California Humanities A State of Open Mind
Humanities for All is a grant program that supports projects in the public humanities. This program responds to the needs and interests of Californians, encourages greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences. It aims to promote understanding and empathy among all our state’s peoples in order to cultivate a thriving democracy.
| Grant | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Grant Period |
| Quick Grant | September 17 | October 18 5pm PT | January 1, 2022-December 31, 2022 |
| Quick Grant | January 14, 2022 | February 15 5pm PT | May 1, 2022-April 30, 2023 |
| Project Grant | December 3, 2021 | February 1 5pm PT | June 1, 2022-May 31, 2024 |
Quick Grants
Quick Grants (between $1,000 and $5,000) are awarded three times a year (February, June, October) to small-scale public humanities programs and projects which take place within one year from the award date. Projects should be grounded in the humanities, show potential to provide high quality humanities learning experiences for participants and audiences, and demonstrate capacity for successful implementation. Appropriate formats include virtual and in-person community dialogues, reading and film discussion groups, oral history workshops, non-fiction workshops, speaker series, and many more activities based in humanities disciplines. Any California-based nonprofit organization or non-federal public agency is eligible to apply. Note: A cash or in-kind match of the award is NOT required.
See a list of recently supported Quick Grants.
Deadline October 18, 2021, 5pm PT
Register here to attend a free informational webinar and live Q&A for applicants on September 20, 2021 at 11am PST.
For more information, contact Program Officer Lucena Lau Valle. | E-mail: lvalle@calhum.org
Current grantees, please use the Grant Portal button at top of the page.
Project Grants
Project Grants ($10,000 to $20,000) are awarded twice a year to large scale public humanities projects of up to two-years duration from the award date. Appropriate programming formats include but are not limited to virtual and in-person interpretive exhibits, community dialogue and discussion series, workshops and participatory activities, presentations and lectures, conversations and forums, and interactive and experiential activities. Eligibility is limited to California-based nonprofit organizations and non-federal public agencies. Note: Awards must be matched with an equivalent amount of cash or in-kind resources over the life of the project.
See a list of recently supported Project Grants.
Deadline Wednesday, February 2, 5pm PT
- Apply (portal opens 1/14)
- Sample Guidelines (previous)
- Sample FAQ (previous)
- Webinar video (previous)
- Sample Proposals (zip)
New application materials will be available in Fall of 2022. For more information, contact Project & Evaluation Director Felicia Kelley. | E-mail: fkelley@calhum.org
Current grantees, please use the Grant Portal button at top of the page.