Grants Frequently Asked Questions
Project Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my organization required to submit an Intent to Apply Form?
Yes. All applicants must submit an Intent to Apply Form before the posted Intent to Apply deadline. Once AHC has received your Intent, we will review it and contact you regarding the project’s eligibility, competitiveness, and details about submitting a full Project Grant proposal.
Does AHC provide any support for writing a Project Grant application?
Yes. AHC encourages prospective applicants to contact us directly and discuss your project before submitting the Intent to Apply Form. We can advise applicants in creating a eligible project and competitive grant application. We do not review draft applications.
What role should a humanities scholar play in my project?
A humanities scholar, recognized expert, or traditional teacher must provide the interpretation of the humanities topic(s) to the general public. The humanities scholar(s) must have expertise in the field(s) related to the humanities content of your project.
Are individuals eligible to apply for a Project Grant?
No. Eligible applicants include organizations constituted for nonprofit purposes; civic and service organizations; local, tribal, and state governments; and academic institutions.
Does AHC fund art or performance projects?
AHC does not provide funding for the creative or performing arts elements of a public program, or the honoraria and travel expenses of individual artists. AHC can fund projects that seek to interpret, analyze or otherwise explain the social or historical context and elements of the creative arts.
How does a project "use the humanities to address contemporary social issues?"
Competitive AHC grant proposals will use the humanities to contextualize and analyze perspectives of controversial social and political issues, and provides an organized framework for respectful and civil dialogue. Projects should not advance a specific policy agenda.
Can my organization apply for funds in consecutive years?
Yes. Project Grants can be awarded to projects that re-occur, or occur on an annual basis. Applicants may also apply more than once for the same project, which is often preferable for larger projects that occur in phases. All projects should be completed within a twelve to eighteen month timeframe.
Will previous awards from AHC effect my proposal?
AHC’s Review Committee will use an organization’s past AHC grant funding activity as an example of the organization’s capacity to plan and execute successful projects as well as to administer a grant award. Each application, however, will be considered and evaluated on its individual merits, and repeat funding is not guaranteed.
What qualifies as an "in-kind contribution" and "cash contribution?"
"In-kind contributions" refer to contributions from your organization to the project that are not cash, such as: staff salaries and volunteer time, services, and facilities. "Cash contribution" refers to third party, cash contributions made to the organization. An organization may apply for up to an additional $5,000 if the applicant brings in a cash gift from a third party equal to the additional request. The gift must be committed to the specific project at the time of the grant application, and a letter or copy of the check from the gift donor(s) must be included in the proposal.
Can my organization request funds for project expenditures that have occurred before the application deadline?
No. Grant funds can only be used for project expenditures incurred after the "For Projects After" date listed with Project Grant deadlines.
What is an eligible format for my public program?
Public programs should be free, or of nominal cost, and be accessible to the general public. Formats may vary but might include:
- Lectures and discussions
- Exhibitions
- Publications
- Pre/Post-performance humanities-based discussion
- Radio, film, video, and web site projects with interpretive humanities content
Does AHC fund Teacher Institutes or in-service projects?
Yes. Projects that request funds for Teacher Institutes or in-service programs must include humanities scholar(s) in the planning, content, and implementation of the program, and will clearly state how the program content adheres, or can be applied to, the Arizona Department of Education academic K-12 standards. Please refer to "Special Guidelines" section in the Project Grant Guidelines.
Will my organization be required to acknowledge AHC on publicity material?
Yes. Federal regulations stipulate that credit be given to AHC-funded projects in all written notices, news releases, or other publicity. In all publicity and printed matter, the grantee must specify that the project is funded, supported, or made possible by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council. The name of AHC and its logo must appear in a conspicuous location and be large enough to be easily legible.
How are Project Grants reviewed?
A Committee consisting of rotating AHC Board members and two guest humanities scholars reviews applications three times a year. AHC staff members do not score applications.
If my application is not awarded, can my organization resubmit an application in a future round?
Yes. Unsuccessful applicants are advised, however, to consult with AHC regarding the outcome of the Review Committee’s discussion before resubmitting an Intent to Apply Form.
When will I be notified if my application is successful?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the Grant Review by mail six weeks after the application deadline.
Cultural Heritage Tourism Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my organization required to submit an "Intent to Apply" form?
Yes. All applicants must submit an "Intent to Apply" before the posted "Intent to Apply" deadline. Once AHC has received your Intent, we will review your proposal and contact you regarding the project’s eligibility and details about submitting a Cultural Heritage Tourism Grant application.
What organizations are eligible for Cultural Heritage Tourism Grants?
Eligible organizations include: Arizona museums, historic houses, archaeological sites and heritage centers that are constituted for nonprofit purposes, or are parts of governmental or tribal entities. Eligible organizations must own exhibit artifacts, have at least one professional staff member or the full-time equivalent, be open at least 120 days per year, and have been open on a regular basis for at least two years before the date of an application.
