Above image: 2023 Civics grantee, Film Independent Future Filmmakers.
California Humanities is pleased to announce the next deadline of Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Grants on February 1, 2024.
We are hosting a free online informational session on Thursday, December 7 from 11–12 pm PT:
Who is eligible to apply?
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Grants support civic education for California’s middle grades-aged youth (grades 6-8 or ages 10-14) in school and beyond. Funds can cover teachers, supplies, transportation, administration, stipends for students and more.
Applications are accepted from California-based nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, tribal governments, and public agencies. We welcome applications from wherever middle school students learn and create, including classrooms, after school programs, summer camps, libraries, field trips, writing centers, and more.
Read about the 13 projects we supported in 2023.
What’s the purpose of the grants?
The grants aim to enhance civic knowledge and bolster civic participation throughout the student’s school years and into their adult life at every scale: in their school, neighborhood, city, town, state, and country. We created these grants to empower a pipeline of California students to access a rich humanities education that centers civic belonging.
How can I apply?
| Grant Program | Application Live | Application Deadline | Grant Period |
| Implementation (Up to $15,000) | December 1, 2023 | February 1, 2024 | April 1, 2024-September 31, 2025 |
| Planning (Up to $5,000) | December 1, 2023 | February 1, 2024 | April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 |
You can access the online application starting on December 1, 2023 from our program page. Guidelines and FAQs will go live alongside the application on December 1.
What types of grants do you offer?
Implementation Grants
Implementation Grants ($15,000) are awarded to middle grades education projects in the programming phase. This grant is suited for applicants who are poised to launch a pilot project—or further develop a program— with emphasis on civics and humanities themes, over the course of eighteen months. Applications are accepted from California-based nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, and public agencies.
Note: Implementation Grants must be matched with an equivalent amount of cash or in-kind resources over the life of the project.
Planning Grants
Planning Grants ($5,000) are awarded to projects in the research and design phase. This grant is suited for applicants planning projects in the fields of middle grades education (ages 10-14, grades 6-8), with emphasis on civics and humanities themes. Applications are accepted from California-based nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, and public agencies.
Read about the 13 projects we supported in 2023.
Both applications are due online by February 1, 2024 by 5 pm PT.
To learn more about these programs, join California Humanities at the Applicant Webinar on December 7, 2023 at 11 am PT.
For more information, e-mail Associate Program Officer Kirsten Vega at kvega@calhum.org.
