Collaborative Research Grants 2026

Collaborative Research Grants 2026 is sponsored by National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This funding opportunity supports teams of scholars undertaking innovative humanities research. Projects can include co-authored academic books, edited collections, peer-reviewed journal special issues, digital scholarly publications, humanities websites, and digital research resources.

International collaborators are welcome, but U.S.-based institutional participation must be substantial. The thematic scope for this year is limited to the history and culture of the United States or Western civilization.

Depending on funding category, up to $250,000. Book, themed issue of peer-reviewed journal, digital publication, website, digital resource Depending on funding category, up to three years. The Collaborative Research program aims to advance knowledge in the humanities by supporting teams of scholars working on a project leading to an interpretive product.

Teams may propose research in a single field of study or interdisciplinary work. NEH encourages projects that incorporate multiple points of view and pursue new avenues of inquiry. Collaborators may come from one or more institutions.

NEH encourages partnerships with researchers in the natural and social sciences, but projects must focus on humanistic content and employ humanistic methods. International collaboration is welcome, but scholars at U.S. institutions must contribute significantly to the project.

Proposed projects must lead to a tangible and sustainable output, such as a coauthored book, edited volume, themed issue of a peer-reviewed journal, digital publication, or scholarly website. Project outputs must incorporate collaboration and interpretation to address significant humanities research questions. Applications must focus on the history and culture of the United States or Western civilization.

The program supports three project categories: Planning International Collaboration, Manuscript Preparation, and Scholarly Digital Project Planning International Collaboration projects have a maximum award amount of $50,000. International teams should consult NEH's International Opportunities page for information about possible sources of additional funding from external partners.

Review your application package Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity to ensure you understand all the expectations and restrictions for projects delivered under this program and are prepared to write the most effective application. Notice of Funding Opportunity, 2026 (PDF) General Application Guide for Awards to Organizations (PDF) Grants.

gov application package Frequently Asked Questions, 2026 Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence for NEH Grant Proposals Sample Application Narratives Planning International Collaboration Rutgers University, Unboxing Artificial Intelligence: An International Collaboration Bringing Humanities Perspectives to AI Marquette University, Spanish Civil War and Visual Culture Pennsylvania State University, Sovereign Kin: A History of the Cherokee Nation Scholarly Digital Project University of Arizona, Shared Churches in Early Modern Europe, 1500-1800 Purdue University, Mapping London's Theater Districts, 1576-1642 Register for a SAM number and an account on Grants.

gov When you are ready to apply, register for an account with SAM. gov and Grants. gov ; both are required.

If you already have completed the registrations, make sure they are current. Grants. gov Applicant Registration Guidance Complete your application package Follow the instructions outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Submit your application package on Grants. gov You will receive a confirmation from Grants. gov when you’ve successfully submitted your application.

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Projects Funded by this Grant Program