The Public Humanities Grant offers support for humanities graduate students as they explore the public application of their scholarly interests. Each Grantee designs and implements a public humanities project in collaboration with a community-based partner.
Applications for the 2024 award are now closed. Those interested in the grant are encouraged to review the FAQ and apply when the application reopens in January 2025.
Grant proposals may be for projects that are underway or still in development. Projects may be collaborations between two or more students; however, the application should designate one as the project director. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously been awarded the Humanities New York Public Humanities Fellowship or Public Humanities Grant.
All projects must be public-facing in a substantial way: intended for public audiences, engaging members of the public as collaborators, and/ or partnering with community groups. Projects of any format or type will be considered; however, projects that engage with issues of social justice and equity are particularly welcome.
The grant will be up to $4,000, paid in two installments: one of $3,500 upon award, and a second of $500 upon submission of a final report. The grant period begins on July 1, 2024, and grantees will have up to one year to expend grant funds. Grantees will be required to submit a final report after the completion of the grant.
Grant funds may be spent on travel expenses, consultant fees, wages for labor, participant honoraria, marketing, venue space, project materials, and media costs, among other things.
All proposals must be submitted through Humanities New York’s online portal. Applicants must create an account in advance of applying.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials:
The Humanities Centers Initiative (HCI) is an innovative statewide partnership between Humanities New York and a network of humanities centers based at nine New York State universities. Launched in 2012, the HCI supports humanities institutes, faculty, and graduate students in their commitment to public engagement.
Applicants must be enrolled as a graduate student at one of these nine universities at the time of application: CUNY Graduate Center, Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University at Buffalo, Stony Brook University, Binghamton University, the University of Rochester, or Syracuse University.
The mission of Humanities New York is to strengthen civil society and the bonds of community, using the humanities to foster engaged inquiry and dialogue around social and cultural concerns. Founded in 1975, Humanities New York is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is the sole statewide proponent of public access to the humanities. HNY is a private 501(c)3 that receives Federal, State, and private funding.
The Humanities Centers Initiative is an innovative statewide partnership between Humanities New York and a network of humanities centers based at nine New York State universities. Launched in 2012, the HCI supports humanities institutes, faculty, and graduate students in their commitment to public engagement.