Grants
Since 1972, Ohio Humanities’ grant program has sparked critical public humanities work throughout our state. By funding engaging programs that center the humanities, Ohio Humanities helps inspire conversations about our state’s shared histories and cultures. Our goal is to support projects that make the humanities central to creating and sustaining vibrant communities.
We invite applications for project grants from non-profit and governmental organizations across the state. If you’re thinking of applying for an Ohio Humanities grant, check out the information below to see if we might be a good fit:
What are the humanities?
We fund projects that center the humanities. But what are the “humanities?" For us, the humanities tell the stories of our shared human experience, strengthen communities, and help bridge divides. This includes the study of history, literature, languages, philosophy, archaeology, ethics, jurisprudence, comparative religion, world cultures, folklore, and aspects of the social sciences that use historical or philosophical approaches. We also consider art history, theory, and criticism as humanities subjects, but not the creation, display, or performance of art.
What do we fund?
Ohio Humanities grants support the research, preparation, production, and presentation of public programs. The most competitive grant proposals focus on the “public” in “public humanities.” We fund projects that make the humanities widely and easily accessible to the general public, and they should offer ample opportunity for community members to engage in conversations about the humanities.
What are our funding priorities?
We prioritize funding projects that have the potential to invite all Ohioans to participate in thoughtful consideration of and engaging conversations about the humanities. The most successful applications identify how the project will foster a sense of place in attendees, encouraging robust civic engagement through humanities-driven programs. Programs will ideally create sustainable outcomes that can circulate in communities beyond the grant period. We especially invite applications that produce accessible, engaging, and challenging media, particularly documentary film and audio projects.
Grants Guidelines
Successful applications for project grants meet four major criteria:
- Applicants must be an eligible non-profit organization.
- The public humanities must be central to the proposed project.
- Public humanities professionals should be deeply involved in the project.
- The application must follow Ohio Humanities budget guidelines.
Before you apply for a grant, please contact a Program Officer to discuss your project. We’re here to help you submit a successful application!
Ignite Grants
Up to $20,000
Deadlines: February 15, June 1, and October 1, 2023
Drafts of applications due one month prior to final due date
Spark Grants
Up to $5,000
Deadline: The first business day of each month beginning January 2, 2023
Drafts of applications due one month prior to final due date
Grant Resources
Ohio Humanities provides resources for grant applicants and administrators. Use the links below to learn more:
Previously Funded Projects
For more than 50 years, Ohio Humanities has awarded grants to support public humanities projects and organizations.