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Public Humanities Program Grants support projects that preserve, promote, and share the history, literature, cultures, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. These projects aim to create opportunities for bringing people together to not only reflect on our history and heritage but also our current cultural and civic life.

All approved projects will have a 12-month grant period. Funded programming may begin no sooner than six weeks after the grant period start date. Grant expenditures for program planning and development may begin as soon as the grant period start date.

This funding opportunity requires the initial submission of a Letter of Interest (LOI) in Florida Humanities’ online grants system. LOIs request basic information about your organization, your proposed project activities, and estimated funding request. Review of this preliminary information ensures your organization meets our general eligibility requirements and your project is clearly aligned with our funding priorities before being invited to complete a full application.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from Florida-based nonprofit organizations, state or local governments or one of their agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Eligible applicants must have both a verifiable Unique Entity ID (SAM.gov) and Federal ID number (FEIN). The FEIN will be used to verify the organization’s nonprofit and financial status using GuideStar.

Applications from the following types of organizations and/or types of projects will be prioritized for support:

  • Small to mid-sized organizations with preference given to those with an annual operating budget of less than $500,000
  • First time applicants and those who have never received funding from Florida Humanities
  • Organizations located in a Rural Area of Opportunity (RAO) or an economically distressed community
  • Projects designed for underserved audiences or communities
  • Projects that consider appropriate accessibility accommodations when planning their programming
  • Projects that are free and open to the general public

Applications will not be accepted from:

  • Individuals, for-profit organizations, foreign governments/organizations
  • Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor

Organizations that are requesting support for a recurring event, or a program that has previously been funded by Florida Humanities, must demonstrate how their proposed programming is reaching new or expanded audiences or addressing new or different themes/topics.

Eligibility Criteria for Colleges and Universities

Due to current funding limitations, we are not able to accept direct applications from colleges and universities or their various departments for Public Humanities Program Grants. However, we strongly encourage academic personnel interested in conducting public programming outside their campus community to partner with an eligible non-profit organization to submit an application for support. The nonprofit organization must be the applicant organization, be integrally involved in the development and implementation of the proposed programming, and be responsible for all grant management and reporting including the expenditure of all awarded funds.

Types of Projects We Support

Grant funding may be utilized to support the design and implementation of programming presented through a variety of in-person and digital or virtual formats. Previously funded projects have included but are not limited to:

  • Public lecture series, panel discussions, and community forums grounded in the humanities
  • Facilitated reading and discussion groups
  • Exhibitions with complementary humanities-based public programming
  • Oral history or story collection projects that share community histories through public programming or digital archives
  • Films with post-screening facilitated discussion
  • Humanities-based media projects such as podcasts, mobile apps, short films, and radio programming
  • Living history presentations and demonstrations of traditional arts
  • Interpretation at historic sites
  • Scholar-led walking tours

Central to all projects is the involvement of humanities scholarship and subject-area expertise to create programming that meets the needs and interests of a defined public audience. Projects that foster collaboration between multiple community partners are highly encouraged.

2026 Area of Interest – America’s 250th
America is a nation of diverse ethnicities, stories, and perspectives. Every town has a fascinating story to tell of the people who are woven into their cultural heritage. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Florida Humanities is interested in Public Humanities Program proposals that include community activities designed to mark the country’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.  Ideas and resources for Semiquincentennial programming may be found through the following organizations:

  • American Association for State and Local History — Download a free copy of their Making History at 250 field guide and browse a number of publications, webinars, blog posts, and other resources to help your community prepare for the Semiquincentennial.
  • America250— Learn more about the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and their efforts to create programs that inspire Americans to renew and strengthen our democracy and celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
  • American Academy of Arts & Sciences—Download a free copy of Our Common Purpose, a report created by the bipartisan Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship for recommendations on how to strengthen America’s civic culture and create a more resilient democracy.

Questions?
Contact us.

grants@flahum.org

Steps to Apply

1

Read the Guidelines

Download and thoroughly review the grant guidelines for more information about Fall 2026 Public Humanities Program Grants, including eligibility requirements and funding priorities.

Download Guidelines
2

Submit a Required Letter of Interest

The Fall 2026 application requires submission of an initial Letter of Interest (LOI). LOIs must be submitted in Florida Humanities' online grants system by no later than 12 PM (EST) on June 3, 2026.

Submit LOI
3

Submit Final Application

Applicants with an approved LOI will be given access to a final application in Florida Humanities’ online grants system. Final applications must be submitted by no later than 12 PM (EST) on August 5, 2026.

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