Grant Deadlines & Overview - California Humanities

UPDATES

California Humanities has received official notice from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that the termination of our FY25 federal funding has been rescinded, and a portion of that funding has been reinstated. As a result, we can now begin processing grant payments for existing commitments to nonprofit partners across California.

Frequently Asked Questions: FY25 Grant Reactivation

What’s the status of my grant? California Humanities has received official notice from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that the termination of our FY25 federal funding has been rescinded, and a portion of that funding has been reinstated. We’re now working to reactivate and process payments for existing grant commitments—this means any grant that has an active contract. However, please note that all grant applications for future funding have been suspended indefinitely.
When will I receive my payment? We’ve started the process of fulfilling grant payments. Since each grant requires individual review, our staff will reach out to you directly in the coming weeks. Our goal is to issue payments within the current fiscal year by mid-August.
Do I need to take any action right now? No action is needed unless you’ve been contacted by a programs team member. Once we reach out, we may request updated paperwork or confirmation details to move your payment forward.
Are there any changes to my grant terms? The original grant terms—such as reporting deadlines, how funds can be used, and any match requirements—still apply. If your grant needs small adjustments, your program officer will go over those with you directly. In some cases, in order to make payments, we may need to amend the grant agreement.
What should I do if I haven’t heard from you yet? We ask that you be patient while we reach out to each individual grantee to work out details. If you have not heard from us by mid-August, please send a note to grants@calhum.org.
Can I continue my funded project now? Yes. If your project still fits within the original scope and budget, you’re welcome to move forward. If anything has changed or you need to revise your plan, your program officer will work with you on that.
Do I still need to provide matching funds? Yes. If your grant agreement includes a match, you are still required to provide the match.

Contact Us

If your question is urgent or time-sensitive, please contact your program officer or email us at programs@calhum.org. Otherwise, we’ll be in touch with you soon as we process your specific grant.

All Programs Suspended

Following the abrupt termination of federal NEH funding, California Humanities has suspended all programs and grant cycles until further notice. This includes our core initiatives:

Humanities for All

California Documentary Project

Library Innovation Lab

Literature & Medicine

Emerging Journalist Fellowships

Civics & Humanities

We’re doing everything we can to protect the future of the humanities in California. Learn more and get involved by visiting our Advocacy page.

California Humanities offers grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and public agencies in four categories: documentary media, with the California Documentary Project; public humanities events, with Humanities for All; public library engagement, with the Library Innovation Lab, and middle grades education, with Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Grants. Learn more about each category and how to apply below.

California Documentary Project

funds humanities-based media.

Humanities for All

funds locally-initiated public humanities projects.

Library Innovation Lab

supports libraries in engaging immigrant communities.

Every year, we host online information sessions with details about funding opportunities at California Humanities.

Join us at an upcoming Grantseeker Workshop!

These one hour online sessions provide a high level overview of all California Humanities grants, with tips for writing strong applications and the latest deadlines. Meet Program Officers and ask live questions over Zoom. Learn how to get feedback on your program ideas.

**Our last Grantseeker Workshop was held on September 5, 2024**

WATCH A RECORDING

Grants at a Glance

Grant Program	Next Deadline	Annual Deadlines	Award Notification	Features	Contact
California Documentary Project NextGen Grant	On hold for 2024	On hold for 2024	Two months after deadline	Requests up to $15,000 12 month grant 1:1 match At least one Humanities Advisor	programs@calhum.org
California Documentary Project Production Grant	To be announced	November	Five months after deadline	Requests up to $50,000 36 month grant 1:1 match At least two Humanities Advisors
California Documentary Project Research and Development Grant	To be announced	November	Five months after deadline	$15,000 24 month grant 1:1 match At least three Humanities Advisors
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Implementation Grant	To be announced	February	Two months after deadline	$7,500-$15,000 18 month grant 1:1 match At least one Humanities Advisor	programs@calhum.org
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Planning Grant	To be announced	February	Two months after deadline	$5,000 12 month grant No match At least one Humanities Advisor	programs@calhum.org
Humanities for All Project Grant	On hold	January and July	Four months after deadline	$10,00-$25,000 24 month grant 1:1 match At least one Humanities Advisor	programs@calhum.org
Humanities for All Quick Grant	Applications are accepted at any time.	Applications are accepted at any time.	6-8 weeks after application submission	$1,000-$5,000 12 month grant No match Humanities Advisor is optional	programs@calhum.org
Library Innovation Lab	On hold	January	One month after deadline	up to $6,000 10 month grant 1:1 match Open to California public libraries and library-serving organizations	programs@calhum.org

For questions related to grants administration, please contact grants@calhum.org.