Idaho Humanities Council: Action Grants

The Idaho Humanities Council's Action Grants support programs that engage with history, culture, and literature, fostering public conversations. With grants up to $750 awarded monthly, the focus is on projects that connect with Idaho’s diverse communities. Eligible applicants include government entities, museums, and nonprofits, with a preference for first-time organizations and those serving underserved groups. Notably, the grants cannot be used for advocacy or art creation, ensuring a focus on humanities-based initiatives.

NOTE: Once all funding for the current fiscal year has been spent, the IHC will not accept any additional applications. The IHC will begin accepting applications again at the start of the next fiscal year, November 1st.
IHC’s Action Grants are focused on planning and supporting programs or projects that draw on history, culture, literature, and the humanities to ignite conversations with the public. With an award size of up to $750, Action Grants are due monthly and have a 2-week waiting period for a decision.
Humanities and the Arts
While the humanities and the arts share much in common, they are viewed as two distinct categories by the federal government. The IHC cannot fund the creation of art, but research, consulting, and interpretations of artwork can be.
Examples of the humanities include:

• Cultural studiesLawHistoryLinguisticsReligionPhilosophyEthicsArchaeologyMusic theory/historyArt theory/historyMedical literatureScientific literature
• Goals of Action Grants include:
• Exploring the human experienceSupporting Idaho’s vibrant cultural organizations across the stateConnecting Idahoans through a variety of topics
• Examples of projects include:
• Exhibits
• Local history projects
• Discussions
• Planning for humanities focused programs
• Discussion programs
• Currently, the IHC’s target audience is the out-of-school adult public.
• Examples of projects supported:

reading and discussion programsexhibitsworkshopsconferences media programsdigital projects local/regional history projectsoral historiespanel discussionslecturesbook festivalsplanning for humanities programs
Note: if your project is not on this list, please reach out to the Grants Manager to discuss.

Eligibility

Who can apply:Governments (Indigenous Tribal governments, State, and Local)MuseumsLibrariesHistorical SocietiesColleges & UniversitiesNote to colleges and universities: To be considered for an IHC grant, you must show that the project or program is for the broader public, not just students and faculty. It is encouraged to have an off-campus partner, but not required.Scientific or Environmental organizationsReligious organizationsNonprofitsRequirementsAll IHC-funded action grants require the following:Experts in the humanitiesThis can be someone who has a master’s degree or higher in the humanities or related areas, a leader of a humanities/cultural organization, a tribal elder, or a local keeper of community knowledge.No advocacyOpen to the publicBrief letters of support from confirmed partners of the projectA 1:1 match of the funds requested, also known as cost shareA valid SAM Number/Unique Entity IdentifierCurrently, the IHC’s target audience is the out-of-school adult public.The IHC welcomes repeat applications for yearly programs of the same format from the same organization.The IHC expects to see changes in the program rather than an exact repeat from the year prior.Due to limited funding, the IHC will only award up to 2 grants per organization in a year, including colleges and universities.

Ineligibility

IHC funds cannot be used for the following:LobbyingAdvocacyAn effort by an individual or group to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions. This can include things like letter-writing, collecting signatures, calls to action for specific policies, and more. If you are unsure if a project has advocacy, please reach out to the IHC.Private programsPrograms with high entry costs which could be a barrier to the publicConstruction or real estateGeneral operating expenses outside of costs to run the programCollection acquisitionsProjects that do not engage in critical thinking Meals or refreshmentsAlcoholEntertainment costsCandidates running for officeCosts associate with the creation/production of artBrick-and-mortar preservation projects