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NEH Challenge Grant Workshop

NEH Challenge Grant Workshop. Appalachian College Association Summit Abingdon, VA October 23, 2010. Old Post Office Building 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20506 202.606.8369 www.neh.gov. Exploring the. human. endeavor. “ The Three Points ”. CONSULT

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NEH Challenge Grant Workshop

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  1. NEH Challenge Grant Workshop Appalachian College Association Summit Abingdon, VA October 23, 2010

  2. Old Post Office Building 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20506 202.606.8369 www.neh.gov Exploring the human endeavor

  3. “The Three Points” • CONSULT • It pays to check with a program officer • APPLY • Put in the work • REAPPLY • If you don’t succeed the first time, request reviewers’ comments and try again

  4. NEH Sources of Funding • Challenge Grants • Education • Preservation and Access • Public Programs • Research • State Humanities Councils

  5. Hints • Call a program officer to discuss your project • Request sample proposals • Submit a preliminary draft • Read guidelines carefully • Complete Grants.gov registration in advance of deadline

  6. Application Review Process • Peer review panels • Ratings: E, VG, G, SM, NR • National Council on the Humanities • Makes further recommendations • Chairman • By law, makes all NEH grant decisions

  7. NEH Challenge Grants • Capacity-building grants • To help institutions secure long-term improvements in and support for humanities • Sustainability is key • Require matching gifts

  8. Eligibility • Any nonprofit organization in the United States, with the exception of elementary or secondary schools (or school districts) may apply

  9. History • Created in 1976 as “rescue” operation in hard economic climate. • $9,500,000 allocation is typical since 1995. • More, but smaller, grants likely under current NEH Chairman

  10. How do challenge grants differ from other NEH grants? • Support long-term or permanent endeavors • May be invested in endowments or spend-down funds • May be used for capital projects related to humanities • Challenge grants are all matching funds

  11. The Multiplier Effect • Since 1977, more than $2 billion from federal and nonfederal sources have been generated for the humanities through the NEH Challenge Grants program • Since 1995 alone, 320 projects have been funded by the Challenge Grants program

  12. What can challenge grants be used for? • Construction and renovation • Direct acquisitions of equipment, computer hardware and software, bibliographic collections • Endowments for faculty and staff positions, fellowships, research funds, library acquisitions funds, computer upgrades and maintenance funds • Development and fundraising costs • Bridging funds

  13. Mix and match is okay • On a $2 million challenge grant you could use… • $400,000 to renovate space in the campus library for a humanities commons • $500,000 for new computers and software for the commons • $1 million for endowment, yielding $50,000 a year • For faculty fellowships, or software upgrades, or salary supplements for technical staff • $100,000 to cover some fundraising costs

  14. What is the required match? • 3:1 • $3 in nonfederal gifts for every $1 in federal funds • 4:1 ratio for subsequent grants no longer in effect • Exception is 2:1 for special encouragement category • State and local tax levies are OK • Some forms of planned giving are also OK • In-kind gifts, unrestricted gifts are acceptable up to the federal portion

  15. Special Encouragement • For Historically Black College and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Two-Year Colleges • 2:1 match requirement • Schedule to meet the match and receive funds is spread over six years, instead of five

  16. A successful application… • Builds on your track record, but also carefully explains the current project • Asks the reviewers to take nothing on faith • If it’s not on the page, it doesn’t exist • Focuses on humanities content • Explains in detail how the money will be used

  17. Evaluation Criteria • Significance of humanities activities • Appropriateness of resources • Impact of challenge grant funds • Feasibility of fundraising

  18. Other things to consider • Have I read the guidelines carefully? • Do I have a hook? • Do I have letters of support from the right people? • Have I proofread the proposal?

  19. Mars Hill CollegeMars Hill, North Carolina $500,000 NEH $1,500,000 MATCH $2,000,000 TOTAL Endowed both the position of director/ archivist and programming in Southern Appalachian History and Culture

  20. Berea CollegeBerea, Kentucky $500,000 NEH $1,500,000 MATCH $2,000,000 TOTAL Endowed a college archivist, a teaching professorship in Appalachian Studies, and a summer institute in Appalachian culture and history

  21. West Virginia Wesleyan CollegeBuckhannon, West Virginia $400,000 NEH $1,200,000 MATCH $1,600,000 TOTAL Renovated and expanded the Schaffer Library and endowed an acquisitions fund for multimedia equipment and materials

  22. Special Two-Year College Initiative • Deadline: February 2, 2011 • 2:1 matching ratio (instead of traditional 3:1) • Model programs in response to NEH’s Bridging Cultures initiative especially welcome • Up to 10% of grant funds may be used to defray fundraising costs

  23. IMPORTANT DATES • December 1, 2010: Fundraising period begins • March, 2011: Submit drafts (4-6 weeks in advance of deadline) • May 4, 2011: APPLICATION DEADLINE • Between Thanksgiving and December 1, 2011: Notification of awards

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