http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/wtpchallenge.html

Range of Awards: $30k – $1,000,000.00

Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501©(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.

Description: As part of its We the People initiative, NEH invites proposals for challenge grants designed to help institutions and organizations secure long-term improvements in and support for humanities activities focused on exploring significant themes and events in American history. NEH is particularly interested in projects that advance knowledge of the founding principles of the United States in their full historical and institutional context.

Grants may be used to support long-term costs such as construction and renovation, purchase of equipment, acquisitions, and conservation of collections. Grants may also be used to establish or enhance endowments that generate expendable earnings for program activities.

Because of the matching requirements, these NEH grants also strengthen the humanities by encouraging nonfederal sources of support.

Applications are welcome from colleges and universities, museums, public libraries, research institutions, historical societies and historic sites, public television and radio stations, scholarly associations, state humanities councils, and other nonprofit entities. Programs that involve the collaboration of multiple institutions are eligible, as well, but one institution must serve as the lead agent and formal applicant of record.