Deihl Humanities Grants

Grants from the GMCF Arts and Humanities Fund—with a particular emphasis on the humanities—support projects that bring the human experience to life through dynamic public programming. These projects aim to spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding of what it means to be human.

The humanities encompass a wide range of disciplines that explore human values, history, culture, and connection. Whether through storytelling, critical reflection, or community dialogue, humanities programming should offer audiences meaningful opportunities to explore ideas, engage with diverse perspectives, and reflect on the world around them. Successful projects will help audiences make sense of social contexts, examine values, and engage in thoughtful discussions about the past, present, and future.

Eligible formats include (but are not limited to): interpretive exhibitions, community conversations, town halls, panel discussions, speaker presentations, book talks, and film screenings. Each event or experience must include a facilitated learning component that encourages both intellectual engagement and critical thinking—offering participants not just something to learn, but something to reflect on.

Projects may address international, national, regional, or local topics, but must clearly connect to issues of local relevance and resonate with the community. Proposals that demonstrate creativity and innovation are especially encouraged.

Importantly, funded projects should maintain neutrality and avoid promoting any particular viewpoint. A balanced representation of perspectives is essential to ensure thoughtful, inclusive, and respectful exploration of complex ideas.

Application Guidelines – GMCF Deihl Humanities Fund

When submitting a proposal for Humanities funding, applicants should ensure that the humanities are at the heart of the project. Funded programs should engage the public through thoughtful interaction, intellectual exploration, and meaningful dialogue.

Successful proposals will:

• Clearly demonstrate a strong humanities focus, with programming designed to spark conversation, encourage critical thinking, and connect participants through shared learning experiences.

• Identify at least one subject expert—typically a scholar or professional recognized in a humanities discipline—who is actively involved in the planning and/or execution of the project. Be sure to detail their role and relevant expertise.

• Target adult audiences within the general public, fostering inclusive and accessible experiences.

• Include a strategic plan outlining how the program will reach its audience, where it will take place, and how the humanities content will be presented and enriched.

• Provide a comprehensive budget that accounts for all expected project expenses. This should include subject expert fees and travel, promotional costs to build audience engagement, and educational materials or resources.

  • Please note: Grant funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before project approval or after the project completion date.

• Request funding of $10,000 or more.

• Not require ongoing support from GMCF after the completion of the funded project.

• Be submitted by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or in partnership with one.

Grantees are required to submit a final report and form within 30 days of the program date. Failure to submit a final report will result in ineligibility for future GMCF funding until the report has been received and approved.

Apply for a Grant

Grant Final Report