25 Mar Funding Alert! Grants for Digital Humanities Projects
National Endowment for the Humanities
Attention humanities folks! If your organization is seeking funding to create digital humanities products such as websites, mobile applications, virtual tours, interactive touch screens, kiosks, or other projects, then you might be interested in this opportunity. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is accepting applications for its Digital Projects for the Public program to support the research, design, development, and distribution of digital products and platforms that will ultimately deepen public understanding of humanities content and ideas.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are any U.S. nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, public and 501(c)(3) accredited institutions of higher education, state and local governmental agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
Eligible organizations may submit multiple applications for separate, distinct projects under this notice, provided that they contain no overlapping costs. Applicants may choose to partner with independent digital media developers to collaborate on the project.
What do these projects look like?
Digital projects must align with one of three categories:
- Discovery: projects up to $30,000 that bring together humanities and digital media experts to identify the most effective content and platform for conveying humanities ideas to the public. Potential activities include research, consultation with scholars and experts, preliminary design, mockups, and audience evaluation. Discovery projects should culminate in a detailed design document to guide further work.
- Prototyping: projects up to $100,000 that involve the testing and creation of a digital proof-of-concept prototype. Potential activities include content refinement, consultation with scholars or digital media experts, scripting, testing, and final design. Completed prototypes will demonstrate the feasibility and design of the project.
- Production: projects up to $400,000 that involve the production and distribution of digital humanities products. Potential activities include ongoing consultation with scholars and experts; final design and preparation; publicity, outreach, and distribution; and project evaluation. Production projects should culminate in a fully produced digital product that has been distributed for widespread public use.
The funder expects to award 11-16 total grants with project periods of up to three years. Proposals are due June 9, 2021, with an option to submit a preliminary draft by May 5, 2021. This step is optional, but program officers will review proposals submitted by this date and provide feedback.
What makes a project a good fit?
All projects submitted under this funding opportunity should involve humanities scholars and digital media professionals; incorporate sound humanities scholarship; create appealing digital formats accessible to the general public; present a realistic plan for reaching a broad public audience; and demonstrate sustainability. NEH also encourages audience evaluation throughout all phases of proposed projects.
NEH is particularly seeking projects that advance humanities work in its special interest areas, including its current initiative, “A More Perfect Union”: NEH Special Initiative Advancing Civic Education and Commemorating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary. NEH also encourages projects in which Native American organizations and communities serve as the lead applicants and/or project partners.
What if I am ready to apply? To move your application forward, take the following action steps ASAP:
- Read through the Notice of Funding Opportunity for more detail regarding project activities and be sure your proposed humanities project will address those items.
- Check the program page for helpful information, including a recorded informational webinar, which will be available April 16, 2021.
- Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.
What if I need help with this application?
Contact Assel Grant Services today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.
What if I am not ready to apply this year?
Start planning for next year! The NEH website has a wealth of resources available, including examples of previously funded projects and other upcoming grant opportunities.
How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?
AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.
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