Vermont Humanities Project Grants

Vermont Humanities, a statewide nonprofit affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress Center for the Book, offers Project Grants to support community-centered and curriculum-based humanities initiatives. With awards of up to $5,000, these grants are designed to foster public engagement with the humanities, including history, literature, philosophy, and ethics, through programming that promotes inclusive dialogue, learning, and collaboration. Importantly, Project Grants are funded without the use of federal funds, granting Vermont Humanities more flexibility in their allocation criteria and priorities. The primary goal of the Project Grants program is to support activities that bring people together around humanities themes. Examples include public events that spark community discourse, educational programs that build curriculum with a plan for broader dissemination, and targeted experiences designed for specific affinity groups or to bridge dialogue across multiple groups. Both new projects and the continuation or expansion of existing initiatives are eligible for support. The funder prioritizes accessibility, engagement with underrepresented populations, and alignment with its mission of promoting just, vibrant, and resilient communities across Vermont. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and higher education institutions. Additionally, other groups without nonprofit status may apply by working with a qualified fiscal agent who agrees to oversee compliance and grant administration. The application process is conducted through the online Submittable platform, where prospective grantees must create an account and complete the application form. Vermont Humanities provides a straightforward application process and expects grantees to adhere to basic reporting obligations, such as returning a signed Grant Agreement and submitting a final report within 90 days of the project’s conclusion. In 2026, applications are accepted on a triannual cycle. For Winter/Spring 2026, the deadline is February 18, with notification by April 8 and project completion expected by April 2027. The Summer round closes May 20, with decisions by July 1 and a completion deadline of July 2027. The Fall round deadline is September 9, with decisions announced by October 28 and projects to be completed by November 2027. Each cycle maintains consistency in expectations around application timing and performance period, and proposals must clearly define how they align with the evaluation criteria laid out by Vermont Humanities. Proposals are judged based on several criteria. These include alignment with Vermont Humanities’ mission, the degree to which the project fosters civic engagement and public understanding of the humanities, collaboration among organizations or community partners, geographic and demographic inclusivity (especially in rural and underserved communities), accessibility in compliance with ADA standards, and a clear evaluation plan for measuring outcomes. Special consideration is given to projects led by or substantially engaging historically marginalized groups, including Native people, People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Once funded, projects must follow basic post-award obligations, such as providing public event details when relevant and ensuring accessibility. The application for the Summer 2026 cycle is expected to be available on April 20 via Submittable. Although no Letter of Intent or pre-application is required, early engagement with the funder’s materials and timelines is encouraged to ensure a strong submission. Contact for inquiries is available through their main office in Montpelier, Vermont, by phone or email.

Ensure ADA compliance, include clear evaluation metrics, and demonstrate DEI values to meet review criteria.