"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

"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

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.

 

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**


Grants at a Glance 

Grant ProgramNext DeadlineAnnual DeadlinesAward NotificationFeaturesContact

California Documentary Project NextGen Grant

On hold for 2024On hold for 2024Two 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 GrantTo be announced NovemberFive 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 GrantTo be announcedNovemberFive months after deadline
  • $15,000
  • 24 month grant
  • 1:1 match
  • At least three Humanities Advisors
Civics + Humanities Middle Grades Implementation GrantTo be announcedFebruaryTwo 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 GrantTo be announcedFebruaryTwo months after deadline
  • $5,000
  • 12 month grant
  • No match
  • At least one Humanities Advisor
Humanities for All Project GrantOn holdJanuary and JulyFour 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 GrantApplications 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 LabOn holdJanuaryOne 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.

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