Grants Available from the Foundation
Project Grants
The Foundation makes project grants to support lecture series, professional development for teachers, public forums, post or pre-performance discussions, film screenings with discussions, reading and discussion programs, oral history projects, and other public humanities activities in Massachusetts. In most cases, the maximum award for a grant for a public program is $5,000, and most proposals the Foundation receives fit under the general category of "public program."
Projects that address the "Liberty and justice for all" theme, cultural economic development projects, and pre-production media projects are eligible for a maximum of $10,000. The Foundation also gives project grants to support exhibitions, publishing subventions, and media (radio, film, or video) projects. All of these grant opportunities are described below. Smaller grants are available; they have their own application requirements.
"Liberty and justice for all"
Our current thematic initiative, "Liberty and justice for all," gives priority to public humanities programs that explore two fundamental principles in American political life, and their interplay, past and present.
Cultural Economic Development Grants
A new category of project grants with $50,000 in funding provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council's John and Abigail Adams Arts and Humanities Program. This program is designed to "promote innovations in the arts and humanities that have the capacity to revitalize communities, stimulate income, create or enhance jobs, and attract tourism."
Exhibition Grants
The Foundation makes three types of grants to support the planning, implementation, and promotion of humanities exhibitions.
Media Grants
The Foundation makes grants to support radio programs and films that explore humanities themes. Currently, film and video grants are only available for pre-production and post-production/distribution.
Subvention Grants
The Foundation offers a limited number of publishing subvention grants to university or other nonprofit publishers when certain criteria are met.
Smaller Grants
The following grants each have separate simplified applications and requirements.
Reading & Discussion Grants
MFH supports reading and discussion programs led by qualified humanities scholars. Participants meet on a regular basis at their local library or community center for discussions organized around four to six books connected by a theme. Applications may be submitted at any time. Notification is immediate. For a catalog of 100 program themes, a directory of experienced discussion leaders, and a simplified application, call the Foundation at (413) 584-8440.
Local History Grants
Small historical organizations may apply for a Research Inventory Grants (maximum of $1,000) to support the costs of conducting inventory projects designed with specific research questions in mind. In 2008, there will be two deadlines: January 15, and May 15. Please contact the Foundation's Local History Coordinator at (413) 584-8440 or email localhistory@mfh.org for more information and application materials before submitting an application.
The Scholar-in-Residence program funds original research by scholars that advances the interpretation and presentation of history in Massachusetts historical organizations, museums, and libraries. Grants provide stipends of $2,000 to scholars and up to $500 to host organizations to defray administrative costs. Application deadline in 2008 is March 15th. Please contact the Foundation's Local History Coordinator at (413) 584-8440 or localhistory@mfh.org before submitting an application.
Proposal Development Grants
Although applicants normally absorb the costs of applying, a proposal development grant of up to $500 may be requested if the applicant lacks the resources needed to develop a major grant proposal. Funds may be used to cover payments to humanities scholars and other consultants, travel costs associated with planning activities, duplication, and postage. These grants are intended to assist applicants for major grants who lack institutional support. Receipt of a proposal development grant obligates the recipient to submit a proposal within one year but does not guarantee its subsequent approval. Applications may be submitted at any time. Notification is immediate. Contact the Northampton office for an application.
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