humanities?.) Additionally, when assessing projects PHC looks for applications which clearly and effectively address the review criteria. For additional tips, see Common Reasons Why Applications Are Not Funded.


What is a public humanities program?
Public humanities programs offer audiences the opportunity to explore topics from the perspective of one or more of the humanities fields (e.g., anthropology, archaeology, art history and criticism, comparative religion, ethics, history, language and linguistics, literature, philosophy). Humanities programs have an interpretive focus and do not focus solely on facts and information. (See What are the humanities?) An important goal of humanities programming is to inspire discussion and to encourage a better understanding of ourselves and others, past and present. Public humanities projects supported by PHC may take different forms, but have the following characteristics in common. They:

  • Engage individuals in discussion as a way to learn from others
  • Explore meaningful and relevant issues in an open-ended manner
  • Place humanities experts in a central role in shaping programs and serving as program presenters
  • Involve community members in planning the program
  • Are designed for members of the general public

Art programs that incorporate the above elements also are considered public humanities programs.

What is meant by the "general public"?
PHC grants do not fund projects intended primarily for scholars or students in academia. Projects are eligible for funding only if they are intended for and open to a general audience. Academic conferences and programs that are designed mainly for members of academia are ineligible for funding. (Please note: Projects targeting audiences such as seniors, K-12 students and teachers are eligible for funding.) To ensure that a project is relevant to its target audience, representatives from that group should play a role in the project's planning.


What is a humanities scholar/expert?
See Glossary.


How can my organization find humanities scholars/experts to collaborate with? And, can scholars living outside of PA be paid with PHC funds?
PHC recommends reaching out to a university or college in your area for scholars that may be able to participate in your project. With sufficient notice, PHC staff may be able to help identity potential scholars.

Scholars living outside of PA are eligible to receive PHC funds when collaborating on a project.


Who is eligible to apply for funding?

  • 501(c)(3) organizations and local, state and federal governmental agencies that are conducting arts activities in Pennsylvania
  • Ad hoc groups formed for the specific purpose of this project
  • Colleges and universities proposing public programs that involve the community in planning, execution and participation, and that will attract the general public in addition to a campus audience

Note: Core users of Humanities Grants include arts organizations, historical societies, museums and sites, public libraries and grassroots community organizations.


Who is NOT eligible to apply for funding?

  • Individuals
  • For-profit businesses
  • Organizations that have received three or more years of PHC funding for any one project or series of projects

Can an organization based outside of PA apply for funding?
Yes. Organizations based outside of PA are eligible for funding—if the project takes place in PA and/or has a strong PA content or focus.


How can I get an application?


When are applications due?

  • Quick Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but applications must be received at least 8 weeks prior to the project start date.
  • Small Grant applications also are accepted on a rolling basis, but applications must be received at least 12 weeks prior to the project start date.
  • Organizations interested in applying for the Large Grants program must first submit an Intent to Apply form which has a postmark deadline of July 1. (See How does the Intent to Apply process work?) Those organizations that fulfill the requirements of the Intent to Apply process are invited to submit an application. Invited Large Grants applications have a postmark deadline of September 1. (For projects that begin no earlier than the following February.)

Can organizations apply for more than one Humanities Grant at a time?

  • One Quick Grant application may be submitted per year.
  • More than one Small Grant application may be submitted per year
  • More than one Intent to Apply form may be submitted per year—with PHC's prior permission.

Please note: PHC will not consider more than three years of funding for any one project or series of projects.


What is the maximum amount of funds that can be requested?

  • The maximum request for Quick Grant applicants is $500.
  • Small Grant applicants can request between $501 and $3,000.
  • The maximum request for Large Grant applications is $20,000, with a supplement request of $6,000 from PHC for Gift-and-Matching funds. (See How does Gift-and-Matching work?)

How does the Intent to Apply process work?
Please note: The submission of an Intent to Apply form is required for Large Grants only. The postmark deadline for Intent to Apply forms is July 1st.

The submission of an Intent to Apply form is the first step in the Large Grant application process. The process is designed to provide PHC with information on the potential feasibility of projects. PHC staff review all submissions to determine if they meet minimum review criteria requirements. Applications also are examined for their potential viability in the full panel review process. Only those applicants that meet minimum requirements are invited to move forward in the process. Invited applicants are eligible to submit a full application whose postmark deadline is September 1st.

Applicants that do not meet these qualifications are not eligible to submit a full application and must apply for funding in a future grant cycle. Please note: Success or encouragement at the Intent to Apply stage does not insure funding, only that the application is eligible for further consideration.


How does Gift-and-Matching work?
Gift-and-Matching is available for Large Grant applicants only. In addition to requests of up to $20,000, applicants can apply for supplemental funds through this special matching mechanism. Please note: This is above and beyond the requested funds outlined on the Project Budget.

For every $10 that an applicant raises in cash gifts from third-party sources, PHC may give a $6 match. For example, cash gifts of $1,000 from third-party sources could generate a PHC match of $600. Cash gifts of $5,000, a match of $3,000. Cash gifts of $10,000, a match of $6,000. The maximum amount of matching funds that an applicant could receive from PHC is $6,000. Remember, this is above and beyond any requested funds awarded.

