Virginia Humanities Regular Grants
Overview
Virginia Humanities, the state humanities council, administers a grants program designed to foster public understanding of the human experience through documentary, music, and dance, among other disciplines. The Regular Grants cycle offers awards from $5,000 to $15,000 for projects with broad reach and long-term impact, requiring a Letter of Intent. Opportunity Grants provide up to $5,000 for time-sensitive initiatives, while Community Action Grants of up to $1,500 support embedded public humanities activities in festivals and gatherings. Regional programs in Hampton Roads and Southwest Virginia, administered with WHRO Public Media and UVA Wise, offer additional support up to $6,000 and $5,000 respectively. The program is rooted in a commitment to public scholarship and community engagement, prioritizing projects that connect humanities inquiry with diverse audiences across Virginia. Fellowships further support writers, community scholars, educators, and university faculty in researching and sharing stories about Virginia’s history and culture. This infrastructure reflects a curatorial vision that values rigorous research, ethical storytelling, and meaningful public dialogue. Artists working in documentary, music, and dance are invited to propose projects that align with these goals. The grants provide financial resources, institutional affiliation, and a platform for work that bridges artistic practice and public humanities. The review process emphasizes clarity of purpose, feasibility, and the potential for sustained impact within communities.