Major Project Grants

Major Project Grants is sponsored by New Hampshire Humanities. These grants support public humanities programs across New Hampshire, encouraging creative and engaging programs that advance cultural networks and provide learning opportunities for residents.

New Hampshire Humanities - Celebrating 50 Years New England Lighthouses and the People Who Kept Them Shot NOT Heard 'Round the World Redcoats & Rebels: New Hampshire and the American Revolution New Hampshire Humanities awards Major Project Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible organizations to support public humanities programs across the state.

We welcome applications proposing creative and engaging public humanities programs that will advance NH’s cultural networks and provide opportunities for NH residents of all ages to learn about the world in which they live. UPDATE: New Hampshire Humanities is NOT currently accepting proposals for Community Project Grants.

On April 1, 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed cutting the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget by $175M —an 80% reduction that would effectively shut down the agency . These cuts INCLUDE prematurely canceling grants specifically made to fund state humanities councils.

This funding, obligated by the government’s continuing resolution, canceled without warning almost half of New Hampshire Humanities funding for the remainder of the year. New Hampshire Humanities will honor all Community Project Grant contracts that have already been approved. We are not accepting any new applications at this time while we assess the federal funding situation .

If you would like additional information, please see our public statement . Award Amount: up to $10,000. Budget: applicants must be able to fulfil a 1:1 cost-share.

10% of the applicant’s match must be in the form of cash contributions from the applicant organization or other partners. Award Period: all project expenses must occur within the grant period defined by the applicant in their project proposal. NHH cannot retroactively fund projects.

Periods of performance begin on the first day of the month and end on the last day of the month. Private nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education; state, local, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments; groups of persons that form an association to carry out a project.

Organizations based outside of NH are eligible to apply, but applicants will need to demonstrate how their project will engage NH residents to receive funding. NHH cannot award grants to for-profit or foreign entities. Deadlines: Major grant applications are accepted four times a year.

All applicants are required to submit a draft narrative and budget for review one month before the final application is due. NHH will host workshops throughout the year to introduce prospective applicants to the grant process. Downloadable Workshop Slides Successful applications will meet the following criteria: The program must qualify as a humanities program .

Public humanities programs bring the insights and methods of the humanities disciplines – for example, history, literature, philosophy, or cultural studies – to analytically explore a topic. Successful applicants will demonstrate how their program's design will interpret or explore a chosen topic or issue to encourage participants to learn more about the subject.

Subject Matter Expert: The project must involve at least one individual with scholarly expertise in the program’s subject matter who will play an active role in the project’s development and execution. An individual's expertise may result from an advanced academic degree (MA, PhD, or J. D.)

in a relevant field or come from serving as the keeper of community traditions and knowledge. Examples of scholars include but are not limited to tribal elders or historians, advanced graduate students, or a professor at a university. Free and open to the public: NHH strongly prefers to fund accessible programs and projects that will be free and open to the public.

If your organization intends to charge admission for a grant-supported program, we highly encourage you to speak with NHH staff to discuss parallel free or low-cost options. For example, a museum could offer one day free admission or request donations in lieu of an admission ticket. Cost-Share: Applicants must be able to meet a 1:1 cost share requirement.

For every grant dollar NHH awards, the applicant must contribute an equal value of goods or services to the project, as cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. ** At least 10% of an organization’s cost-share must be cash contributions from the applicant organization and/or partner organizations.

Grant Period: All expenses and events must occur with the grant period defined by the applicant in their project proposal. NHH cannot retroactively fund projects. Periods of performance begin on the first day of the month and end on the last day of the month.

Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) : All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier through SAM. gov to recieve grant funds. Register for a SAM UEID at https://sam.

gov/content/home . There is no cost to register. For a list of frequently asked questions, click here .

NHH grants cannot be used for any of the following purposes: To fund art or performance-based programs, including musical performances To advocate or lobby for a political ideology policy, cause, or party To advocate for a particular religion To provide social services To offer scholarships or prize money To cover an organization’s general operating expenses To purchase and supply alcohol or food To fulfill cost-share requirements with other federal grants.

This means that an applicant cannot use other federally funded grants to fulfill their CPG cost-share and vice versa.

A complete project narrative and budget An identified Subject Matter Expert A Subject Matter Expert letter of support Evidence of an organization’s status as an eligible organization Organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) Resumes or CVs for the Subject Matter Expert, Project Director, and any individual paid with NHH grant funds Review the Major Project Grant Guidelines and list of required materials.

Contact NHH to discuss your idea. Download a copy of the project narrative and budget forms. Submit a draft narrative and budget to NHH.