Please note the following qualifiers:

  • Allowable third-party sources include individuals, corporations, foundations, state or local governments and/or nonprofit agencies.
  • Applicants must apply for Gift-and-Matching when submitting their Large Grant application.
  • The maximum Gift-and-Matching amount is $16,000: $10,000 (third-party gifts) and $6,000 (PHC match). Both figures must be included in the G&M column in the Project Budget.
  • Cash that is allocated in the applicant contribution portion of the budget cannot be used towards Gift-and-Matching.
  • Federal donations cannot be used for matching purposes. Nor can donations from persons or institutions involved in the project, family members of project personnel, or current recipients of PHC or National Endowment for the Humanities grant funds.
  • PHC matches only those cash gifts received AFTER an applicant has received notification of a PHC grant award in January. Cash gifts received before the grant is awarded will NOT be matched.
  • Grantees are not obligated to pursue Gift-and-Matching, but this vehicle is a good way to demonstrate support from the community.

Does PHC fund general operating expenses?
No, PHC funds special project expenses only.


What costs do grant funds cover?

  • Honoraria and travel expenses for humanities experts, artists and other experts
  • Audience recruitment and promotion costs
  • Costs of materials necessary to the project, such as books for book discussion programs
  • Production expenses, such as the costs of mounting and producing exhibitions and performances and of renting and handling special equipment or facilities (sound equipment, lights, musical instruments, projectors, screens)
  • Rental costs for humanities programs created by other organizations, if the overall project has the required humanities content
  • *Advisory panel meetings or individual consultations
  • *Research conducted or assisted by humanities experts, such as reviewing items in a museum's collection or documenting oral histories

*Must lead to the development of a public program to be eligible.


What costs do grant funds NOT cover?

  • Expenses incurred prior to the awarding of the grant
  • Programs that are not available to the general public
  • Programs presented outside of PA
  • Capital expenditures including expenses for the acquisition of permanent facilities or equipment
  • Activities associated with institutional planning, general operating support, staff development or fundraising
  • Writing or production of a publication—not integral to a PHC-funded public program
  • Collection, conservation or preservation of oral histories, photographs or other materials—not directly related to a public program
  • Media projects that are the endeavor of an individual rather than commissioned by a nonprofit organization
  • Research, unless it is conducted expressly to plan a public humanities program
  • Outreach efforts planned for the community by academic or scholarly organizations or major cultural organizations that do not significantly involve the community
  • Internships, fellowships or scholarships
  • Activities for which academic credit is given
  • Hospitality expenses including food and beverages costs
  • Activities that have a religious purpose
  • Activities supported by an active PHC grant

Are there restrictions on the amount of funds that can be requested for staff salaries?
PHC funding is limited; therefore, PHC prefers to pay for the direct costs of programs. Applications with funding requests for staff salaries that exceed 25% of the overall budget are not viewed favorably. PHC recommends that the majority of staff salaries be allocated in the applicant contribution portion of the budget.


Can organizations charge admission for projects seeking PHC funding?
PHC discourages charging admission fees, if fees limit public participation. However, if an organization must charge fees to offset program costs, the price must be perceived as being affordable for the general public. Organizations also must have a number of free scholarships available for those who can not afford even a low admission price. Please note: PHC looks favorably on applications that demonstrate a clear commitment to including participants who otherwise could not afford to attend.


Does PHC fund media projects?
Only those media projects commissioned by a nonprofit organization are eligible for PHC funding. Eligible projects must have strong PA content and appeal primarily to Pennsylvanians. Funding is available mainly for preproduction, but applicants also may request support for production costs. Note: Humanities experts must be involved in planning and development.


Can I submit my application electronically or by fax?
No. Applications CANNOT be faxed or submitted electronically. Large Grant application materials must be postmarked by the appropriate deadline. Quick and Small Grants also must be mailed, but are accepted on a rolling basis.


How will an organization know that its application has been received?
PHC recommends that applications be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. PHC is not responsible for applications that are lost or damaged in the mail.


What does PHC look for when reviewing applications?
When reviewing applications, PHC looks for adherence to the guidelines and also the overall viability of the project. Applicants improve their opportunity of receiving funding when their applications meet the Humanities Grants review criteria which follow:

  • Responsiveness to the Community (40 points)
  • Project Content (40 points)
  • Project Management (20 points)

How are funding decisions made?
The PHC funding process is a highly competitive one; more proposals are received than PHC can support. Proposals are evaluated against the guidelines and submitted materials must clearly and effectively state the applicant's case. (See Tips For Success.) Quick and Small Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by PHC staff. Large Grant applications are reviewed annually by a rotating advisory peer panel that makes funding recommendations to PHC's board. All funding decisions are made and ratified by the board.


How does PHC determine the amount of funds to be awarded to successful applicants?
As part of the evaluation process, Large Grant applications are scored on various review criteria, see below. In order to be funded, applications must successfully meet the review criteria. Award amounts reflect the scoring of the applications and also the funds that PHC has available for funding.

  • Responsiveness to the Community (40 points)
  • Project Content (40 points)
  • Project Management (20 points)

When will applicants be notified of funding decisions?

  • Quick Grant applicants receive notification of funding decisions approximately 4-5 weeks after receipt of the application.
  • Small Grant applicants receive notification of funding decisions approximately 7-9 weeks after receipt of the application.
  • Large Grant applicants receive notification of funding decisions by January.

If funded, when do applicants receive funds? Can funds be spent on costs incurred before the receipt of PHC funds?
Ninety percent of requested funds are sent once a fully executed award agreement is returned to PHC from the grantee.

PHC does NOT fund retroactively. The grant must be received BEFORE incurring funded costs related to the program. PHC does not fund project expenses that have been incurred prior to the receipt of funding.