Humanities Iowa Announces 2006-07 Grant Opportunity

In June 2006, Humanities Iowa received its third We the People implementation grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. A portion of this award of $85,540 is earmarked for re-grants, and grant applications are currently requested from qualifying not-for-profit organizations serving Iowans.

We the People ­supported projects may offer a broad, interdisciplinary view of the circumstances and people that contributed to cultural, economic, and civic progress in the U.S. However, programs and projects that address "ethnicity, diversity, and identity" - those that explore how cultural and ethnic diversity has informed and challenged our ideas of identity ­ will be prioritized by Humanities Iowa. Nonprofits are also encouraged to create programs for the general public that promote inclusion of multicultural perspectives and values of diversity. Topics of ethnicity and diversity in our heritage can be explored through documentary film, seminars, conferences, exhibits, and other formats.

Support for We the People projects is made through our two regular grant programs; mini grants (up to $2,000) and major grants ($2,001-$15,000).

Projects must have a start date after July 1, 2006, although projects with activities that are already completed will not be given retroactive consideration.

Grants may be used for direct program/project expenses such as honoraria for scholars, their travel costs, publicity and promotional expenses, and facilities and equipment rental.

Requests for support of operating costs (including staff salaries), capital improvements (equipment, land, restoration, or acquisitions), international travel costs, individual or personal research, and other expenses do not qualify.

Grants are competitive. Applications received early will be given priority, and awards will be made until the fund is exhausted. All We the People funds will be committed by December 2007.

Humanities Iowa's complete grant guidelines and application forms are available on the Humanities Iowa website (http://www.humanitiesiowa.org). Questions and initial inquiries should be directed to grants staff at (319) 335-4150 or by emailing cheryl-walsh@uiowa.edu