The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

Grant Program

Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

Apply for a Grant

Eligibility

Any incorporated non-profit organization in Virginia is eligible to apply. Incorporated nonprofit organizations based outside of Virginia are also eligible if their project deals with a subject or subjects directly related to Virginia and a significant audience within the state is anticipated. Individuals are not eligible to apply for VFH Grants.

The Application

Download the Application and Guidelines

Proposal Requirements:

  1. Application cover sheets (budget page must be signed by project director and financial officer)
  2. A separate narrative that provides:
    • A rationale or statement of need, why the project is important
    • A concise but thorough description of the project
    • An explanation of the relationship between the work proposed and the mission of the applicant organization
    • A list of key project personnel and a description of their role(s)
    • Evidence of the direct involvement of humanities scholars.
    • A plan of work, including a schedule for completion of the project
    • Identification of audiences to be served
    • A plan for promoting the project and reaching the audience(s) identified
    • A description of project outcomes and anticipated benefits
    • A description of how the project’s success will be evaluated
  1. Resumes or vitae for key project personnel (Open Grant Program, only)
  2. Letters of support (suggested but not required)
  3. Additional materials that may support the application (a list of exhibit items, for example)
  4. Any other materials or information as described in the Special Guidelines section

Special Guidelines

Please download our Application & Guidelines for a complete list of requirements including special instructions for film and video projects, teachers' institutes, media or website projects, and oral history projects.

Restrictions on Funding

VFH Grants may not be used to support the following:

  • Advocacy or political action programs that promote a particular solution or point of view
  • Creative or performing arts, unless they are used in a supporting role to enhance discussion of issues
  • Research or writing unless these are integral to programs having a direct public audience
  • Subvention of publications
  • Courses for credit, except those designed especially for teachers
  • Acquisition of equipment
  • Building construction, restoration, or preservation
  • Refreshments or entertainment
  • Meals, other than necessary travel expenses for program personnel
  • International travel
  • Indirect costs
  • Projects whose primary audience is children or youth
  • More than 50% of a project's total cost
  • Expenses incurred or paid out before a VFH grant award is made

For more information on VFH Grant policies and procedures, please read the VFH Grant Manual (doc).

Submission Format

Proposals must be postmarked by the application deadline. Facsimile and electronic submissions will not be accepted. Use white, letter-size paper. Staple each complete copy, including the original, in the upper left-hand corner. Do not use binders, covers, or title pages. Project Director and Financial officer must sign Budget Sheet; please send original with ink signatures.

Number of Copies:

  • Open Grant Program: Original plus 15 copies (16 proposals in total)
  • African American Mini Grant Program: Original plus 15 copies (16 proposals in total)
  • Discretionary Grant: Original Only (1 proposal in total)

Personnel

The participation of all speakers, advisors, consultants and other project personnel should be confirmed by the time the proposal is submitted. The term "humanities scholar" may include:

  • Teaching or research college faculty
  • Local historians or independent scholars who have a strong record of scholarship
  • Professional museum curators
  • Librarians, writers, and others whose work is strongly grounded in the humanities
  • Persons representing various cultural traditions—a Native American tribal chief, for example—if they are recognized as spokespersons for their traditions.

Review Criteria

Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Decisions are made by the VFH Board of Directors, in consultation with the Virginia Foundation staff. In making its decisions, the Board considers the significance of the project and its overall prospects for success; the involvement of the humanities and humanities scholars in the project; the qualifications and experience of the project personnel; the immediate and long-term impact of the project on a well-defined target audience, which generally should include the general public; and the relationship of the project to the goals and priorities of VFH and the Grant Program.

The number and size of grants awarded in any cycle or year are limited by the funds available. Following the guidelines and meeting all the stated eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. In choosing among equally compelling projects, VFH may consider geographic distribution, diversity of institutions and communities to be served, and other factors. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within ten (10) days following any action taken by the Board. Inquiries about the status of proposals during the review period are strongly discouraged.

Staff Assistance

VFH staff is available to advise prospective applicants at any stage of the process. All applicants are urged to contact the staff prior to submission of their proposals. Draft proposals may be submitted by fax, hard copy, or as e-mail attachments. We recommend that drafts be submitted at least three weeks prior to the deadline to allow time for a thorough staff review. For more information, please call 434-924-3296 or email vfhgrants@virginia.edu.