Mini-Grants

Geographic Scope: Indiana

Mini-Grants support the development and implementation of public humanities programs in Indiana communities. These grants are part of Indiana Humanities' broader grants portfolio to help organizations create humanities programming.

Eligibility

• Tax-exempt organizations registered with the IRS
• K-12 schools, colleges and universities
• Public libraries
• Churches
• Government entities
• NOT eligible: Individuals, nonregistered entities, for-profit entities
• No fiscal sponsorship allowed

What They Fund

• Public humanities programs such as exhibitions, author talks, reading-and-discussion programs, walking tours
• Programs focused on history, literature, languages, philosophy, archaeology, ethics, jurisprudence, comparative religion, world cultures
• Art history, theory and criticism (but not creation, display or performance of art)
• Social sciences with humanistic content/methods
• NOT: General operating support, food banks, shelters, humanitarian services, art creation/performance

Program Requirements

• Programs must be open to the public (may target specific audiences but should generally be equally accessible)
• Programs in schools and prisons may serve select audiences
• Admission may be charged but should be nominal (no more than movie ticket cost)

Important Note

Status as of April 11, 2025: Indiana Humanities is pausing most grants programs due to termination of NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) funding. Contact George Hanlin, director of grants, at ghanlin@indianahumanities.org for current status.

Contact

• Email: grants@indianahumanities.org
• Phone: 317.638.1500
• Contact: George Hanlin, Director of Grants (ghanlin@indianahumanities.org)

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility
   • Verify your organization is tax-exempt and registered with the IRS
   • Confirm your organization type is eligible
2. Review Guidelines
   • Review the grant call for proposals at indianahumanities.org/grants/
   • Confirm your humanities program aligns with funding priorities
   • Review scoring rubric to understand evaluation criteria
3. Prepare Application Materials
   • Project title and description
   • Project director name and contact information
   • Organization Employee Identification Number (EIN)
   • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - required if awarded; register at sam.gov if you don't have one
   • Project budget (template provided with grant listing)
   • Resumes of team members
   • Letters of support
   • Answer narrative questions (specific questions listed in each grant's call for proposals)
   • Accessibility information
4. Submit Online Application
   • Complete application through Indiana Humanities' online portal
   • Link to portal included with each grant listing
   • Allow substantial time for completion
5. Follow-up
   • If awarded, provide UEI before funds can be dispersed
   • Register for UEI early if you don't have one (can take several months)

Questions Before Applying

Contact grants@indianahumanities.org or call 317.638.1500 to discuss program eligibility, which grant to apply for, and application questions.