Get ready to plan for 2027: AHA’s Major Grants are back, offering up to $15,000, per project, for humanities-rich public programs statewide! Our monthly Mini Grants remain available, as well, providing up to $2,500 for smaller projects.
NEW grant guidelines Schedule a call Applications open August 10
For eligibility and project requirements, visit our new Grant Guidelines, updated for September 2026 – April 2027. These guidelines apply to both Major and Mini Grants.
2027 planning: AHA’s next two Major Grant deadlines — October 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027 — offer perfect timing for nonprofits, schools, and governmental agencies to apply for funding in support of 2027 public programming.
America at 250: In 2026, AHA encourages Mini Grant applicants to consider applying for projects that help Alabamians explore our nation’s founding history and principles. These include opportunities to reflect on how Alabamians have pursued a more perfect union, and to engage in community conversations about our shared future. Other humanities topics will continue to be considered, as well.
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AHA awards Alabama Public Humanities Grants to Alabama-based nonprofit organizations, accredited public and 501(c)(3) institutions of higher education, state and local government agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals for a variety of projects. The three essential components of successful grant proposals are active public participation, strong humanities content, and direct involvement of humanities scholars.
Projects examples include:
–Lectures and panels discussions
–Conferences and symposia
–Cultural and literary festivals
–Book clubs and reading discussions
–Teacher workshops
–Oral history projects
–Temporary and traveling exhibitions
–Documentary films or series
–Podcasts, apps, or other digital media
Designed for flexibility, Mini Grants feature a simplified and quicker application process, monthly deadlines, and no required cost share match. Mini Grants often support, but are not limited to, singular programs and events — such as lectures, panel discussions, or symposia — or other low-cost projects like moderated book clubs and small traveling exhibitions.
Major Grants are offered three times a year, require a 1:1 cost share match, and support a broad range of projects. Commonly supported projects include lecture series, temporary exhibitions, oral history projects, humanities-rich conferences and festivals, documentary films, and humanities-centered podcasts.
UPCOMING DEADLINES:
Major Grants
Mini Grants
Note: Optional drafts for Mini Grants may be submitted at least a month before your chosen deadline.
NEW grant guidelines
AHA encourages all applicants — and particularly first-time applicants — to contact AHA’s grants director to discuss project ideas and verify eligibility before beginning the application process. Calls can be scheduled to discuss your proposal or to answer any grant-related questions you might have.
Schedule a call
To strengthen your proposal, we encourage you to submit a draft application for feedback. Draft applications are due one month before each grant’s final deadline, and must be submitted through AHA’s online grants portal.
AHA Grants Portal
In 2025, AHA grants funded 36 public programs statewide, despite substantial federal funding cuts
Meet our 2025 granteesFor more information, contact AHA Grants Director Graydon Rust at grust@alabamahumanities.org or schedule a call.
