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

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 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 and sign up for an upcoming meeting below.

Thursday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m. PT. Register here.

Thursday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. PT. Register here.

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
Humanities for All Quick GrantJune 15, 20233x/ year in February, June, & OctoberAbout two months after submission
  • Requests of $1,000-$5,000
  • No Matching Funds Required
  • 1 year grant period
  • No Humanities Advisor required
  • 2 page narrative maximum
Lucena Lau Valle
Program Officer
lvalle@calhum.org
Humanities for All Project GrantJuly 17, 20232x / year in January & JulyFour months after submission
  • Requests of $10,00-$25,000
  • Matching Funds 1:1
  • 2 year grant period
  • At least 1 Humanities Advisor
Felicia Kelley
Project and Evaluation Director
fkelley@calhum.org
California Documentary Project Research & Development GrantNov 1, 20231x/ year in NovemberFour months after submission
  • Requests up to $15,000
  • Matching Funds 1:1
  • 2 year grant period
  • 3 Humanities Advisors
John Lightfoot
Director of Media & Journalism Programs
jlightfoot@calhum.org
California Documentary Project Production GrantNov 1, 20231x/ year in NovemberFour months after submission
  • Requests up to $50,000
  • Matching Funds 1:1
  • 3 year grant period
  • At least 2 Humanities Advisors
California Documentary Project NextGen GrantMarch 1, 20241/ yearTwo months after submission
  • Requests up to $15,ooo
  • Matching Funds 1:1
  • 1 year grant period
  • At least 1 Humanities Advisor
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Implementation GrantClosed for 20231/yearTwo months after submission
  • Requests up to $15,ooo
  • Matching Funds 1:1
  • 18 month grant period
  • At least 1 Humanities Advisor
Kirsten Vega
Associate Program Officer
kvega@calhum.org
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Planning GrantClosed for 20231/yearTwo months after submission
  • $5,ooo
  • 1 year grant period
  • At least 1 Humanities Advisor
Kirsten Vega
Associate Program Officer
kvega@calhum.org
Library Innovation LabWinter 20241/ yearOne month after submission
  • Up to $5,500
  • Matching funds 1:1
  • California public library or library-serving organizations
  • Receive training and support
  • Develop and implement a public humanities program in 10-month grant period
Felicia Kelley
Project and Evaluation Director
fkelley@calhum.org
California Humanities
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Our Locations
Oakland

538 9th Street, Suite 210
Oakland, CA 94607
415.391.1474

Los Angeles

PO Box 65917
Los Angeles, CA 90065
415.391.1474 ext. 316