South Carolina Awards in the Humanities (Governor's Award, Akers Prize, McMeekin Award)

Q: How much funding does South Carolina Awards in the Humanities (Governor's Award, Akers Prize, McMeekin Award) provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

SOUTH CAROLINA HUMANITIES COUNCIL

Foundation Annual Humanities Grants Grants for Arts

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

June 14, 2026

67 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

South Carolina Awards in the Humanities

Status: Active - Nominations now being accepted through June 14, 2026

Geographic Scope: South Carolina

Program Overview:
Established in 1991, the South Carolina Awards in the Humanities celebrate the Palmetto State's humanities academics and advocates. SC Humanities has awarded 110 Governor's Awards since 1991, 17 Fresh Voices Awards/Akers Prizes since 2018, and the inaugural McMeekin Award in 2025.

Award Categories

Governor's Award in the Humanities

Recognizes outstanding achievement in humanities research, teaching, and scholarship

Honors institutional and individual participation in helping communities understand cultural heritage or humanities-related issues

Celebrates excellence in defining South Carolina's cultural life to the nation or world

Acknowledges exemplary support for public humanities programs

Akers Prize (formerly Fresh Voices in the Humanities Award)

Recognizes individuals working in unique and innovative ways to use culture and history to bring people together

Focuses on efforts that may have gone relatively unnoticed beyond their own community

Renamed in 2023 to honor Dr. Randy Akers, longstanding SC Humanities Executive Director who retired in 2025

McMeekin Award

Recognizes individuals and organizations providing exemplary support and understanding for public humanities programs

Honors efforts that broaden engagement with or help preserve and expand South Carolina's access to important humanities resources

Inaugural award made in 2025

Eligibility:

Individuals, organizations, and institutions may NOT nominate themselves

Third-party nominations required

Contact Information:

Phone: 803-771-2477

Mailing Address: PO Box 5287, Columbia SC 29250

Office Address: 2711 Middleburg Drive Suite 203, Columbia SC 29204

Event Details:

Award ceremony held at SC State Museum on Thursday, October 15, 2026

Information about sponsorships and individual tickets forthcoming

How to Apply

Nomination Process

All nominations must be submitted via online form at the SC Humanities website.

Required Materials:
1. Letter describing the contributions of the nominee (up to three pages)
2. Resume or CV for nominated individuals
3. 1-3 letters of support
4. Contact information for the nominee including:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address

Important Notes:

Individuals, organizations, and/or institutions may NOT nominate themselves

All nominations must come from third parties

Deadline: Sunday, June 14, 2026

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