Humanities Montana awards grants to organizations on a competitive proposal basis. Proposals are assessed based on humanities content and participation by humanities scholars in planning and/or execution of projects. We are committed to serving the needs of Montana and its people and so particularly encourage programs that:

• stimulate statewide dialogue on topics of concern including cultural change and developments causing social stress;
• promote dialogue between humanities scholars and the public;
• foster discussion among the state's diverse cultures and across its geographical distances;
• strengthen cooperative relationships among Montana communities and their cultural organizations—museums, libraries, schools, colleges and universities, and tribal organizations;
• deepen deliberative dialogue and civic discourse among all the citizens of our state.

Humanities Montana programs reach scores of Montana communities annually. Humanities Montana-funded projects have included conferences, workshops, and seminars; lecture series, panel discussions, and public debates; exhibits, programs, and catalogs; oral history projects; research fellowships; programs for schools and teachers; radio, television, video, and film projects; book festivals; book publications; planning for humanities programs; and reading and discussion programs.

Eligible sponsors include nonprofit, governmental and education groups, including schools, colleges, and universities; museums, libraries, and historic preservation societies; state or local government agencies; unions, business and professional groups, and social service organizations; community, religious, and tribal groups; non-commercial media firms; and ad hoc groups.

All Humanities Montana-funded projects must have a central focus on the humanities and a clearly defined theme. They should include professional humanists in the planning and execution of the project, avoid advocacy, and include a public program that involves the audience in a humanities discussion. They should have publicity and evaluation plan, and provide a 1:1 cost-share of in-kind or other funds. Our grants require an in-kind or cash match for funds requested.

Before applying for a grant, applicants should:

• print and read carefully the grant guidelines;
• discuss the project with Humanities Montana staff.