Iowa Humanities Mini Grants

Iowa Humanities Mini Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Iowa Humanities
Amount: Up to US $3,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Iowa Humanities Mini Grants provide funding up to $3,000 for organizations aiming to promote cultural understanding and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round, with a preference for submissions at least four weeks before project start dates. Humanities scholars play a vital role in these projects, encouraging public dialogue and critical thinking. However, due to funding constraints, the availability of these grants is currently uncertain as federal funding has been terminated until further notice.

Overview

The Mission of Humanities Iowa To promote understanding and appreciation of the people, communities, culture, and stories of importance to Iowa and the nation. A key component of a Humanities Iowa grant is the active participation of humanities scholars who encourage dialogue, critical thinking and analysis in a public setting. A humanities scholar has particular training or experience qualifying him or her as a professional in one or more of the disciplines of the humanities. One qualification is an advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in a humanities field of study. However, individuals without an advanced degree may qualify as humanities scholars because of their methods of research, inquiry and teaching. Humanities Iowa recognizes that scholarship and learning occur outside of traditional academic pursuits. Humanities Iowa also values and respects training and preparation found in diverse cultural traditions. Projects that involve scholars in a public capacity include activities such as lectures, readings and discussion, films and discussion, public conferences and symposia, exhibitions, or theater or concert program notes and discussions. A Humanities Iowa grant also may be used to retain the services of a humanities scholar for a short period of time to improve the quality of an organization’s humanities offerings. Consultation projects include humanists-in-residence working with communities, teachers and students. They also include developing exhibitions, creating educational programs and interpreting collections. Humanities scholars should be included in the planning of the proposal as well as the execution of funded projects. Mini Grants 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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; a 1:1 cash or in-kind match is required.The applicant organization must contribute or generate support for the project that at least equals the grant request. This support could be in the form of cash contributions or in-kind support from third parties, such as volunteer time or donated space for programs. Grants may also be awarded as challenge match grants requiring documentation of match.HI grants support humanities programs for the out-of-school adult public.Projects must involve a humanities scholar to support the humanities components of a project as well as to learn with you in partnership. Humanities scholars have particular training or experience, usually with an advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) in a humanities field of study. If useful, HI will be able to connect interested groups and individuals with humanities scholars who would be interested in working with you in this capacity. Humanities scholars should be included in the planning of the proposal as well as the execution of funded projects. Grants may be awarded as an outright award or conditionally, with requirements to be filled prior to final approval of award.Grants are awarded to not-for-profit organizations that serve the Iowa public.An organization does not have to be incorporated as a nonprofit or have tax-exempt status to be eligible for Humanities Iowa grants.Eligible organizations may include:incorporated non profit groupsinstitutions of higher educationunits of federal, state and local governmentsNative American tribal governmentsgroups of persons that form an association to carry out a projectTypical formats of programs/projects funded by HI:Literary reading/discussion or lecture/discussion programs led by at least one scholar. Discussion/interpretation programs focused on the showing of films, performances, videotapes/DVDs, and exhibits. 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. Scholar-led walking tours and accompanying interpretive brochures. 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. Arts programs that place works in their historical, political or social context. Web design projects with scholarly input that bring humanities content to the public.All applicant organizations must be registered with the Federal System for award management (SAM) prior to receiving any award assistance from Humanities Iowa.

Ineligibility

For-profit organizations and activities are ineligible.What These Grants Do Not Fund: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.Commercial enterprises.The applicant organization must be a not-for-profit organization, although tax-exempt status is not required.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.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.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.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.Performances in the creative and performing arts, unless they contribute to or provide humanities perspectives. Living history re-enactments, for example, are eligible.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 plansPrograms primarily for children or student audiences. Intergenerational 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.