General Guidelines

Eligible Applicants

The applicant organization must be a nonprofit authorized to operate in the state of Michigan. The organization need not be incorporated and may be a public agency. Individuals are not eligible. Sponsoring organizations are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations.

By law and on principle, Michigan Humanities prohibits discrimination in its funded projects whether on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or physical challenges.

Eligible/Ineligible Expenses

grant funds MAY be used for:

• Public forums or conferences
• Lecture/discussion series; honoraria and travel for speakers and presenters
• Book/film discussion programs about humanities-related topics
• Interpretive exhibits and catalogues
• Research (may be one component of the project, but not the sole purpose)
• Publications (must be made available to the public)
• Creative or performing arts that serve as a catalyst in a project in which humanities are central and include interpretation and/or discussion of performances, concerts, literary, and art works
• Development of digital projects

grant funds MAY NOT be used for:

• Advocacy, action programs, or social services
• Travel for study or to attend conferences
• Field trip transportation expenses and admission fees
• Scholarships or academic credit
• Construction or renovation, property purchases (some rental is eligible), artifact restoration
• General operating expenses
• Food (except for resource personnel traveling to a project), refreshments, or entertainment
• Individuals, general operating support, or fundraising activities

Applicant Match Requirements

Cost-share is not required for Great Michigan Stories grants but grant partners will be asked to share their total project budget.

Project Advisors

At least one humanities professional/scholar is required to participate in the project.

Project Advisors can be humanities scholars, professionals, or community-based experts with subject expertise relevant to the proposed project. Project Advisors encourage dialogue, critical thinking, and analysis, and they contribute knowledge, methods, and resources that are at the core of the humanities. Project Advisors can be part of the existing project team, it is not necessary to bring someone on specifically for this role.

Letter of Support

A minimum of one letter of support from a partnering organization is required. 

Award Notification 

Award notification emails will be sent out by June 1, 2023.

Payment Schedule

The full award amount will be sent after receipt of a signed grant agreement.

Project Period

Project periods may cover up to one year from the announcement of the award.

Reporting Requirements

Upon completion of a grant awarded project, Michigan Humanities requires a final report. In addition to including a final budget detailing how the grant funds were spent, the report is designed for you to tell us about your project, including the positives and the challenges.