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NEH Public Scholar Program (Opportunity 20160202 FZ) - FAQs

What is the NEH Public Scholar Program?

The NEH Public Scholar Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that supports the writing of well-researched humanities books intended for a broad, general readership rather than a strictly academic audience.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The core purpose is to encourage humanities scholarship that reaches beyond specialized circles and helps more people engage with subjects of wide public interest, including enduring questions about the human condition as well as contemporary issues and challenges. NEH frames the program as part of a long-term commitment to promote humanities work with wide resonance and lasting cultural or intellectual impact.

What kind of deliverable is expected from a funded project?

Funded projects are expected to result in a book. The book should be firmly grounded in humanities research and scholarship while being written in a clear, accessible style suitable for non-specialists.

Who is the intended audience for the book?

The intended audience is the general public or general readers. The program specifically emphasizes work meant for a broad readership rather than projects aimed primarily at other scholars or focused mainly on academic debates.

What writing style does NEH expect for Public Scholar Program books?

NEH expects compelling, understandable prose that translates serious humanities research into an engaging, intelligible book for non-specialists. Clarity and accessibility for general readers are central expectations.

What types of sources are applicants encouraged to use?

Applicants are encouraged to draw on primary and/or secondary sources and to use those sources to support a serious, research-based humanities book written for a public audience.

What kinds of book approaches can be competitive under this program?

NEH indicates that a range of approaches can be competitive, including narrative history, biography (or group stories centered on important individuals), interpretation of significant texts, or syntheses that bring together ideas across time, place, or disciplines.

Can a project focus on a neglected topic or figure?

Yes. NEH notes that a project could revive attention to a neglected topic or figure, as long as it addresses significant humanities themes and is presented in a way that opens the subject to a wide audience.

Can a project present new thinking on a subject for the public?

Yes. NEH notes that a project could present the newest thinking on a subject in a way that is inviting and useful to the public, provided it remains grounded in humanities research and is written for general readers.

What topics are a good fit for this opportunity?

Projects should address significant humanities themes likely to attract broad interest, including enduring questions about the human condition and contemporary issues and challenges, as long as the approach is rooted in humanities scholarship and written accessibly for a general audience.

Are proposals aimed primarily at academic debates a good fit?

No. The program emphasizes that proposals aimed primarily at other scholars or written mainly for academic debates are not considered a fit for this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to individuals. The program is open to scholars affiliated with colleges, universities, or other scholarly institutions, as well as independent scholars or researchers.

Can independent scholars apply, or is institutional affiliation required?

Independent scholars or researchers are eligible. Institutional affiliation is not required, as the program is open both to affiliated scholars and to independent scholars.

Are organizations eligible to apply?

No. Based on the opportunity information provided, eligibility is limited to individuals.

At what stage of development can a project be submitted?

NEH notes that projects may be at any stage of development, indicating flexibility for applicants who are early in planning as well as those who have already begun research or drafting.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number for this opportunity?

The funding is issued as a grant under the Humanities funding activity category, with CFDA 45.160.

What is the opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity number listed is 20160202 FZ.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity record indicates it was posted on December 1, 2015.

What is the application closing date?

The application closing date listed is February 2, 2016.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount listed in the opportunity record is $50,400.

Does the program emphasize long-term public impact?

Yes. NEH describes the program as part of a long-term commitment to promote humanities work that can resonate widely and have lasting cultural or intellectual impact.