Cal Humanities

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more when it is in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

"The understanding of a culture comes from hearing the language, tasting the food, seeing personal interactions, experiencing the traditions, and so much more in context."

— Elizabeth Laval & Candice Pendergrass, Sikh Youth Public History Project

Grant Deadlines & Overview

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.

Join us at an upcoming Grantseeker Workshop! Every year, we host online information sessions with details about funding opportunities at California Humanities. Watch our latest Grantseeker Webinar.

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.

Grants at a Glance 

Grant ProgramNext DeadlineAnnual DeadlinesAward NotificationFeaturesContact

California Documentary Project NextGen Grant

February 29, 2024February and SeptemberTwo months after submission
  • Requests up to $15,000
  • 12 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • At least one Humanities Advisor
John Lightfoot
Director of Media & Journalism Programs
jlightfoot@calhum.org
California Documentary Project Production GrantNovember 1, 2023 NovemberFour months after submission
  • Requests up to $50,000
  • 36 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • At least two Humanities Advisors
California Documentary Project Research and Development GrantNovember 1, 2023NovemberFour months after submission
  • $15,000
  • 24 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • At least three Humanities Advisors
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Implementation GrantFebruary 1, 2024FebruaryTwo months after submission
  • $7,500-$15,000
  • 18 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • At least one Humanities Advisor

Kirsten Vega
Associate Program Officer
kvega@calhum.org

Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Planning GrantFebruary 1, 2024FebruaryTwo months after submission
  • $5,000
  • 12 month grant
  • No match
  • At least one Humanities Advisor
Humanities for All Project GrantJanuary 16, 2024January and JulyFour months after submission
  • $10,00-$25,000
  • 24 month grant
  • 1:1 match 
  • At least one Humanities Advisor
Felicia Kelley
Project and Evaluation Director
fkelley@calhum.org
Humanities for All Quick GrantOctober 2, 2023February, June, and OctoberAbout two months after submission
  • $1,000-$5,000
  • 12 month grant
  • No match
  • Humanities Advisor is optional
Lucena Lau Valle
Program Officer
lvalle@calhum.org
Library Innovation LabFebruary 1, 2024FebruaryOne month after submission
  • up to $5,500
  • 10 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • Open to California public libraries and library-serving organizations
Felicia Kelley
Project and Evaluation Director
fkelley@calhum.org