Does my project need to partner with a local tourism representative to market our product?
Yes. As funds may not be used for marketing materials or activities for the new product, applicants must demonstrate that their planning committees include tourism partners from the community’s chamber of commerce, CVB, and other related tourism sectors. Proposals will also need to include marketing activities to attract an out-of-town audience.
Will my organization be required to acknowledge AHC on publicity material?
Yes. Federal regulations stipulate that credit be given to AHC-funded projects in all written notices, news releases, or other publicity. In all publicity and printed matter, the grantee must specify that the project is funded, supported, or made possible by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council. The name of AHC and its logo must appear in a conspicuous location and be large enough to be easily legible.
Are traveling exhibits eligible for funding?
No. Projects must be designed as a permanent heritage tourism product that will help increase tourism numbers at established heritage sites.
Can my organization request funds for project expenditures that have occurred before the application deadline?
No. Funds can only be used for project expenditures incurred after the "For Cultural Heritage Tourism Grant Projects After" date listed with Cultural Heritage Tourism Grant deadlines.
What qualifies as an "in-kind contribution and "cash contribution?"
"In-kind contributions" refers to contributions from your organization to the project that are not cash, such as: staff salaries and volunteer time; services and facilities. "Cash match" refers to third party, cash contributions made to the organization. Cultural Heritage Tourism Grants require a $10,000 in-kind and/or cash contribution to the project. Marketing contributions from the organization’s tourism partner should be counted as a contribution.
How are Cultural Heritage Tourism Grants reviewed?
A Review Committee consisting of rotating AHC Board members and two guest humanities scholars reviews Cultural Heritage Tourism Grant proposals once a year. AHC staff members do not score individuals applications.
When will I be notified if an application is successful?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the Review Committee by mail six weeks after the application deadline.
Opportunity Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my organization required to submit an "Intent to Apply" form for an Opportunity Grant?
No. Applicants must complete an Opportunity Grant Application, which can be downloaded on AHC’s website.
Does AHC provide any support for writing an Opportunity Grant application?
AHC staff are available to advise applicants on creating eligible programs, recommend appropriate humanities scholars, and assist with the creation of a program budget. We do not review draft applications.
What role should a humanities scholar play in my project?
A humanities scholar, recognized expert, or traditional teacher must provide the interpretation of the humanities topic(s) to the general public. The humanities scholar(s) must have expertise in the field(s) related to the humanities content of your project.
Are individuals eligible to apply for an Opportunity Grant?
No. Eligible applicants include organizations constituted for nonprofit purposes; civic and service organizations; local, tribal, and state governments; and academic institutions.
Does AHC fund art or performance projects?
AHC does not provide funding for the creative or performing arts elements of a public program, or the honoraria and travel expenses of individual artists. AHC can fund projects that seek to interpret, analyze or otherwise explain the social or historical context and elements of the creative arts.
How does a project "use the humanities to address contemporary social issues?"
Competitive AHC grant proposals will use the humanities to contextualize and analyze perspectives of controversial social and political issues through the humanities, and allow for respectful and civil dialogue rather than advancing a specific policy agenda.
Will previous awards from AHC effect my proposal?
AHC’s Review Committee will use an organization’s past AHC grant funding activity as an example of the organization’s capacity to plan and execute successful projects as well as to administer a grant award. Each application, however, will be considered and evaluated on its individual merits, and repeat funding is not guaranteed.
Can my organization request funds for project expenditures that have occurred before the application deadline?
No. Funds can only be used for project expenditures incurred after the "For Opportunity Grant Projects After" date listed with Opportunity Grant deadlines.
Will my organization be required to acknowledge AHC on publicity material?
Yes. Federal regulations stipulate that credit be given to AHC-funded projects in all written notices, news releases, or other publicity. In all publicity and printed matter the grantee must specify that the project is funded, supported, or made possible by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council. The name of AHC and its logo must appear in a conspicuous location and be large enough to be easily legible.
Is there a limit to the number of Opportunity Grant awards my organization can receive?
Yes. Eligible organizations may only receive one Opportunity Grant every fiscal year (1 November 2008 through 31 October 2009).
When can my organization submit an application for an Opportunity Grant?
Eligible organizations may submit Opportunity Grant applications at any time. Proposals are reviewed by staff and approved by the Executive Director at the end of each month, with funds available within four weeks.
What are some examples of eligible formats for Opportunity Grants?
Public programs should be free, or of nominal cost, and be accessible to the general public. Formats may vary but might include:
- Lectures and discussions
- Exhibitions
- Publications
- Pre/Post-performance humanities-based discussion
- Radio, film, video, and web site projects with interpretive humanities content
- Planning and development for future AHC-eligible projects