The Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities Grants Program provides funding for public programs that promote a better understanding and appreciation of the humanities among the general public in Hawai‘i.  Each year the HCH awards grant funds to individuals as well as nonprofit organizations and public institutions throughout the state to support activities that apply the humanities—such as history, philosophy, ethics, religious studies, literary studies, art history, and anthropology—to our everyday lives.

HCH grants have helped a number of libraries, museums, colleges and universities, historical societies, and other nonprofit organizations sponsor public humanities programs that encourage the diffusion of knowledge beyond the academic setting and foster public involvement in civic dialogue.  These grants support public programs developed for Hawai‘i audiences that not only encourage public exchange of ideas but also explore relevant topics including local history, literature, art, music, ethics, and cultural traditions.

The HCH Grants Program is an important source of support for numerous individuals and nonprofit organizations each year.  Prospective grant applicants are encouraged to visit our Grants Awarded section to gain a broader perspective on the type and range of grants made in recent years.  These lists of past grants provide an opportunity to see the diverse reach of HCH funding and the creative resources of former grant recipients.

Grant Types

HCH offers three types of grants:

• Preservation & Access (up to $5,000)
• Publication Assistance (up to $2,500)
• Regular (based on the current HCH Grants Program budget, projects are unlikely to be funded over $10,000)

Deadlines There are two grant deadlines per year.  Applications for any of the grant types are welcome at each deadline.  Online applications must be submitted by:

• February 13, 2015
• October 30, 2015

Before applying for a grant, we strongly encourage you to discuss your project with the HCH director of grants and special projects.  Please be ready to describe your project, including how it connects to the humanities and how it will reach Hawai‘i’s people.