Humanities Washington awards Opportunity Grants to small or rural organizations across Washington State for public humanities projects. Opportunity grants are a general grant opportunity for which any nonprofit organization can apply. Awards are available up to $1,000 and are granted on a rolling basis annually. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about our Opportunity Grants to help you get started.

Apply for an Opportunity Grant or access an existing application

• What is an Opportunity Grant?

  Opportunity grants are available to small or rural organizations for public humanities presentations and events. Opportunity grants do not require a funding match, and organizations may request up to $1,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and until all funds are distributed.

• What kinds of projects are eligible for funding?

  Projects that meet the following criteria are eligible for funding:

  • The project consists of a public humanities presentation or event, meaning that it provides the general public with opportunities to engage with the humanities (such as a community discussion, a panel event, or a celebration of local culture)
  • The project is affiliated with a non-profit or public agency in Washington State and clearly serves a Washington State audience
  • The project includes a humanities scholar
  • The project is at least 8 weeks away and will occur within 2019
• What kinds of projects are NOT eligible for funding?

  Projects related to the production of materials (such as documentaries, podcasts, etc.); research and development; purchase of equipment; conference fees; research costs; or food/beverage costs cannot be funded by an Opportunity Grant.

  For more information, view our guidelines (Page 4).

• What is considered a public humanities event?

  The public humanities bring discussions to the general public, helping communities understand complex social issues. Examples of a public humanities event include a community discussion, a panel event, or a celebration of local culture. Events which primarily center around artistic performance tend to be outside the scope of the humanities. For the purposes of this grant, the event must include at least one humanities scholar.

  The humanities are the ideas, questions, and disciplines that help us document and interpret the world around us. The humanities include disciplines like history, literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and many more! Fore more information, view the National Endowment for the Humanities’ definition.

• What is a humanities scholar?

  A humanities scholar acts as an expert on the particular topic you are seeking to explore with your grant. This individual could be:

  • someone with an advanced degree in a humanities field, such as a university professor or graduate student
  • someone recognized by their cultural community as appropriate to teach or interpret traditional cultural knowledge, such as a tribal elder, storyteller, or traditional practitioner
• What kinds of projects have been funded in the past?

  You can view the past recipients of Opportunity Grant recipients here.

• When can I submit an application?

  Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis until funds have been distributed.

• What happens after I submit an application?

  Applicants are notified with a funding decision by Humanities Washington staff via email within 2 weeks of submitting their online application.

• If approved, how do I receive the funds?

  Applicants are reimbursed for the full amount (up to $1,000) after the project is complete and the final evaluation has been submitted online to Humanities Washington.

• How do I access the online application?

  You can find all of Humanities Washington’s application opportunities here. You will be asked to create an account to log in.

  You can find instructions about how to create an account here.

• I have more questions. Who should I contact?

  Please contact grants@humanities.org with any questions.

All information included on this page can also be found in the Opportunity Grants guidelines.