The competitive Public Humanities Grants support collaborative initiatives that bring humanistic research and creative work into the public sphere. These grants are intended to foster meaningful engagement through exhibits, events, digital platforms, performances, artistic work, or publications.
Aligned with the Commons’ mission to address the pressing issues of our time, these grants are designed for supporting projects that create space for public dialogue, reflection, and action beyond the university.
Grant categories
Seed Project Grants
Up to $500 — 5 grants available
These grants provide small-scale funding for exploratory or pilot initiatives. They are ideal for researchers seeking to convene collaborators and develop early-stage public programming, multimedia, or digital projects with potential for growth. Projects must include tangible early outcomes (e.g. prototypes, pilot programs, draft exhibit) and present a clear vision for future development and growth.
Alan Marcus Grants
Up to $2,500 — 1 grant available
Named for a generous donor to the Critical Humanities Commons, these grants support public-facing projects with significant potential for impact and engagement. Proposals should include a detailed plan for implementation, dissemination, and long-term sustainability. Successful applications will clearly demonstrate how the project advances the Commons’ mission to make humanistic research accessible and relevant to broad audiences.
Graduate Project Grants
Up to $2,500 — 2 grants available
These grants are dedicated to Humanities graduate students to support programming or interdisciplinary initiatives to foster intellectual exchange. Graduate conferences, workshops, or symposia are such traditional examples, but proposals presenting more creative public humanities projects are welcome.
Application guidelines
Proposals that present a realistic, actionable plan for competition will receive priority in the selection process. Strong proposals will articulate both the public significance of the work and how it will be effectively executed within the proposed timeline and budget. Successful applications will be required to submit a one-page report after project completion. Where applicable, recipients may be expected to showcase the project at a Commons exhibit and/or deliver a talk in the Critical Encounters speaker series.
The 2027 cycle is now open.
- Application deadline
- November 23, 2026
- Notification of awards
- By January 8, 2027