National Endowment for the

Humanities

Old Post Office Building1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20506

www.neh.gov

Office of Challenge Grants

Long term strengthening of our nation’s humanities institutions

Contact:202/ 606-8309challenge@neh.gov

HISTORY

• Created in 1976 as “rescue” operation in hard economic climate.

• To increase the levels of continuing support and to increase the range of contributors

• To encourage administrative and management improvements, particularly in the field of long-range financial planning

• $9,500,000 allocation is typical since 1995.• More, but smaller, grants likely under current

NEH Chairman

CHALLENGE GRANTS CAN PROVIDE FUNDS FOR…

• Construction and renovation

• Acquisitions of equipment, computer hardware and software, bibliographic collections

• Endowments for faculty and staff positions, fellowships, research funds, library acquisition funds, computer upgrades and maintenance funds

• Development and fund-raising costs

• Bridging funds

How NEH Challenge Grants Differ from Other NEH Grants

1. Challenge grants support long-term or permanent endeavors

2. Challenge grant funds may be invested in endowments or spend-down funds, the income from which may support over the long term almost any kind of cost associated with humanities activities

3. Challenge grant funds may be used for capital expenditures such as construction and renovation, acquisitions, purchase of equipment,

4. Challenge grants are all matching funds (also known as Treasury funds), as opposed to outright or direct funds, and involve substantial fundraising on the part of the grantee.

MIX AND MATCH IS OK...• For a $2 million challenge grant initiative

• $400,000 to renovate space in the campus library

• $500,000 for new computers and software

• $1 million as endowment, yielding $50,000/year

• faculty fellowships

• software upgrades

• salary supplements for technical staff• $100,000 for fund-raising costs

CHALLENGE GRANTS ARE MATCHING AWARDS…$3 for each $1 Federal

(No longer the case that subsequent awards require

$4 for each $1 Federal)

Match an NEH challenge grant with nonfederal monies

- State and local tax levy funds OK

Gifts in Kind; unrestricted gifts; planned gifts all possible

Fundraising & the Economy

Challenge Grants Fundraising Pattern Fiscal Years 2001-2009(in 000s)

$0

$1,000

$2,000

$3,000

$4,000

$5,000

$6,000

FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009

Unmatched $

Advance Cert. $

Eligibility

• Any nonprofit organization in the United States, with the exception of elementary or secondary schools (or school districts), is eligible to apply.

Special Encouragement

• For Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Two-Year Colleges

• 2:1 match requirement

• Schedule to meet matching requirement and for receiving federal funds is spread over six years, instead of five

A successful application…

• Builds on track record, but also carefully explains the current project

• Asks the reviewer to take nothing on faith

• Focuses on humanities content

• Explains how the money will be used

Evaluation criteria

• Significance of humanities activities

• Appropriateness of resources and plans

• Impact of challenge grant funds

• Feasibility of fundraising

Other things to consider

• Have I read the guidelines carefully?

• Do I have a hook?

• Do I have letters of support from the right

people?

• Have I proofread the proposal?

Philander Smith CollegeLittle Rock, Arkansas

$500,000 NEH $1,500,000 MATCH $2,000,000 TOTAL

Endowed humanities acquisitions, building and equipment maintenance, and an archival librarian position

Colorado CollegeColorado Springs, Colorado

$250,000 NEH $750,000 MATCH $1,000,000 TOTAL

Endowed a three-year Distinguished Teaching Professorship that rotates among the senior humanities

faculty members.

Union CollegeSchenectady, New York

$575,000 NEH $2,300,000 MATCH $2,875,000 TOTAL

Renovated and expanded the Schaffer Library and endowed an acquisitions fund for multimedia equipment

and materials.

IMPORTANT DATESIMPORTANT DATES

• December 1: Fund-raising period begins

• March: Submit draft application

• May 5: Application deadline

• Between Thanksgiving and Dec. 1: notification

Office of Challenge Grants

Long term strengthening of our nation’s humanities institutions

Contact:202/ 606-8309challenge@neh.gov