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

"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

Community Stories

Is there one California story—or are there many? From 2003 to 2016, Community Stories (originally  the California Story Fund) grants gave  expression to the extraordinary variety of histories and experiences of California’s places and people. During this period, California Humanities  made 496 awards to community-based projects that have enabled Californians  to voice, record, and share personal and community narratives—many previously untold or little known. Through various means — video, photography, murals, zines, documentary theater, audio projects, and more —  these  stories have been shared with  audiences, both live and virtual, throughout the state and beyond, making it possible for us to discover  our commonalities, appreciate our differences, and learn something new about how to live well together.

Get a list of the most recent Community Stories-funded projects visit our online calendar for information about upcoming related events.

Since 2003, California Humanities has awarded over $4 million to projects that gave voice to extraordinary variety of histories and experiences of California’s places and people. 

For Grantees

Grantees with open Community Stories grants should visit the TOOLKIT below for current grant management information and resources.

Grant applicants should  visit our Humanities for All site for information about California Humanities’ new grant program of support for public humanities programming.