NEH Announces Funding Opportunity for Museums and Historic Sites on the History of American Excellence

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is pleased to announce a new grant program to support exhibitions and historic site interpretations designed for public audiences.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NEH has modified the agency’s Public Humanities Projects funding opportunity to support public programs focusing on: American Military History and Valor; The American Dream and Economic Freedom; America’s Role on a Global Scale; or the U.S. Semiquincentennial. 

NEH’s Public Humanities Projects funding opportunity offers grant awards of up to $75,000 for planning, and up to $750,000 for implementation of museum exhibitions or interpretive projects at U.S. historic sites that deepen public understanding of topics or historical events related to these four themes. 

“The United States’ 250th anniversary is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the nation’s exceptional history and celebrate its many cultural, economic, military, and political contributions,” said Acting NEH Chairman Michael McDonald. “The NEH Public Humanities Projects grant program will assist museums, historic sites, and other cultural organizations across the country in developing exhibitions and interpretive programs that commemorate this historic milestone.” 

The Public Humanities Projects funding opportunity responds to the January 29, 2025 Presidential Executive Order “Celebrating America’s Birthday,” and is part of the agency’s larger A More Perfect Union initiative focused on exploring America’s story and celebrating its 250 years of cultural heritage. 

The deadline for applications for Public Humanities Projects is September 10, 2025. 

Interested applicants should consult the NEH website for additional information. Questions about the funding opportunity may be directed to @email

National Endowment for the Humanities: The National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at neh.gov.