Grants

The Council awards Major Grants (up to $20,000) and Mini Grants (up to $2,500). Council grants provide financial support for the planning or implementation of public programs presented by not-for-profit organizations across New York State that bring humanities scholars and scholarship to a general public audience.

All projects must be: rooted in one or more of the humanities disciplines; integrally feature humanities scholars; and intended for the general public.

Special consideration is given to projects that reach under served populations; to projects that, without our funding, might not happen; and to organizations that need financial seed money so that they may secure long-term support from other sources.

Learn more in our Mini and Major Grant Guidelines or in our Common Questions.

---

How to apply for a Council grant

Review eligibility requirements >

Any not-for-profit organization or institution with tax-exempt status in New York State is eligible to apply for a grant. Organizations may only receive one (1) Major Grant and one (1) Mini Grant per calendar year.

Check Council deadlines >

For Major Grants the two post-mark deadlines are March 15, 2010 (notification in mid July 2010) and September 15, 2010 (notification in mid January 2011).

Mini Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, provided they are submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the start of a project (notification is made within 4 weeks).

Read Mini and Major Grant Guidelines >

The Council strongly advises that you read the entire guidelines before beginning your application for information about what projects the Council supports

Download Mini and Major Grant Application Instructions and Forms >

Applications are accepted by mail, fax (212-233-4607) or via email to grants@nyhumanities.org. Please reference the Application Instructions when completing the Forms, however should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us via phone (212-233-1131) or email at grants@nyhumanities.org.

Note: Full resumes and letters of commitment are no longer accepted with your grant application. Instead, all grant applications must include one paragraph bios for all scholars and key project personnel, and the original scholar confirmation letters need to be kept on file by the Project Director.

---

Awarded Council grants

 If your project is granted, visit Managing Your Grant for information about your Award Packet, Grant Agreement, payment cycles, and required reporting.

Additional Questions

Please visit our Common Questions for a list of frequently asked questions. 

All applicants are encouraged to discuss any additional questions about Council grant guidelines, application materials or with specific proposal ideas.  Declined applicants are also welcome to contact the Council for an explanation of the committee's decision.  Jane McNamara, Director of Grants and Programs, or Lauren Kushnick, Manager of Grants and Technology can be reached at 212-233-1131 or via email at grants@nyhumanities.org.

Updated July 2010: Do not use earlier forms.