National Endowment for the Humanities
Public Scholar Program
Note to PIs
The following program summary is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It does not replace the sponsor’s actual funding opportunity announcement. Always review the most recent version of the sponsor’s full announcement to verify that the deadline has not changed and to identify the most current program requirements.
About the Program
The Public Scholar Program supports the creation of well-researched books in the humanities intended to reach a broad readership. Some humanities scholarship is necessarily specialized, but the humanities can also engage broad audiences in exploring subjects of general interest. Such scholarship might present a narrative history, tell the stories of important individuals, analyze significant texts, provide a synthesis of ideas, revive interest in a neglected subject, or examine the latest thinking on a topic. Books supported by this program must be grounded in humanities research and scholarship, making appropriate use of primary and/or secondary sources. They must also be written in a readily accessible style, addressing significant humanities themes in a way that will appeal to a large audience of general readers. Applications to write books directed primarily to scholars are not appropriate for this program. Applicants may seek support for the creation of digital or Web-based products intended to supplement the book that they propose.
By establishing the Public Scholar Program, NEH has entered a long-term commitment to encourage scholarship in the humanities for general audiences. The program is open to both individuals affiliated with scholarly institutions and to independent scholars, researchers, and writers. Projects may be at any stage of development.
Eligibility
The Public Scholar Program accepts applications from individuals, whether they have an affiliation with a scholarly institution or not. U.S. citizens, whether they reside inside or outside the United States, are eligible to apply. Foreign nationals who have been living in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least the three years prior to the application deadline are also eligible. Foreign nationals who take up permanent residence outside the United States any time between the application deadline and the end of the period of performance will forfeit their eligibility to hold an award. (Leaving the U.S. on a temporary basis is permitted.) To be eligible, applicants must also meet one of the following conditions: they must either a) have written as sole author a book published by a university or commercial press; OR b) have written at least three articles or essays appearing in publications that reach a large national or international audience of general readers. The articles or essays may be published either in print or electronically.
Award Amount/Award Period
$5,000/month for 6 – 12 months.
Application Deadline
February 5, 2020.
Award Type
Individuals