NEH Humanities Initiatives at Colleges and Universities

1 February 2023

Humanities Initiatives strengthen the teaching and study of the humanities at institutions of higher education by developing new or enhancing existing humanities programs, resources (including those in digital format), or courses that explore, interpret, and preserve the diversity of human cultures, ideas, and practices, past and present. Proposed projects must address a core topic or set of themes drawn from humanities areas such as history, philosophy, religion, literature, or humanities-informed composition and writing skills. 

The maximum award amount is $150,000; projects may be one to three years in length and must start between February 1, 2024, and September 1, 2024.

Humanities Initiatives projects may support activities such as, but not limited to:

  • Curriculum Development
    • developing and/or revising a course or set of courses
    • creating teaching materials (e.g., course modules, readers, primary document collections, digital collections)
    • planning and piloting a major, minor, or certificate program
  • Student Enrichment
    • developing frameworks for humanities-focused internship programs
    • creating opportunities for hands-on, place-based, or experiential learning
  • Faculty Development
    • constructing pedagogy or curriculum through shared reading programs
    • organizing a series of guest speakers for faculty and community audiences
  • Partnerships
    • creating bridge programs or dual enrollment programs between high school and college, or between community colleges and four-year institutions
    • collaborating with museums or libraries to create teaching materials
    • producing humanities programming for students and community members

Optional narrative draft review due: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Internal deadline: Friday, May 5, 2023
Application deadline: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Expected notification date: Sunday, December 31, 2023