Interpreting Americas Historic Places Planning Grants | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Interpreting America's Historic Places Planning Grants opportunity?

Interpreting America's Historic Places Planning Grants is a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding opportunity that supports the planning and development of public humanities projects that use historic places as a setting to explore ideas, stories, and beliefs tied to culture, identity, and history.

2) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is designed to help organizations plan interpretive projects that go beyond basic site description and instead invite audiences to think, discuss, and reflect on how the past shapes the present, grounded in strong humanities scholarship and designed for meaningful public engagement.

3) What types of historic places can a project focus on?

Projects may focus on a single house or landmark, multiple related sites, a neighborhood, an entire community, or a broader region, as long as the interpretation is rooted in credible humanities scholarship and engages the public.

4) What does NEH mean by "interpretation" in this program?

In this program, interpretation is expected to move beyond describing a site and instead use the place as a lens for exploring humanities themes and interpretive questions that encourage audiences to reflect on connections between past and present.

5) What is the emphasis on public engagement?

A core emphasis is public engagement. NEH expects projects to encourage dialogue, discussion, and civic involvement, and to support learning for audiences of all ages.

6) What kinds of formats or deliverables can be part of a project?

Depending on the project, interpretive formats can include exhibitions, digital components, public programs, and complementary educational or community activities. Applicants are urged to think creatively, often combining more than one interpretive format.

7) What are the two NEH support tracks mentioned for this program?

NEH structures support in two tracks: Planning Grants and Implementation Grants. This listing pertains specifically to Planning Grants.

8) What does a Planning Grant fund?

Planning Grants fund development work needed before a project is ready for final production and public launch. The goal is to ensure a clear intellectual framework, credible scholarship, and a realistic approach to reaching and involving intended audiences.

9) What are examples of planning activities that may be supported?

Planning activities may include clarifying and refining humanities themes and interpretive questions; consulting with scholars; conducting preliminary audience research or evaluation; sketching early design concepts; beta testing digital tools or interactive elements; researching archives or relevant sites; building complementary programming; and drafting interpretive materials.

10) How is an Implementation Grant different from a Planning Grant?

Implementation Grants support final preparation for public presentation. They can cover final design development for exhibitions, but are primarily intended for installation and launch rather than early concept formation.

11) Is a Planning Grant required before applying for an Implementation Grant?

No. A planning grant is not required before applying for implementation, but implementation applicants are expected to have already completed most planning work.

12) What level of readiness is expected for Implementation Grant applicants?

Implementation applicants are expected to show that most planning work is complete, such as being able to submit a full exhibition walkthrough or a digital prototype or storyboard demonstrating command of the humanities content and interpretive approach.

13) Which NEH office administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by NEH's Division of Public Programs.

14) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The listing identifies CFDA 45.164 (Promotion of the Humanities - Public Programs).

15) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed for this discretionary grant program.

16) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount listed is $75,000. No minimum award amount is specified.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments; state and local governments (including counties, cities, townships, special districts); public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions where noted).

18) What are the key dates for this funding opportunity?

The posted date is October 14, 2009, and the closing date is January 13, 2010. The opportunity is noted as archived as of February 12, 2010.

19) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 20100113-BP.

20) Where can applicants find the primary information page?

The primary information page referenced is http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/IAHPPlanning.html.

21) Who can be contacted with questions about the opportunity?

Questions can be directed to NEH's Division of Public Programs at publicpgms@neh.gov or 202-606-8269, located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 426, Washington, D.C. 20506.

22) Are there limits on submitting multiple applications?

Yes. An applicant cannot submit multiple applications for the same project at the same deadline. In addition, if a project application is already under review, another application for that same project will not be accepted.

23) What kind of project scope does NEH appear to encourage?

NEH appears to encourage projects with a clear humanities-based interpretive framework that uses place-based storytelling to prompt reflection, discussion, and civic engagement, and that is realistic about how it will reach and involve its target audiences.