Since 2022, thousands of Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State have participated in hundreds of literary events and activities funded by Florida Humanities. As part of Florida Humanities’ affiliation with the Library of Congress Center for the Book, this funding opportunity is designed to support engaging public humanities programs at book festivals that celebrate the joy of reading, foster meaningful conversations between authors and readers, and encourage an appreciation of Florida’s diverse literary landscape.
Hosted in communities both large and small statewide, Florida Humanities-funded book festivals have featured engaging author and illustrator talks and book signings, writing workshops for aspiring authors, panel discussions with authors from diverse genres, reading activities for families and children, and many other literary-inspired events.
Sunshine State Book Festival, Gainesville
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 (available through SAM.gov) and Federal ID number (FEIN available from the IRS). The FEIN will be used to verify the organization’s nonprofit and financial status using GuideStar.
Organizations that have previously received two or more Book Festival Grants from Florida Humanities must demonstrate how their proposed programming is reaching new or expanded audiences.
Organizations seeking support for an inaugural Book Festival or with no prior experience hosting a literary event must demonstrate a working partnership with an organization that has an established history of presenting literary-focused programming.
Organizations with a currently open Florida Humanities Book Festival Grant.
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 Book Festival Grants. However, we strongly encourage academic institutions interested in conducting public programming as part of a book festival 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 Programs We Support
Applicants may request up to $10,000 to support the design and implementation of public humanities programming presented through a variety of formats. Previously funded book festival activities have included:
Keynote presentations with local, regional, and nationally-recognized authors
Readings and moderated panel discussions with authors across various genres
Workshops for aspiring authors, poets, and illustrators
Designated activity areas for families including storytimes and hands-on literary activities
Open mic sessions for poetry readings and poetry slams
Funding has also been provided to support complementary activities designed to increase audience reach and accessibility. These activities may occur before, during and immediately after a book festival and have included:
Book clubs, reading and discussion groups, and book displays hosted by public libraries
On-demand, pre-recorded author readings featured on a festival website
Public programs associated with “One Book, One Read”, NEA Big Read, and National Poetry Month initiatives
Design and printing of brochures that highlight local authors and literary heritage sites
School-based programming such as author visits and student writing workshops
Florida Humanities-funded Book Festivals and complementary public programming are typically free to attend and may occur over a single day, multiple days, or longer. Events may occur in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
Download and thoroughly review the grant guidelines for more information about Book Festival Grants, including eligibility requirements and funding priorities.
This application requires the submission of an initial Letter of Interest (LOI). LOI’s must be submitted in Florida Humanities’ online grants system by no later than six months prior to the proposed programming start date.
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 four months prior to the proposed programming start date.
