FAQ – Humanities Iowa

Before You’re Awarded A Grant

What are typical formats of programs/projects funded by HI?

Community-conversation events focused on a particular topic, text, or performance that bring together different experts—from individuals with lived experience on that topic to scholars who have studied it
Literary reading/discussion or lecture/discussion programs that include one or several individuals with expertise such as academic scholars, community leaders, and individuals with relevant experience
Venues and platforms that make accessible to the public artifacts about Iowa’s history and cultures—these projects could range from digitizing archives to creating a local history/culture exhibit in a rural public library
Discussion/interpretation programs that integrate the arts (such as the showing of films, performances, videotapes/DVDs, and exhibits) within larger events that contain facilitated conversations and/or panel presentations to place the artistic expression within social, cultural, historical contexts
Video documentaries: all phases, but generally not the post-production phase unless an earlier phase was supported by an HI grant
Radio programs that reach large audiences
Seminars, symposia and workshops led by a scholar
Museum exhibitions: research, design, and/or implementation with an emphasis on interpretive materials and public programs
Oral history projects that involve a community and result in the production and distribution of materials (publications, tapes, videos, exhibits) to the general public
Living history programs that reflect scholarly contributions and are presented or organized by a humanities scholar
Web design projects with scholarly input that bring humanities content to the public

How can I find a scholar for my project?

In addition to contacting your local college/university, library, or museum, you may also reach out to the HI staff for help in finding a scholar. Another resource is the HI Speakers Bureau roster, located on the HI website. Members of the HI Board of Directors may also be able to help identify a scholar for your project. All of us involved with HI are willing to help connect you!

An independent evaluator is a requirement of an HI major grant, and a fee of $200 plus auto travel expenses can be paid out of the grant funds. Ideally the evaluator will be familiar with and traveling within the community in which the HI-funded event is to be held.

Does the project director need to be a scholar?

No, but a scholar should definitely be on the planning committee and program presenters should have appropriate credentials.

What are appropriate honorarium levels for project personnel?

HI grants can support the time and expertise of presenters, researchers, coordinators and others integral to the project. The level of honorarium is based on precedent for similar events, the actual number of hours/events devoted to the project by the scholar, his/her availability and public demand.

What about dance, theater and art projects?

It is critical to consult with HI staff about these types of projects prior to application. Typically, HI will not fund performance projects unless they incorporate the interpretation of the performance through a complementary lecture and/or discussion with the audience. For example, if a Scottish highlander group will dance, they can apply for project funding from HI that would allow them to offer companion activities for the public such as activities that explain the history and cultural meaning of bagpipes, traditional dress, and the dance steps. If a museum hosts an art exhibit and would like to bring in scholars to talk about a particular art movement, that project may also be eligible. Theater presentations that involve living history re-enactments (such as someone portraying the life and times of Grant Wood or Charles Darwin) may also be considered for funding.

What about creative writing projects?

NEH terms prohibit the use of federal funds to support the creation of creative writing. However, Humanities Iowa can support public programs that use creative writing as a tool for community engagement and learning within a humanities context. This means that activities like poetry slams, writing workshops, author discussions, and other events where writing is shared, discussed, or performed are eligible for funding if the project has a public-facing humanities component rather than directly funding the act of writing new creative works.

Why are the project start and end dates important?

No HI grant funds can support activities occurring prior to the project start date. The length of the grant-funded portion of projects can extend to a maximum of one year from the start date. Additionally, HI’s reporting deadlines are tied to the project end dates.

Can staff salaries be included in the Humanities Iowa Grant Request Column of the Budget Form?

As Humanities Iowa funding is limited, we would prefer to pay the direct costs of a project. If, in special circumstances, a staff member is involved in the creative, scholarly, public presentation of the project, a reasonable honorarium may be included in the project expenses. Salaries should, if included at all, be in the cash cost-share for the applicant organization or in-kind cost-share for any co-sponsoring organizations.

What criteria are used to review and evaluate applications?

Applications are evaluated based on the clarity of the proposal, the strength of the humanities content, the qualifications of the project scholars and experts, the involvement of the target audience, the feasibility of the budget, and the potential impact of the project. Humanities Iowa gives priority to projects that serve rural communities, foster intergenerational engagement, and reach a range of geographic locations in the state.

Primary considerations:

The content of the project—activities should be centered in one or more of the humanities disciplines
Focus—the project has a clearly identified focus provided by a topic or text that is analyzed and discussed using the content and methodology of the humanities
Humanities methods—critical thinking and interpretation should be evident throughout the program
Audience interest—project topics and formats should stimulate the interest of participants
Audience engagement—members of the public should be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and interpretation through project activities that promote disciplined dialogue between and among project participants and audiences
Scholar accessibility—scholars in public humanities projects should interact with non-scholar members of the public

Other important considerations:

Geographic location and the frequency of HI projects in that area
Performance history of previous HI-funded projects from applicant organization and frequency of HI grants to that organization
Repeated funding—whether the same activity has received repeated funding from HI
The importance of the project to the people of Iowa
The size or composition of the intended audience
Diversity—whether minorities, women and people with disabilities are appropriately included both in project planning and implementation

After You’re Awarded A Grant

When will grant money be disbursed?

Grant funds are generally paid out at the end of the project and upon submission of final report materials. However, the grantee may request up to 90% of the award at any time during the course of the project, provided they have submitted publicity materials to HI. At least 10% of the award will be retained by Humanities Iowa until receipt of the final report materials.

What information will we need for the final report?

Final reports must include both a narrative and financial accounting of the project. In addition, we ask grantees to share statistics and evidence of impact, such as attendance numbers, press coverage, and social media engagement. This information helps Humanities Iowa measure and share the value of your project with the public and our funders.

Please see the Project Director’s Handbook for a full list of reporting requirements.

What counts as a narrative for the final report?

You may choose one of two options:

Submit a video narrative (no more than 5 minutes long) that covers the same points. Submit a written narrative that addresses the questions outlined in the Project Director’s Handbook, OR
Submit a video narrative (no more than 5 minutes long) that covers the same points.

When is the final report due?

Final reports are due within 90 days of the end of the grant period. Timely submission of the report is required before an organization can be considered for future funding.

Can we apply again if we’ve been awarded a grant in the past?

Yes! Organizations that have successfully completed their grant requirements may apply again the following year. We encourage past grantees to reapply, especially with new projects that bring fresh voices, perspectives, and stories to Iowa communities.