OVERVIEW: Humanities Washington supports cultural programs, prioritizing storytelling and groups that are underrepresented in the humanities.
IP TAKE: Humanities Washington should be on the radar of all cultural and arts groups in the state. Grantmaking targets storytelling and other cultural programs. Small, rural and other underrepresented groups stand an excellent chance here. Get to know this funder by attending an in-person or online event in your area, or reach out to an individual staff member with questions and ideas.
PROFILE: Humanities Washington was established in 1973, when the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) created 55 state and regional humanities councils. Originally called the Washington Commission for the Humanities, it continues to be funded by the NEH. According to its mission statement, Humanities Washington “opens minds and bridges divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives.” Its grantmaking “provides the financial resources for people to come together to talk, discuss, debate, feel, think, and tell stories through the lens of the humanities.” In addition to support for existing humanities programming, Humanities Washington funds new “grassroots projects conceived and implemented locally.” In addition to grantmaking, the organization organizes, runs and hosts cultural programs and events for the state of Washington including
Grants for Arts, Culture, Humanities Research and Community Development
Humanities Washington’s two main grantmaking opportunities focus on inclusive storytelling and discussion platforms.
- Opportunity Grants aim to provide broad access to humanities resources and events across the state of Washington, with a focus on “small or rural organizations” that serve underrepresented populations. Grants are typically awarded in amounts of up to $1,000 for the support of a specific project or event. See the program page for links to current guidelines and the application portal. According to the program page, this opportunity will be shifting to a sponsorship model after the 2024 cycle.
Past grantees include the Kent International Festival, the Three Dollar Bill Cinema for Seattle’s Queer Film Festival, the Family Guide for Spokane’s China Town and the Asotin County Library, which received funding for a special program, A Conversation with Anna Malaika Tubbs.
- Washington Stories Fund Grants support storytelling projects for the Washington Stories Fund, the purpose of which is “to record and share with the broader community the little-known stories of people or groups whose contributions add to the cultural richness and health of Washington State.” This program prioritizes the stories of marginalized and underrepresented groups and aims to “dismantle barriers and enhance cultural understanding through the public humanities.” Grants are awarded in the amount of $5,000 but must be matched by another funding source. See the program page for links to guidelines and the application portal.
Past grantees include the Wing Luke Memorial Foundation for its project Japanese American Resisters to WWII Incarceration and Tasveer, which received funding for its Community Speaks 2023: South Asian Social Justice Storytelling program.
Humanities Washington also runs the following programs that may be of interest to grantseekers:
- The Public Humanities Fellows program supports “early-career humanists,” including graduate students and non-profit professionals, with stipends of $5,000 and an additional grant of up to $3,500 for the development of a new “public humanities project.” This program also offers professional development resources and prioritizes support for fellows from “communities who are underrepresented in the humanities.” Check the program page for current application guidelines and due dates, as well as profiles of past fellows.
- Humanities Washington names the state’s Poet Laureate, who serves a two-year term and works to “to build awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations in geographically diverse areas of the state.”
- Information about other in-person and online events and programs are available here.
Important Grant Details:
Humanities Washington awards grants in amounts specified by its Opportunity, Stories Fund and Fellowship programs.
- Humanities Washington prioritizes storytelling and participatory cultural programs for and about groups that are underrepresented in the humanities.
- This funder accepts applications for each of its programs, but eligibility, guidelines and due dates vary significantly by program.
- Examples of past grantees and fellows are featured on individual program pages.
- Use the form on the contact page to sign up for the latest opportunities and events.
Submit questions to Humanities Washington via email at info@humanities.org or by phone at (206) 682-1770.
PEOPLE:
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