NHH staff will review the draft and provide feedback on your proposal. Incorporate NHH's feedback. Submit your final application online.

NHH staff will confirm receipt upon submission. Proposals will be reviewed by the NHH Program Committee; applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline. Required Application Forms Budget Template Guidelines ~ Submit your application ~ Guidelines and Additional Resources Major grant proposals are evaluated by the NHH Program Committee.

When evaluating a proposal, they consider the following criteria: the degree to which the proposed project will result in a high-quality humanities program. the degree to which the proposed program will contribute to NH residents' understanding of a topic, theme, or area of debate. the degree to which the proposed project aligns with NHH's mission or goals.

the degree to which the applicant identifies their target audience and whether the program appears likely to engage this audience. the degree to which the applicant is prepared to evaluate their project's impact. the degree to which the SME is qualified to participate in the project.

the degree to which the SME will make an active and positive contribution to the project. the degree to which the applicant is prepared to successfully execute their project. the degree to which the budget affirms the applicant's preparedness to complete the proposed project; the budget details how NHH grant funds will be used and how the applicant will meet their match contribution.

the degree to which the applicant articulates a clear plan for publicizing their program. The Program Committee typically meets 3-4 weeks after application deadline. Applicants will be notified of their decision as soon as possible following the meeting.

Grant Guidelines and Additional Resources Frequently Asked Questions Recent Grant-funded Projects Your contract will outline a payment schedule. Please refer to the payment amounts in this schedule when submitting your request. NHH issues payments on the 15th and 30th of each month.

Organizations are allowed to request up to TWO extensions to their grant period to complete their project. To request an extension, email cpg@nhhumanities.

org and provide the following information: grant number and project title the reason an extension is needed a work plan outlining how the organization will successfully complete the project within the revised grant period a revised budget (use the Revised tab in your budget template) All requests will be reviewed by the NHH executive director and are subject to their approval.

Publicity & Grant Acknowledgment If you have a photographer or videographer record your event, be sure to obtain the appropriate permissions and secure releases from participants. Email digital photos (jpeg format at least 300 dpi) to NHH Communications Director, Rebecca Kinhan ( rkinhan@nhhumanities. org ).

Include the name of your organization, date, and location of the event. An acknowledgment of New Hampshire Humanities’ support must be fully visible and/or audible on all materials, projects, or events resulting from a Community Project Grant.

Include the following acknowledgement on all materials: This project was made possible with support from New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more at www. nhhumanities.

org. NHH Logo - Color for Print As part of your award terms, you agree to administer and report on your grant activities in accordance with NHH requirements. Major grant award recipients are required to submit two reports to NHH.

An interim report and when applicable, an updated budget, will be due mid-way through the grant period. A final report and final budget will be due no later than 90 days after the grant period concludes. Download the "Instructions for Administering Your Grant" for a complete checklist of the things you will need to successfully administer your grant.

Throughout the grant period, collect and organize the following materials to submit as part of your reporting obligations. Documentation of all in-kind and cash contributions Event attendance and audience demographics Copies of letters sent to NH’s federal congressional delegation notifying them of your award. Third-Party Contributions As a recipient of federal funds, you are obligated to maintain accurate financial records.

All third-party contributions – cash or in-kind – must be verifiable to count towards the matching funds requirement. Any person or organization who contributes a cash or in-kind donation should complete a project donation form, available for download on the right. The recorded value of an in-kind donation must be based on the fair market value—the rate that would otherwise be paid for the donated good or service.

Any contributions made via an electronic transaction such as PayPal or Venmo must be properly documented. You may provide a receipt or proof of transaction that shows the donor’s name, the amount donated, and is certified by the recipient. Download the NHH Major Project Grant Report.

Complete the Interim Report section. Save a copy of the file to your computer. Click here to submit your report.

Enter the requested information and upload your file. Click submit. If applicable, submit a payment request.

Within 90 days after the grant period ends, complete the final report section. Assemble all required financial records and reporting documents. Click here to submit your report.

Enter the requested information and upload your file. Click submit. Submit your final payment request.

NHH will process payment once the final report has been approved. Instructions for Administering Your Community Project Grant Major Grant Project Report—Interim and Final Third Party Contribution Forms Project Record-Cash Contributions Project Record - In-Kind Contribution If you have any questions about the Community Project Grants program, please contact NHH program staff by emailing grants@nhhumanities.

org or submit an inquiry here . Humanities to Go is made possible in part by generous support from New Hampshire Humanities programs are made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this these programs do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or New Hampshire Humanities.