The Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities Grants Program provides funding for public programs that promote a better understanding and appreciation of the humanities among the general public in Hawai‘i. Each year the HCH awards grant funds to nonprofit organizations and public institutions throughout the state to support activities that apply the humanities—such as history, philosophy, ethics, religious studies, literary studies, art history and anthropology—to our everyday lives.

HCH grants have helped a number of libraries, museums, colleges and universities, historical societies, and other nonprofit organizations sponsor public humanities programs that encourage the diffusion of knowledge beyond the academic setting and foster public involvement in civic dialogue. These grants support public programs developed for Hawai‘i audiences that not only encourage public exchange of ideas but also explore relevant topics including local history, literature, art, music, ethics and cultural traditions.

Prospective grant applicants are encouraged to visit our Grants Awarded section to gain a broader perspective on the type and range of grants made in recent years. These lists of past grants provide an opportunity to see the diverse reach of HCH funding and the creative resources of former grant recipients.

Grant Types

HCH offers two types of grants:

• Preservation & Access Grant (up to $7,000)
• Public Humanities Grant (up to $10,000)