Opportunity Information: Apply for 20201216 FZ
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), through its Division of Research Programs, offers the Public Scholars grant program to help individual authors produce well-researched nonfiction books in the humanities that are written for a broad public audience. The central goal is to support the kind of sustained research and writing time that serious trade-facing humanities books require, so that the final publication is both intellectually rigorous and accessible to general readers. Funding can be used for key activities that move a book-length project toward publication, including research, writing, travel, and other related work that strengthens the manuscript and supports completion.
A defining feature of the program is its focus on bridging scholarly quality and public reach. It is explicitly designed to serve two complementary groups: writers outside academia who want to deepen the research foundation of a humanities book, and academic humanities writers who want to translate specialized expertise into engaging, readable work for non-specialists. In practice, that means the program values projects that can demonstrate both credible humanities methods and sources, and a clear plan for communicating the significance of the topic beyond academic circles.
This opportunity is a discretionary federal grant (CFDA 45.160) with eligibility limited to individuals rather than institutions. The award ceiling is $60,000, and NEH anticipated making about 25 awards in the referenced cycle. The opportunity was created on September 9, 2020, with an original application deadline of December 16, 2020. Overall, Public Scholars is aimed at strengthening public humanities by helping authors turn strong ideas and research into compelling nonfiction books that can reach wide audiences through publication.Apply for 20201216 FZ
- The National Endowment for the Humanities in the humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Public Scholars" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 45.160.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 09, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 16, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $60,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Individuals.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NEH Public Scholars Grant Program
What is the NEH Public Scholars grant program?
The Public Scholars grant program is offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through its Division of Research Programs. It supports individual authors who are producing well-researched nonfiction books in the humanities written for a broad public audience.
What is the main purpose of this grant?
The central goal is to provide sustained research and writing time so authors can complete serious, trade-facing humanities books that are both intellectually rigorous and accessible to general readers.
What kinds of projects does the program support?
The program supports book-length nonfiction projects in the humanities intended for a wide public readership. The emphasis is on projects that combine strong humanities research with clear, engaging communication for non-specialists.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to individuals. This opportunity is not described as being open to institutions based on the information provided.
Is this grant intended for academics, non-academics, or both?
Both. The program is explicitly designed to serve (1) writers outside academia who want to deepen the research foundation of a humanities book, and (2) academic humanities writers who want to translate specialized expertise into readable work for a general audience.
What makes a project a strong fit for this program?
A defining feature is the program's focus on bridging scholarly quality and public reach. Strong-fit projects can demonstrate credible humanities methods and sources and also present a clear plan for communicating why the topic matters to readers beyond academic circles.
What activities can grant funds be used for?
Funding can be used for key activities that move a book-length project toward publication, including research, writing, travel, and other related work that strengthens the manuscript and supports completion.
Does the program support the writing phase, the research phase, or both?
Both. The grant is intended to support sustained time for research and writing, along with related activities that help bring a manuscript to completion.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $60,000.
How many awards does NEH expect to make?
NEH anticipated making about 25 awards in the referenced cycle.
Is this a federal grant?
Yes. It is described as a discretionary federal grant.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number provided for this opportunity is 45.160.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on September 9, 2020.
What was the application deadline in the referenced cycle?
The original application deadline listed for the referenced cycle was December 16, 2020.
What is the program ultimately trying to achieve?
Overall, Public Scholars aims to strengthen public humanities by helping authors turn strong ideas and research into compelling nonfiction books that can reach wide audiences through publication.
Is the program focused on academic publishing or public-facing publishing?
Based on the description, the program is geared toward trade-facing, public-facing nonfiction books that are rigorous but written for broad audiences rather than only academic specialists.
Does the program require that the final product be a book?
The program is described as supporting nonfiction books and book-length projects in the humanities, with activities aimed at moving a book-length manuscript toward publication.
Does the program emphasize accessibility to general readers?
Yes. A core aim is for the final publication to be accessible to general readers while maintaining intellectual rigor.
Does the program prioritize any particular aspect of humanities work?
It prioritizes both credible humanities research (methods and sources) and effective public communication (clear significance beyond academic circles).
Which NEH unit administers the program?
The program is offered through NEH's Division of Research Programs.
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