NMHC Grant Policies & Procedures The New Mexico Humanities Council (NMHC) accepts applications for funding to conduct high quality humanities programs for public audiences throughout the state.
What are public humanities programs?
Public: They are intended primarily for adults who are not full-time students and for families. They are programs widely advertised and held at times and in locations accessible to the general public.
Humanities: The act that established the National Endowment for the Humanities says, "The term 'humanities' includes, but is not limited to, the study of the following: language, both modern and classical; linguistics; literature; history; jurisprudence; philosophy; archaeology; comparative religion; ethics; the history, criticism, and theory of the arts; those aspects of social sciences which have humanistic content and employ humanistic methods; and the study and application of the humanities to the human environment with particular attention to reflecting our diverse heritage, traditions, and history and to the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of national life."
NMHC will also fund projects that deal with the historical and human values aspects of science and technology.
Programs: They may vary as widely as New Mexico's communities and audiences. These programs bring scholars and the public together in a dialogue that enhances the civic and cultural life of the citizens of the state. For examples of recent programs funded by NMHC, please browse our grants section, read our newsletter, or request a list of grants (if one is not already enclosed). Note the formats, deadlines, and required consultations listed on the application cover sheet. If you are uncertain whether or not yours is a fundable project, please call and talk with us about it.
What types of grants are available?
* Mini Grants: provide up to $2,000 for a public humanities program, (Direct or Challenge Awards).
* Regular Grants: provide more than $2,000 of NMHC funds for a public humanities program. The average regular grant funded by NMHC is about $5,500, (Direct or Challenge Awards).
* Direct Grant Awards make an outright award of NMHC funds. Like all NMHC grants, the grant must be matched, which means that other sources must meet at least half of the project's total costs. For a Direct Grant this requirement can be satisfied entirely with in-kind contributions, such as donated facilities, services, and time. Direct grants may also be matched with a sponsor's cash.
* Challenge Grant Awards match cash gifts from third parties. Applicants with the ability to raise cash gifts from businesses, foundations, or individuals are encouraged to apply for a Challenge Grant. Challenge Grant awards provide up to $1 in NMHC funds for each $1 in eligible gifts. Eligible gifts must be 1) cash rather than donated goods, services, or time; 2) from individuals or organizations with no other role in the project; 3) non-federal in origin; and 4) properly documented.
Exclusions: what projects can not be funded?
NMHC policies & guidelines exclude grant funding for the following types of projects, activities and costs: - "bricks and mortar" projects such as construction, renovation, or preservation.
- fine or performing arts, though NMHC often funds programs that interpret the arts (such as history, theory, criticism).
- equipment purchase (in some cases, NMHC may fund a purchase if it is more economical than rental for a project; such equipment reverts to NMHC at the end of the project).
- grantee fundraising events or events intended to make a profit.
- curriculum development.
- broadcast quality film or video projects; NMHC will fund films or videos if they are an integral part of another project, such as a video as part of an exhibit or oral history project.
- publication, unless it is directly linked to public programs, such as a gallery guide or interpretive program notes.
- classroom presentations or "how to" workshops.
- fellowships or scholarships.
- professional development.
- research, except as preparation for a public program.
- activities taking place before the funding decision by NMHC's Board.
- projects that advocate only one point of view or one course of action.
- professional conference events intended solely for those registered at the conference; conference events that are open and accessible to the general public may be considered for funding.
- salaries: NMHC will pay honoraria, but not full market cost for participation in NMHC funded regrant projects.
Non-allowable costs in addition to the exclusions above: - costs occurring before or after the grant period.
- costs of meals and refreshments, unless the meals are per diem expenses for scholars or others who must travel from out of town to participate in the project and will have to stay overnight.
- indirect costs expressed as a percentage of other costs to be supported by NMHC funds. That is, if you request $3,000 for program expenses, you cannot simply add, say, 10% to cover the indirect costs of your project. However, most of what is normally included under indirect costs are legitimate project costs: telephone, postage, secretarial support, fiscal support, use of facilities, etc. NMHC funds can be requested for these purposes provided they are itemized and explained; for example, secretarial support for 20 hours @ $10/hour.
- administrative costs to cover insurance and retirement/pension contributions must be included in the honorarium figure. NMHC will pay up to $350 in honoraria per speaker for a single public event.
Who can apply? - NMHC is authorized to award grants to private, nonprofit organizations: institutions of higher education; state, local, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments; and ad hoc groups of at least two persons that form an association to carry out a project. Organizations or groups that apply for funding must be constituted for nonprofit purposes, but it is not necessary that they be incorporated or have tax-exempt status.
- Individuals working alone are not eligible to apply for NMHC grants, but may be able to find a private, nonprofit organization to serve as sponsor an applicant.
If you are funded you may receive funds with certain conditions attached: For example, you may be asked to revise your budget or provide additional documentation of support. You will also be asked to provide detailed reports during and at the end of your project, including expenditures of grant funds, cost-sharing, and evaluation. You will be asked to maintain documentation in support of your reports, such as canceled checks, invoices, donor letters, time and attendance records, etc. |
