LibGuides: Public Humanities: Finding Grants

Finding Grants for Public Humanities Projects

Finding Grants:

Finding funds to support public projects in the Humanities is a never-ending quest. This page provides some ideas on where to start your search.

Fund sources can be divided principally into three broad classes: federal, state and private.

Federal sources of funding consist of agencies and departments of the U.S. government which depend on annual allocations from Congress and the Executive branch for the funds they grant. These include the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (a division of the National Archives and Records Administration). Because their budgets are determined by governmental processes, the level of funding available tends to vary (sometimes widely) from year to year.

State sources of funding consist of agencies and departments of State and local governments, which distribute funds allocated by state government as well as funds provided to the states through various programs of the federal government. These agencies will fund projects of significance to the state in which they are located. Some examples of state funding agencies include the state humanities councils (links for the Massachusetts and Rhode Island councils are provided below).

Private sources of funding include the myriad of foundations established by groups and individuals to provide funding for philanthropic goals. Each foundation develops its own particular mission, and each operates independently of federal agencies, state agencies, and other foundations. Some foundations take on a national scope, others remain focused on a particular locality. Rhode Island is particularly fortunate to have its own statewide community foundation, the Rhode Island Foundation, which is unique among the states. For foundations outside Rhode Island, the Foundation Center (now known as Candid) and its publications are an essential tool for doing research on finding the right foundations to approach for funding particular humanities projects.

Brown Resources

The library offers regular workshops on grant finding. Search below or watch Morning Mail for announcements.

Brown Library Workshops & Tutorials
Regularly offered workshops include Grant Finding.

Internet Resources

Foundation Center
A clearing house with the mission to promote the non-profit sector by providing knowledge about private philanthropic resources in the United States. The Foundation Center maintains libraries of grant information in 5 major cities across the country. NOTE: The Providence Public Library is a designated "Cooperating Collection" and has many Foundation Center Publications.
Grants.gov
One-stop shopping for research and submission of federal grants in all categories. Brown faculty and grad students should be sure to consult Brown's Office of Sponsored Projects, which offers workshops on searching for project funding and preparing grant proposals.
GuideStar for Education
Information on free 6-month access to a premier research database covering the non-profit sector, allowing users to find information on foundations and grant making agencies with potential for funding projects. NOTE: REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE RESOURCE.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
IMLS is an independent (non-departmental) grants agency of the federal government, with the mission "to lead the effort to create and sustain a 'nation of learners.' " IMLS also serves as a clearinghouse for information on museum and library resources, services and activities. Reports, guidelines and grant program details are available for download on the site.
Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities
Information on MFH grants and projects in Massachusetts, and a link to MFH's free e-newsletter.
National Endowment for the Arts
The federal agency responsible principally responsible for supporting the fine and performing arts. Provides information on grants available to individual artists and arts organizations.
National Endowment for the Humanities
The federal government agency principally responsible for providing support for humanities projects. Includes information on applying for federal grants, grant categories, initiatives and programs
National Historical Publications & Records Commission
NHPRC funds programs designed to enhance public access and use of important public and private records in all formats -- electronic, manuscript, film and media.
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities
Information on RICH grants and projects in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Foundation Grant Opportunities
Links to many grant opportunities through the Rhode Island Foundation.