Frequently Asked Questions
about MFH Grants

Q: What kinds of projects does MFH fund?
A: MFH funds public humanities projects. These take many forms, including exhibits, conferences, lectures, and reading and discussion groups. MFH also makes grants to media productions such as films, radio, and television programs, and to humanities teacher training.

Q: Does MFH fund projects by individuals?
A: No. Grants are made only to nonprofit organizations.

Q: Does MFH fund programs for children?
A: As a general rule, we do not fund programs for children under the age of 12 unless they are designed for a family audience that includes adults and children.

Q: Do we need to have 501(c)3 tax status?
A: No, but your fiscal agent must have 501(c)(3) status.

Q: Does MFH fund scholarly research in the humanities?
A: No, not unless it is part of a public humanities project.

Q: Does MFH fund media projects and theatrical productions?
A: MFH supports media projects and theatrical productions that explore humanities themes with the participation of humanities scholars. MFH offers three kinds of media grants for films: pre-production grants for research, scripting, and creation of a trailer; production grants; and distribution grants. Projects must have received pre-production funding from the Foundation to be eligible for a production grant. Please note: applications for production grants are considered only at the November and May deadlines.

Q: Does MFH fund publications?
A: Under some circumstances, including when a book project has extraordinary publication expenses, a small audience, and multiple authors, MFH provides subvention grants. Contact Hayley Wood (hwood@mfh.org) for more information on subvention grants.

Q: How often can a group apply to MFH? Can a group submit more than one proposal?
A: We don't limit the frequency or number of applications, but we do try to spread out our limited resources. It is unusual for an applicant to receive more than one grant in any given year.

Q: Does MFH fund operating expenses?
A: No. MFH provides project support only.

Q: Does MFH fund capital expenses?
A: No.

Q: Are there other expenses MFH doesn't fund?
A: MFH does not fund refreshments or entertainment; institutions' indirect costs; courses given for academic credit; scholarships, fellowships, or travel to professional meetings; or the preservation of objects or archives unless directly related to a public program.

Q: Does MFH provide multi-year support?
A: No, except in unusual circumstances.

Q: What size grants does MFH give?
A: In FY 2004, the maximum award is $5,000; most grants will be in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

Q: When are the grant deadlines?
A: Proposals are due on the first business day of November, February, May and August. Media proposals are accepted only at the November and May deadlines.

A draft including the project description, budget, and budget explanation must be submitted at least two weeks before the final deadline.

Q: How long after we submit our application will we be notified about our grant?
A: No more than 90 days.

Q: How long after notification can we begin spending the grant money?
A: Grant expenses should not be incurred until 30 days after notification. Grantees receive 90 percent of the grant monies at the beginning of the grant period and 10 percent after submitting a final report.

Q: What percentage of applications are funded?
A: MFH funds about 75% of the proposals it receives.

Q: Who reviews grant applications?
A: A Grant Review Committee consisting of members of the MFH board of Directors reads the proposals and makes recommendations to the full board.

Q: Does the applicant have to be based in Massachusetts?
A: Yes, although occasionally in the case of film projects the project director is based outside of Massachusetts.

Q: What is the role of the humanities scholar in an MFH-funded project?
A: The scholar may participate as planning consultant, researcher, lecturer, panelist, or workshop leader--but he or she must be an integral part of the project.

Q: Must the scholar(s) have a Ph.D.?
A: Most project scholars have an advanced degree in the humanities such as an M.A. or a Ph.D., but occasionally a person's expertise and experience qualify him or her as a scholar.

Q: Can the project director also function as the scholar?
A: Yes, as long as he or she is qualified to do so. However, it's better if the scholar can brings an additional, outside perspective to the project.

Q: Is a Scholar's Statement always required?
A: Yes, unless staff advises otherwise. However, drafts of Scholar's Statements are not required.

Q: What is the difference between a cash and an in-kind cost-share?
A: When actual money changes hands and can be documented with receipts and canceled checks, as it does in the case of salaries, equipment rental, postage, travel, etc., that expense is considered in the "Cash" column. When goods or services are donated, as in the case of volunteer time, that amount is considered in the "In-Kind" column.

Q: How much is the cash cost-share?
A: The cash cost-share must be at least 10 percent of the total MFH funds requested.

Q: Should the budget cover the entire project or only that portion that MFH is being asked to fund?
A: The budget should provide a picture of the entire project as well as the role of MFH. The project description, as well, should explain how funds will be raised for the entire project.

Q: How many copies of the final application do I submit?
A: Submit the original and 10 two-sided copies.

Q: Where do I send the final application?
A: Proposals must be received in our Northampton office by 5:00pm on the day of the deadline:
Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, 66 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060.

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