Public Humanities Projects

Source-based overview

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Lifelong Learning is accepting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program. The purpose of this program is to support projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life in three areas: (1) exhibitions, (2) historic site interpretations, and (3) public lectures and discussions. For 2027, NEH welcomes applications that promote deeper public understanding of the following topics: Western civilization and America’s place in it; great works of literature, history, philosophy, and theology and their relevance to contemporary questions; the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution; civic education; civil discourse; cultural literacy, and the practice of close reading. Public Lectures and Discussion Forums must address one of these interest areas. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity 20261209-GE-GI-BP-BR-GGX.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Special district governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; County governments; City or township governments; Private institutions of higher education. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: USD 2,000,000

Expected number of awards: 20

Themes and supported activities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Lifelong Learning is accepting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program. The purpose of this program is to support projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life in three areas: (1) exhibitions, (2) historic site interpretations, and (3) public lectures and discussions. For 2027, NEH welcomes applications that promote deeper public understanding of the following topics: Western civilization and America’s place in it; great works of literature, history, philosophy, and theology and their relevance to contemporary questions; the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution; civic education; civil discourse; cultural literacy, and the practice of close reading. Public Lectures and Discussion Forums must address one of these interest areas.

Opportunity number: 20261209-GE-GI-BP-BR-GGX

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2026-12-16: Applications close 2026-12-16: Dec 16, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.