Summer Seminars and Institutes

What is the most important element of an application to direct an NEH summer seminar or institute?

The most important element is the specific humanities content of the project: the significance of the subject; the topics, questions, and readings that form the core of the intellectual conversation; and the qualifications of the humanities faculty who lead the project.

Does my institution need a grant writer to prepare an application?

No.

Are program officers available through phone or e-mail to answer questions?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to discuss applications with a program officer prior to their submission. Staff will also look at drafts of proposals and share samples of previously funded projects. Call 202-606-8463 or e-mail sem-inst@neh.gov.

May I propose a seminar or institute to instruct humanities faculty in the use of Internet technology in teaching their subject?

NEH encourages the use of technology in teaching, and often summer seminars and institutes include an introduction to such resources. However, NEH does not support projects that concentrate solely on educational or instructional methods.

I see that some NEH seminars and institutes are held outside the United States. Does this mean that non-U.S. institutions may apply to conduct a seminar or institute?

No. Only U.S.-based non-profit tax-exempt institutions may apply for these grants. Seminars or institutes, however, may be held abroad if the location enhances the study of the subject.

If I hold an institute abroad, may I include my travel and living expenses while I am abroad in the project budget?

Yes.

I am an independent scholar. May I apply to direct an NEH summer seminar or institute?

Grants to support seminars and institutes are made to institutions, not individuals. Hence you would only be eligible to apply if a U.S.-based non-profit institution agrees to sponsor the project.

My institution would not be an appropriate site for a seminar but the college across town would be. Would I be permitted to hold my seminar there, and if so, how would that work out administratively?

Yes, you may hold your seminar at a different institution. You may apply through your home institution and subcontract for housing at the other institution or you could have the other institution serve as the applicant institution. Contact a program officer for further details.

Would it be permissible to co-direct an institute with a colleague who is not on the faculty of my university, which will serve as the host institution?

Yes. You may share the responsibilities of directing an institute or seminar project with another colleague, whether or not this person is employed by the sponsoring institution. In this situation, both you and the co-director (whom we generally define as any other scholar who shares the directorial responsibilities for the full period of the project itself) would receive 80% of the compensation formula set forth in the guidelines.

May non-U.S. citizens participate in my seminar or institute?

Foreign nationals who have been living in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least the three years prior to the application deadline are eligible to participate in NEH seminars or institutes. Foreign nationals teaching abroad are not eligible, although occasionally such persons might be included on the staff of a seminar or institute if they bring unique and important expertise to the endeavor.

Are home-schooling parents eligible to participate in my seminar or institute?

Yes.

When should seminars and institutes to be held?

NEH recommends that school teacher seminars and institutes begin no earlier than the end of June. Since many schools do not finish for the year until late June, it is best not to set the start date so early that it reduces your applicant pool. For college and university teachers, NEH recommends starting in mid-June at the earliest.

I'd like to hold a welcoming reception for the participants in my seminar. May I pay for this out of grant funds?

No. Sometimes a project director's academic department or the dean's office will donate funds for such events, but NEH grant funds may not be used for entertainment.

I just found out that my institution is planning on submitting two applications to the seminars and institutes program this year. Will only one be funded?

No. It is possible that both would be funded.

My institution applied for a grant last year and was unsuccessful. Will this be held against us if we apply again this year?

No. NEH regards all applications as new applications.

Is there anything I can do to increase my chances for success next time?

You may request copies of the panelists' comments in writing or by e-mail, and you may also speak with a program officer.

How long do I have to wait to hear about the outcome of my application?

Applicants will be notified by letter in October 2007.