General Guidelines

Types of Grants and Deadlines

Humanities Disciplines

Who Can Apply & Project Formats

Application Process

Criteria for Review

Sample Publicity Plan

Application Budget Instructions

Approval

Grant Instructions and Application Forms:

Planning Grants

Major and Mini Grants

Teacher Incentive Grants

Research Fellowships

Any non-profit organization, institution, individual, or ad hoc group may receive a grant. Examples of eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:

• Social service organizations and clubs
  
• Churches
  
• State and local governmental agencies
  
• Business and professional groups
  
• Schools
  
• Corporations
  
• Public radio and television stations
  
• Museums
  
• Historical societies
  
• Public libraries
  
• Arts organizations
  
• Colleges and Universities

Informal groups organized solely to submit a grant may also apply for funding. Applicants need not be incorporated as a non-profit organization or have official tax-exempt status, but they must be able to demonstrate that they are "not for profit" and that they can manage all aspects of the project adequately.

PROJECT FORMATS

Virtually every practical format has been used in IHC-funded projects. Often several formats may contribute to the presentation of topics in one project. Please specify on the application cover sheet the primary format for your project from the following categories:

• Exhibits
  
• Media - specify television, radio, technology (cd, web), film, slide,
  photography, or video
  
• Publications - specify newspaper, magazines, catalogues, guides, books
  
• Fairs and festivals
  
• Museum projects
  
• Library projects
  
• Workshops
  
• Discussions (book, film, lecture and discussion)
  
• Conferences
  
• Student projects
  
• Teacher projects
  
• Preservation and access projects
  
• Local history projects

RESEARCH, BOOK PUBLICATION, FILM PRODUCTION
AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

IHC rarely funds pure research, except through its Research Fellowship program, though most successful public projects require some research in preparation for the central discussion features.

IHC funds relatively few book publications. IHC can, however, fund honoraria for scholars to write essays for tabloids and books, provided the publications are likely to reach large public audiences and promote understanding and appreciation of the humanities.

The Council funds relatively few film projects. Because of special considerations relating to film projects (high costs, length of time from scripting to production to distribution, the difficulties of obtaining broadcast commitments, etc.), the Council encourages film project applicants to show adequate financial support from parties other than IHC. The Council also encourages applicants to provide pilots, rough-cuts, or previous work samples to accompany media proposals.

Except for Teacher Incentive Grants, IHC rarely funds curriculum development.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL IHC-FUNDED PROJECTS

• The Idaho Human Rights Education Center received IHC support to develop a self-guided tour of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in Boise.
  
• Idaho Public Television received IHC funding to underwrite American Experience, the award-winning documentary series about our nation's history.
  
• The Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho received an IHC grant to assist with Fiesta Idaho, an event showcasing and examining Mexican culture and the history of Hispanics in Idaho, including lectures held before and after the festival.
  
• Bonneville County Historical Society received IHC support to develop its first major exhibit on the regional history of eastern Idaho at its newly expanded Museum of Idaho.
  
• University of Idaho Philosophy Department received IHC support for its philosophy conference on time and identity.
  
• The Sierra Club received an IHC grant to bring a national John Muir Chautauquan to Boise to deliver a historical presentation portraying Muir and using his words to address issues of conservatism.
  
• Lewis-Clark State College received IHC funding for a video documentary exploring the life of historian Alvin Josephy and his evolving perceptions of Native Americans through the course of his journalistic career.
  
• Oakwood Elementary teacher Melinda Harris received an IHC Teacher Incentive Grant to purchase videos to enhance her 5th grade American History curriculum.
  
• Sandy Rayborn, Riverglen Junior High School, received a Teacher Incentive Grant for her student's oral history project focusing on American wartime veterans.
  
• Dr. David Adler received an IHC Research Fellowship grant to conduct research for his book about the Supreme Court's role in the expansion of presidential power and the historic relationship of the presidency and the constitution.

TYPES OF PROJECTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

IHC will not provide grant support for:

• Projects that involve direct action or the planning of direct action to resolve social issues of public policy or public concern
  
• Projects that influence an audience toward a single position or present a one-sided, uncritical treatment of an issue
  
• Scholarships or fellowships for academic credit or the completion of a formal degree
  
• Performances in the arts, unless their primary role is to foster discussion of literature, history, philosophy, or other humanities disciplines
  
• Museum acquisitions, unless they are directly related to the implementation of a public humanities project and will be used extensively after completion of the project
  
• Building construction, acquisition, or restoration costs (including historical preservation costs)
  
• Equipment purchases unless approved by the Council as essential to the funded project
  
• Projects which raise funds for profit or for commercial purposes
  
• Food, alcoholic beverages, refreshments, or entertainment for projects or project-related activities
  
• Candidates running for political office