Pursue Your Scholarly Vision: NEH Fellowships Offering Up to $60,000 for Humanities Research

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Are you a scholar with a groundbreaking idea that could reshape how we understand culture, history, literature, or the human experience? The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is offering an exceptional funding opportunity for individuals ready to embark on in-depth research and publication projects. With fellowships of up to $60,000, this program gives you the time and support to focus fully on your academic pursuits whether you’re writing a book, developing a digital resource, or translating a critical text.

About the Organization: National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

The NEH is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. As an independent federal agency, NEH supports excellence in humanities research, education, preservation, and public programs. Its mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of culture, history, and human values by supporting individuals and institutions whose work enhances the intellectual and cultural fabric of American society.

Background and Context of the Fellowships

For decades, NEH Fellowships have been a prestigious mark of scholarly achievement. These fellowships are designed to support individuals undertaking advanced research in the humanities, providing them with the necessary time to produce significant and lasting contributions. In recent years, NEH has broadened its scope to include digital projects and born-digital publications reflecting the evolving nature of research and dissemination in the 21st century.

As of 2024, NEH has streamlined its offerings by integrating the Fellowships for Digital Publication into its regular fellowship program, simplifying the application process and widening the eligibility for innovative digital humanities work.

Objectives of the Fellowship Program

Support individuals conducting original research that leads to significant scholarly contributions.
Enable the production of books, peer-reviewed articles, translations, digital publications, and other critical humanities resources.
Encourage rigorous, well-argued work that engages academic audiences and/or the general public.
Foster the development of early-career and independent scholars.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

The NEH Fellowships are open to:

Scholars in all humanities disciplines.
Independent researchers and junior scholars, as well as those affiliated with academic institutions.
U.S. citizens or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least three years prior to the application deadline.

Requirements:

Projects must be clearly grounded in the humanities.
Applications must demonstrate exceptional research design, analytical depth, and a clear plan for writing and dissemination.
Recipients must devote full-time effort to their projects for a continuous period of six to twelve months.

Award Details and Benefits

Maximum Award Amount: $60,000 (based on a rate of $5,000 per month).
Period of Performance: 6 to 12 continuous months.
Expected Outputs May Include:
- Scholarly books or monographs
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Critical editions
- Translations with annotations or critical apparatus
- Born-digital projects
- Other digital or print scholarly resources

Additional Notes:

Beginning August 2024, NEH will only disburse fellowship payments to personal bank accounts.
All projects and expenditures will be subject to updated federal grant compliance rules (2 CFR Part 200 revisions effective October 1, 2024).

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov. While the current application cycle is closed, prospective applicants can begin preparing based on existing guidelines.

Key Dates (Anticipated):

Application Opens: November 20, 2025
Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026
Notification of Awards: December 31, 2026
Project Start Dates: Between January 1, 2027, and September 1, 2028

In the meantime, review current application instructions and sample projects to get a head start on crafting a competitive proposal.

Program Contact and Support

For questions or guidance, reach out to the NEH Division of Research Programs:

📞 Phone: 202-606-8200
📧 Email: fellowships@neh.gov
📠 For Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS): Dial 7-1-1

Examples of Past Funded Projects

The Life of Henry David Thoreau – A fresh biography of the iconic American writer and naturalist.
Leonard Bernstein and the Theater – A critical exploration of Bernstein’s role in shaping American musical theater.
The Public Library in American Life (1850–2000) – A cultural history of the library as a public institution.

Explore more funded projects here.

Final Thoughts

The NEH Fellowships offer more than just financial support—they provide the freedom, recognition, and resources needed to make meaningful contributions to the humanities. Whether you’re uncovering untold histories, building innovative digital archives, or writing the next definitive scholarly work, this fellowship can help bring your vision to life.

Stay informed, prepare early, and take the next step toward transforming your research into a lasting legacy.

Apply