Dialogues on the Experiences of War

The "Dialogues on the Experience of War" program, offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), supports humanities-focused discussion programs that explore the experiences and meaning of military service and war. With a maximum award amount of $100,000 and a period of performance of twelve to twenty-four months, this program aims to foster intellectual community and social connections among veterans and nonveterans through facilitated discussions. Projects funded under this program can take various forms, including bridge programs for veterans pursuing education, community discussion series hosted by veterans' organizations or cultural institutions, seminars for the public, or reading and discussion programs for veterans in the justice system. The goal is to deepen participants' understanding of the human costs of war, civic engagement, veteran identity, and the legacies of military service. Each project must include at least two discussion programs centered around humanities resources related to war and military service, exploring at least two conflicts in depth. Additionally, applicants must create preparatory programs to train facilitators who will lead these discussions. Projects should include teams of humanities scholars, veterans, and other individuals with relevant experience. Applications for the next cycle are expected to be available on June 16, 2025, with a deadline of September 16, 2025, and project start dates in May or September 2026. NEH offers an optional draft review for applicants by August 1, 2024, providing feedback to help improve submissions. The program encourages interaction with NEH staff for guidance on project ideas before final submission. Historically, this program has received an average of 21 applications annually, with a funding ratio of 19%, resulting in about four awards per year. It is designed to benefit veterans and the broader community by encouraging thoughtful discussions on topics related to war, using a variety of approaches and humanities resources.