Are program officers available by phone or e-mail to answer questions? Yes. Applicants are encouraged to contact us to discuss applications prior to their submission. Staff assistance is more effective if initiated early in the planning stages of a project. The staff can be reached at 202-606-8380 or education@neh.gov.

What other help is available? A list of recent awards is available and applicants may ask for samples of previously funded projects. Also, program officers are able to look at proposal drafts that are submitted six weeks before the deadline. Staff responses to preliminary proposals are not part of the formal review process.

How do I know whether my project is more appropriate for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) or the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)? If your project involves the creation of musical compositions, dance, painting, poetry, short stories, novels, or projects that focus on arts performance or training, then NEA would be a better choice for your application. NEH supports projects that provide an analytical, reflective, or historical perspective on the arts.

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.

My previous application for a materials or curriculum development grant was unsuccessful. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances for success next time? You may obtain copies of panelists' comments about your project. Requests must be in writing or by e-mail.

May I apply for more than one NEH grant at the same time? Yes, but there are certain restrictions. Individuals may not simultaneously hold an NEH fellowship and serve as a project director of another grant. Applicants interested in applying for more than one grant should consult with a program officer. Although one project may lead to another project, each grant application is evaluated on its own merit, and awards are not given in anticipation of receiving another NEH grant.

How long do I have to wait to hear about the outcome of my application? The review process generally takes around six months.

I am writing an application for a grant. Who will be reading and evaluating my proposal? Specialists and non-specialists will review your proposal. Show how the project relates to scholarship in the project's field, and describe its methodology with reference to current standards and best practices, but explain the goals and procedures in simple, understandable terms for non-specialists.

When will I be notified of the result of my application? You will be notified by letter no later than the end of March following your October submission of an application. NEH staff will ordinarily not contact you in the interim.

How long a grant period should I request? The amount of time you request depends on the type of project. Curriculum Development Projects can last from 12 to 18 months, while Materials Development Projects can last up to three years.

What if my institution lacks the resources necessary to organize a competitive project? All applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partner organizations on projects as a way of sharing scarce human and financial resources. Not only do partnerships help stretch resources, but they also expand potential audiences for projects.

Does my institution need a grant writer to prepare an application? No.

If my institution receives NEH funding, may we also accept funding from other sources? Yes. Applicants are encouraged to seek support elsewhere. Submitting proposals to other funders has no bearing on how NEH reviews proposals. We do ask that you tell us about those applications, so we understand the project's funding situation.

What is a humanities scholar? Someone who has an advanced degree in a discipline of the humanities is generally considered a scholar. Scholars can provide context for the project's issues, help identify relevant humanities themes and ideas, and lead study and discussion of those texts and topics.

May my institution receive funding for a materials development project that only our students and faculty members will be permitted to access? No, any materials or curriculum must be made available to the widest possible audience.

May my institution request $300,000 for a single project combining curriculum development and materials development? No.

Does the amount that we request include indirect costs? Or are indirect costs in addition to the amount? Indirect costs should be included in the amount that you request.

When should I start consulting with scholars about a project? As a general rule, the earlier that scholars are involved in a project the better. Usually projects recommended for grants are ones in which scholars have helped shape the project's conceptual framework.

Is it acceptable to rely on a single scholar for a project? Projects that rely on input from a single scholar are not as competitive as others. Working with a number of scholars allows participants to explore a diverse range of interpretive possibilities.

How do I find the right scholarly advisors for a project? Check with your local college or university to see if any faculty members have relevant expertise or could suggest the names of other scholars. State humanities councils often maintain lists of scholars who have participated in public programs. Finally, call an NEH program officer to ask for samples of funded projects to see what kinds of scholars have participated in other projects.

How can I make my institution's application more competitive? Competitive applications have the following components: a clear and concise rationale that justifies why the project is important to an understanding of the humanities, a detailed and precise description of significant humanities ideas and themes to be addressed by the project, a related reading list or bibliography that shows consideration and understanding of relevant resources in the humanities, a feasible workplan, appropriate staffing, and a detailed evaluation plan with benchmarks for the project's progress.