Overview

The Humanities Council of Washington, DC offers two (2) regular grant cycles each year. Community groups and individuals working with nonprofit organizations are invited to request funding of up to $5,000 for humanities-based programs that celebrate and document the cultural life of the Nation’s Capital. Additionally, the Council accepts requests for proposals for Historic Preservation Grants as part of the annual DC Community Heritage Project. CLICK HERE for information on a Community Heritage Grant.

ALL potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of the Grants Assistance Workshops offered in the weeks prior to each grant application deadline.

CLICK HERE to read a list of qualifying questions to make sure your project and organization qualify.

Humanities Council of Washington, DC Grant Cycles I and II MAJOR GRANTS ($1,501 to $5,000) Step 1: Letters of Intent are due by 5PM on the first business day of February for Cycle I and on the first business day of August for Cycle II. Please submit three (3) copies of the Letter of Intent including required documentation. The completed application will be reviewed and a determination made, based on the project’s merits, to move forward to step 2. Step 2: Final grant application materials for the Major Grant are due by 5PM on the first business day of March for Cycle I and on the first business day of September for Cycle II. Please submit twenty-seven (27) copies of all required documentation. The Humanities Council will ONLY accept applications from those who have been invited to apply after submitting a Letter of Intent. Step 3: Completed applications will be reviewed by the Humanities Council’s Board of Directors and applicants will be notified of the Board’s decisions in mid-April for Cycle I and in mid-October for Cycle II. SMALL/PLANNING GRANTS (up to $1,500) Step 1: Small or Planning Grant applications are due by 5PM on the first business day of March for Cycle I and on the first business day of September for Cycle II. Please submit three (3) copies of all required documentation. Step 2: All applications will be reviewed by the Humanities Council staff and recommendations will be made to the Humanities Council’s Board of Directors. Applicants will be notified of their status in mid-April for Cycle I and in mid-October for Cycle II. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. To all current grant holders: Previous grants must be closed out no less than thirty (30) days prior to the first due date of the cycle for which you would like to apply.