What are the humanities?
The humanities are the stories, ideas, and words that help us understand our lives and the experience of being human. They introduce us to people we have never met and take us to places we have never been.
From an academic standpoint, the humanities include the study of history, philosophy, religion, language, literature, art, and culture.
By showing us how others have lived and thought, the humanities help us better understand people whose experiences differ from our own. They foster empathy, compassion, and the understanding needed to build a more just and equitable world.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status
- Institutions of higher education
- Other incorporated nonprofit organizations
- Municipalities and units of government
- Tribal nations recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or the United States federal government
Organizations outside Virginia may apply if:
- The project focuses on Virginia-related topics, and
- A significant Virginia audience is expected
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Groups that are not federally or state-recognized Tribal Nations may apply in partnership with an eligible fiscal sponsor.
How often can I apply?
You may apply for one grant at a time. If your organization received funding in the previous cycle, you must wait one cycle before applying again. If your organization has an open grant from Virginia Humanities, you must complete your awarded grant activity and submit the final report before applying for a new grant.
What is cost share?
For Major Grants, you must match your request with an equal amount of cost share from non-federal sources.
Example: If you request $5,000, you must show at least $5,000 in cost share.
Cost share can include:
- Cash contributions: Funding from third-party sources (such as other grants or donations)
- In-kind contributions: Non-cash support such as staff time, volunteer hours, travel, or use of facilities
Opportunity Grants and Community Action Grants do not require cost share.
Who is considered a “humanities scholar”?
A humanities scholar is someone with demonstrated expertise in interpreting humanities topics. This may include:
- College or university faculty
- Independent scholars or local historians with a strong record of research
- Museum professionals or curators
- Librarians, writers, and public humanities practitioners
- Community knowledge-bearers or cultural leaders recognized as authorities within their traditions
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by a panel of humanities professionals, including past grantees. They are scored based on:
- Contribution to the humanities
- Clarity of outcomes and evaluation plan
- Audience accessibility and outreach strategy
- Project team, budget, and workplan (Major Grants only)
Detailed scoring rubrics are available for both Major and Opportunity Grants.
What are your current priority areas?
In making funding decisions, we give particular consideration to:
- First-time applicants to Virginia Humanities
- Projects from geographically underserved areas of Virginia
- Resubmitted applications that demonstrate meaningful revision and responsiveness to previous feedback
Do you support arts-related projects?
Yes, with an important distinction. We fund projects that interpret the arts, not projects that primarily produce art.
Supported:
- Public programs that explore the history or meaning behind a mural, performance, or exhibition
- Interpretive components of concerts, exhibits, or cultural events
- Documentary films examining humanities themes
Not supported:
- Creation of artwork (e.g., murals, performances, exhibitions)
- Production of fiction films
Do you have sample applications I can read?
Yes. We provide a rotating selection of funded proposals for reference.
Opportunity Grants (previously known as Rapid Grants):
- Virginia Beach Arts Center | Aware 2022 and The Feather Project
- Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation | Building an Environmental Humanities Hub at the Humanities Research Center
Major Grants (previously known as Regular Grants):
- Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center | Voices Strong, Voices True: Our Untold Stories
How will I be notified of your decision?
You will receive an email from our grants team through the application system as close to the decision date as possible.
Can our team use AI to write grant application content?
Yes, however, as with any responses to grant application questions, your responses should be an accurate reflection of what you can realistically accomplish, not a response that just sounds good on paper.
You are ultimately responsible for reviewing, editing, and verifying all application text.
