MHC: Mini Grants

The Missouri Humanities Council offers Mini Grants aimed at supporting humanities-based projects and programs. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and civic entities based in Missouri. The grants encourage engagement with humanities scholars, fostering community life through open exchanges of ideas. Funding may cover various expenses such as speaker fees, supplies, and promotional costs, aiming to expand understanding and participation in cultural activities. Special consideration is given to underserved communities and first-time applicants.

NOTE: Grant application submissions may start 2 weeks prior to deadline.
MH’s goals for its grant program are to help Missourians have opportunities to interact with humanities scholars and experts, to experience the connection between the open exchange and exploration of ideas and active participation in community life, and to expand understanding of ourselves and the world beyond our boundaries.
MH may grant full or partial funding as it deems appropriate.

Eligibility

Who may apply:MH will consider any proposal to support humanities-based projects or programs submitted by a non-profit organization or a civic, educational, or cultural organization that operates as a non-profit, including (but not limited to) schools and other educational institutions, local government and governmental agencies, and civic associations.Organizations may apply individually or in partnership with other eligible entities and organizations (in the case of multiple partners participating in the grant project, only a single organization can serve as the applying entity).The principal offices of the applicant organization must be within the state of Missouri and must have a DUNS number for your organization.Audience:The audiences and/or communities being served by the proposed program or project must be located within the state of Missouri.Grant applicants should plan to accommodate audience members with disabilities.
Accessibility should be noted in event publicity.Any costs associated with expanding the accessibility of an activity are allowable as an expense of a grant.In -kind and/or Cash Match Requirements:MH will not fund 100% of the costs associated with a program or project.The applicant organizations must show in their grant request that they and/or other partners in the project will be contributing in-kind goods and services and/or cash amounts that are at least equal to MH’s contribution in covering costs of the grant-funded activity.Frequency:

• Applicants may receive up to two consecutive grants.
• Grant-funded activities should not be scheduled earlier than 60 days from the grant request submission deadline.
• MH grant funds can be used for the following:

Honoraria and travel for speakers, consulting scholars, and program presentersInstructional, interpretive and office supplies directly needed to support a funded activityFacility and equipment rentalPublicity and promotional expensesCommunication expenses, including telephone and internet chargesMaterials, labor and design fees for interpretive exhibitsAcquisition of AV equipment for interpretive exhibitsAdministrative expenses (outside of regular staff salaries)Accessibility-related expensesPrintingMH will also assist with funding for projects such as (but not limited to):Interpretive exhibitsContent-based web site enhancementsLiving history and museum theater presentations that include interpretive elementsPresentations in the creative and performing arts that include humanities-based discussionTeachers’ workshops in the humanitiesPanel discussions and other types of public forums on humanities-related topicsMedia and publication projects that support the mission of a humanities-based organization or institutionCultural Heritage ProgramsA key factor that MH council members will consider in evaluating applications is whether or not humanities experts or scholars are involved in the planning, development, and execution of the activity.

Ineligibility

Individuals and for-profit entities may not apply for MH grants.New grant applications will not be accepted if current/previous awarded grant(s) is/are not in compliance.MH Grant Funds cannot be used for the following:Programs or projects that have no humanities-related content, interpretation or discussionPrograms that advocate a particular religious or political point of viewIndividual research unrelated to a program being funded by MHCapital improvements such as construction, acquisition of equipment, artifact or structural restoration and/or preservation costs that are unrelated to an interpretive exhibitMuseum or library collection acquisitions, except for modest expenditures directly related to an interpretive program or projectSalaries or wages for permanent institutional staffGeneral operating supportFood or liquorEntertainment that is unrelated to program contentIndividual study to obtain an academic degree