Missouri Humanities Semiquincentennial Grants

The Missouri Humanities (MH) Grant Program offers funding to support humanities-based projects and programs in Missouri. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, museums, libraries, educational institutions, local governments, and civic associations. Applications are welcomed from underserved communities, particularly those that have infrequently or never applied for funding. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. Projects must serve audiences within Missouri and focus on one or more humanities disciplines such as history, literature, cultural heritage, or philosophy. MH provides two types of grants: Mini Grants (up to $5,000), reviewed quarterly, and Major Grants ($5,001 to $15,000), reviewed biannually. Applications for Mini Grants are accepted from October 1 to November 1 and April 1 to May 1, while Major Grant applications are accepted from January 1 to February 1 and July 1 to August 1. Projects funded must include interactions between public audiences and humanities experts such as scholars, educators, or authors. Eligible activities include interpretive exhibits, workshops, panel discussions, humanities-based media projects, and public forums. Costs such as honoraria for speakers, facility rentals, publicity, and accessibility-related expenses can be covered. However, the grants do not fund operating expenses, permanent staff salaries, construction projects, or projects lacking humanities content. A 1:1 match is required, which can include in-kind contributions or cash. Applicants are encouraged to submit drafts for review at least 20 days before the deadline. Draft reviews are designed to improve the chances of success but do not guarantee approval. Successful applicants must notify state legislators of their award, include MH’s logo in promotional materials, and submit a final report within 90 days of the project’s completion. Organizations with incomplete past reports are ineligible for new funding. For further assistance, applicants can contact MH staff at clarice@mohumanities.org or call (314) 371-8788. Applications are submitted via the Foundant system, and projects should be scheduled no earlier than 60 days after submission to allow for publicity and alternative planning if funding is not approved. The MH grant program emphasizes equity, inclusion, and accessibility, making it a valuable resource for promoting humanities-based engagement in Missouri communities.