We’re excited to announce a new three-tier grants program structure designed to make our funding opportunities clearer, more accessible, and better aligned with the needs of organizations across the commonwealth.
The updated structure builds on our longstanding commitment to supporting public humanities work by creating clearer pathways for organizations of different sizes, capacities, and project goals.
These changes will take effect Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Note: Our grants administered in partnership with UVA Wise, WHRO, and the VA250 Commission remain unchanged.
Major Grants (formerly Regular Grants)
Major Grants are our core grant program, supporting substantial public humanities projects with broad reach and long-term impact.
- Awards: Up to $15,000
- Application Cycles: Twice annually
- Project Period: Up to 18 months
- Next Deadline: Applications open Monday, August 17, 2026, and close Friday, October 16, 2026
Major Grants are designed for planned, comprehensive public humanities initiatives that engage audiences in meaningful exploration of history, culture, literature, civic life, and other humanities topics.
Opportunity Grants (formerly Rapid Grants)
Opportunity Grants provide a responsive funding pathway for focused or time-sensitive public humanities projects that may not fit the scale or timeline of our Major Grants program.
- Awards: Up to $5,000
- Application Cycles: Twice annually
- Project Period: Up to 12 months
- Next Deadline: Applications open Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and close Friday, July 31, 2026
The Opportunity Grants application has been streamlined to reduce barriers for smaller and grassroots organizations while maintaining the rigor needed to support high-quality public humanities work.
NEW: Community Action Grants
Community Action Grants introduce a new entry-level funding opportunity designed to lower barriers to participation and expand humanities engagement at the local level.
These grants support clearly defined public humanities activities that are embedded within festivals, community events, and public gatherings.
- Awards: Up to $1,500
- Application Intake: Rolling
- Review Schedule: Every two months
- Launch: Applications open July 2026, with the first awards anticipated in September 2026
Community Action Grants are intended to help communities incorporate meaningful humanities programming into local events, creating opportunities for dialogue, storytelling, learning, and connection.
The program also serves as an accessible entry point for first-time applicants and emerging organizations seeking to engage their communities through the humanities.
