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Humanities Festival Grants 2009 Application

 

Humanities Festival Grants

October 2009

 

In celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and National Arts and Humanities Month, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) is calling for proposals on the theme of Lincoln’s Legacy.  As president during one of our nation’s most trying times, Abraham Lincoln has had a lasting impact upon the history, culture, and political development of the United States.  NJCH invites libraries, museums, historical societies, and religious and community organizations to submit applications that examine his legacy.  As you explore this theme, you might want to consider any of the following possibilities: 

  • The history of his life and presidency
  • His acts and speeches as a statesman
  • His influence upon freedom and democracy in the United States
  • New Jersey and the Civil War
  • New Jersey and Abolition

 

The federally-created Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (ALBC) maintains a website that may provide inspiration: www.lincolnbicentennial.gov.  The “Abraham Lincoln Page” of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History may also serve as a useful source of Lincoln information: www.gilderlehrman.org/institute/lincoln.html.

 

NJCH encourages applicants to reach out to various local community groups, fostering lively and informed dialogue.

 

Humanities Festival Grant programs must use any of the humanities disciplines, such as literature, history, comparative religion, art history, folklore and ethnic studies. The Council is open to a variety of formats (e.g., lecture and discussion, oral histories, walking tours, reading and discussion programs, and storytelling).

 

NJCH will award grants of up to $500 through a competitive process in support of these projects. To be eligible for NJCH support, projects must meet the following criteria:

 

  • All programs must be open to the public, free of charge, and scheduled during the month of October 2009.
  • Applicants must be registered New Jersey nonprofit organizations.
  • The humanities must be central to the project.
  • Applicants must present a plan for attracting a diverse audience.
  • Programs must be introduced by a person possessing at least a master’s degree in a humanities discipline, who will provide a context for the program.

 

Applicants must complete and return the 2009 Humanities Festival Grant Application to NJCH postmarked no later than June 15, 2009.  The completed application should include:

 

  • A brief summary of the planned program or project, including the format and an explanation of how the project supports and amplifies this year’s theme.
  • The name(s) and a biographical sketch of the presenter(s) or other program facilitator(s), including previous public programming experience.
  • A description of the size and composition of the anticipated audience. We encourage programs for all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • The plan for marketing the program and attracting the audience.
  • The budget for program expenses. NJCH will award up to $500 in support of the program.

 

If your project is funded, you will be required to comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes and implementing regulations.  Award decisions will be made by July 31, 2009.

 

If your project is awarded a Humanities Festival Grant:

 

  • Successful applicants will receive an award letter, grant agreement, and administrative materials.
  • Full payment of funds will be made upon receipt of the following items:
    • The signed agreement forms
    • A draft of publicity that illustrates how the NJCH logo will be used and how NJCH will be acknowledged
    • Copies of letters announcing the award to your government representatives
    • Completed audit form
    • Certificate of liability insurance showing NJCH as additional insured
  • An audience survey form will be provided for distribution at your program.
  • A final report will be due by January 29, 2010.  It should include:
    • The final fiscal report
    • The project director’s report
    • A brief narrative that summarizes the humanities content and assesses the project’s success in carrying out the Humanities Festival Grant theme, engaging the audience, and reaching the targeted audience
    • The completed audience surveys
    • Five copies of all publicity materials

 

Questions about this initiative or the application process may be directed to Robert Apgar, Program Officer, at the New Jersey Council for the Humanities: (888) FYI-NJCH or e-mail rapgar@njch.org.