CHICAGO – The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) invites non-profit organizations to apply for funding for public humanities projects. Proposals for major grants of up to $10,000 are due by February 15, 2006. Any non-profit group, organization, or institution in Illinois is eligible to apply for funding from the Illinois Humanities Council for a public project in the humanities. The IHC funds many types of humanities projects, including documentary films, local and community history projects, literary symposia, and oral history projects.
Prospective applicants may review and download guidelines and grant applications by visiting www.prairie.org/Grants. Copies of the grant information may also be requested by calling 312.422.5580 or by sending an email to ihc@prairie.org. IHC program officers are available for consultation by phone as well. First time applicants are encouraged to seek consultation and submit a draft proposal.
The IHC makes it a priority to fund projects developed by, for, or aimed at reaching new or historically neglected audiences. These include but are not limited to residents of rural communities, men and women with little formal education, inner city or other underserved youth (in after school or weekend programs), people who are economically disadvantaged, or the elderly. The IHC especially invites applications from organizations that serve these communities and strongly encourages other applicantsto extend their proposed programs to include such audiences.
The active participation of humanities scholars who encourage critical thinking and analysis in a public forum is integral to all IHC-funded public programs and therefore must be included in all phases of the project. The proposal must present a project that is public in character and be sponsored by a non-profit group, organization, or institution. The IHC requires that all projects share at least 50% of the total project budget, provide a plan for evaluation, and comply with all federal debarment and nondiscrimination statutes in their proposal.
Although the IHC is dedicated to fostering an advanced learning environment with the help of scholars and academics, the IHC does not fund individual research or other endeavors intended primarily for the academic community. The IHC is invested in reaching communities and the public at large and therefore does not fund academic courses for credit, scholarships, or fellowships, nor does it fund performing or creative arts as ends in themselves. IHC funding is not allotted for projects for fundraising purposes; advocacy or social action groups; construction or restoration costs; or for purchases of permanent equipment, library, or museum acquisitions. General administrative fees for the sponsoring organization must not be paid for with IHC funds nor will money be given for food and/or beverage costs.
For further information about the IHC or the grants program, please contact us at 312.422.5580, email us at ihc@prairie.org, or visit our website at www.prairie.org/grants.
The Illinois Humanities Council is a nonprofit educational organization [501 (c) 3] dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Organized in 1973 as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
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