Synopsis

The Public Scholars program encourages non-academic writers to deepen their engagement with the humanities by strengthening the research underlying their books, and it encourages academic writers in the humanities to communicate the significance of their research to the broadest possible range of readers. NEH encourages submissions from independent scholars and junior scholars. Projects are eligible at any stage in their development. The 2026 Public Scholars competition will accept only projects for research in American history and culture and Western civilization. Competitive applications must focus on topics in the history, culture, and government of the United States in any period from the Colonial Era to the present, or topics in Western civilization from antiquity to the present.
Response Date	Apr 22, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	Mar 02, 2026 12:00:00 AM EST
Archive Date
Award Ceiling	60,000
Award Floor	30,000
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants	Individuals
Additional Info on Eligibility:	N/a

Additional Information

Agency Name	National Endowment for the Humanities
Link to Additional Information:	https://www.neh.gov/grants/research/public-scholar-program
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 202-606-8204

CFDA Program(s)

• 45.160: Promotion of the Humanities Fellowships and Stipends