The State of Humanities Funding in 2024

Emerging Trends in Humanities Connections Program Grants

The Humanities Connections Program, funded by the Federal Government, is shifting towards interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging partnerships between humanities faculty and their counterparts in other areas of study. This trend is driven by the recognition that humanities education can be enhanced by connections to other fields, such as STEM, social sciences, and professional programs. As a result, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how their projects will foster collaboration and innovation across disciplinary boundaries.

One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the Higher Education Act of 1965, which governs the administration of federal student aid programs, including the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) program. Understanding the regulatory framework governing federal student aid is crucial for applicants, as it informs the development of projects that are compliant with federal requirements.

Capacity Building for Interdisciplinary Humanities Education

To succeed in this funding environment, institutions will need to build capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration. This requires investments in faculty development, curriculum design, and program infrastructure. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the capacity requirements for their proposed projects, including the need for faculty training, curriculum development, and assessment frameworks. A verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the need to balance the demands of interdisciplinary collaboration with the requirements of disciplinary accreditation and program assessment.

The Grants for Humanities Connections Program prioritize projects that support the planning or implementation of innovative, interdisciplinary humanities programs. To meet the program's objectives, applicants must be able to measure the outcomes of their projects, using metrics such as student engagement, program enrollment, and faculty collaboration. Required outcomes may include the development of new curricula, the enhancement of existing programs, and the expansion of student participation in humanities education.

Navigating Eligibility and Compliance

Applicants must navigate eligibility barriers and compliance traps to ensure that their projects are fundable. For example, institutions must be eligible to participate in the FSEOG program, which requires them to have a certain level of federal funding for their student aid programs. Additionally, applicants must comply with federal regulations governing the use of grant funds, including those related to budget reporting and program evaluation. What is not funded under this program includes projects that do not demonstrate a clear connection to the humanities or that lack a robust plan for interdisciplinary collaboration.

To ensure successful project implementation, applicants should be aware of the reporting requirements for the Humanities Connections Program. Grantees will be required to submit regular reports on their project outcomes, using metrics and KPIs established by the funder. This may include data on student outcomes, faculty development, and program assessment.

Q: How do I determine if my institution is eligible to apply for a Humanities Connections Program grant, given that we're a two-year institution with a limited humanities program? A: To be eligible, your institution must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the humanities and a capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration. Review the program's eligibility criteria and consult with your institution's grants office to determine the best course of action. Q: What types of graduate education scholarships or study abroad scholarships can be supported under the Humanities Connections Program? A: While the program does not directly fund graduate education scholarships or study abroad scholarships, it may support projects that incorporate these elements into their interdisciplinary humanities programs. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how these components align with the program's objectives and outcomes. Q: How can I ensure that my application complies with the requirements of the Pell federal grant and FSEOG grant programs, which are referenced in the program announcement? A: To ensure compliance, review the regulatory requirements for these programs and consult with your institution's financial aid office to ensure that your application is aligned with federal student aid regulations.