Apply for a Grant

Mini grants (award amounts up to $3,000)

A mini grant is for organizations seeking funding for amounts up to $3,000. Applications are accepted year-round and are evaluated upon receipt. We prefer to receive mini grant applications at least four weeks before the start date of the project, but we can sometimes accommodate shorter deadlines.

Applications can be submitted online.

A1:1 cash or in-kind match is required.

Major grants (award amounts from $3,001 to $10,000)

A major grant is for organizations seeking funding for amounts up to $10,000.

Summer major grant applications have a deadline of May 1

Grants are awarded in mid-June. Projects should begin after July 1.

Fall major grant applications have a deadline of October 1.

Grants are awarded in late-October. Projects should begin after December 1.

Electronically submitted applications should be submitted no later than midnight of the deadline. Mailed submissions should be postmarked no later than the date of the deadline.

A 1:1 cash or in-kind match is required.

Humanities Iowa (HI) grants fund humanities programming that engages communities, non-profit organizations, and humanities scholars in the crucial stories that have shaped and are shaping our state of Iowa and the nation. These stories are to be shared in public settings and may include, but are not limited to, symposia, community storytelling events, a cultural discussion series, exhibitions, post-performance/film conversations, and, rural archives preservation for public access. In our grant selection process, we are especially interested in funding projects that make new stories heard, that support rural communities, that bring out elements of Iowa that are distinctive to our state, and that engage new groups in receiving HI funding for the first time.

Salaries and fringe benefits – We cannot support salaries or fringe benefits for permanent or temporary employees. Organization staff may be paid honoraria for project work under certain circumstances (see FAQ for more information).

International travel – Travel expenses are not allowable if incurred outside of the U.S., its territories and possessions, or Canada.

Recreation and food – Costs related to amusement, social activities, and entertainment will not be funded.

Performances in the creative and performing arts, unless they contribute to or provide humanities perspectives. Living history re-enactments, for example, are eligible (see FAQ for other examples).

Commercial enterprises – The applicant organization must be a not-for-profit organization, although tax-exempt status is not required.

Individual or personal research, unless the research is integral to a proposed project’s public program.

The writing or publication of books –  However, a publication generated as the result of a public program is allowable.

Curriculum design or review

Academic courses, scholarships, fellowships

Endowments

Capital projects (“bricks and mortar”) – We do not support the purchase or restoration of capital equipment, land, buildings, museum or library acquisitions, or the like.

Political activities – HI cannot consider funding any project advocating, lobbying for, or funding any particular political or social party, ideology, or action.

Fundraising activities – HI cannot fund telephone solicitation, fundraising events, or professional fundraiser fees.

Programs not open to the public – Reasonable admission may be charged to help cover direct project costs. University and college applicants must clearly demonstrate an attempt to reach the general public through content, format and promotional plans

Programs primarily for children or student audiences – Inter-generational programs (for students and parents, for example), may be considered for funding, however.

Projects by applicant organizations with active Humanities Iowa grants –  This includes grants with complete project activities but incomplete/unsubmitted final fiscal and evaluative reports.

Pre-award expenses – We do not support project costs incurred before the grant is awarded.

Indirect costs – Grant funds may be applied only to direct costs of the project. Overhead or facilities and administrative costs may be included in the project only as part of cost-sharing, using the applicant’s normal institutional rate. The costs related to meeting COVID guidelines may also be included as part of cost-sharing.