Proposals for Humanities in High Schools

The Whiting Foundation seeks to support proven interventions that bring students into the heart of the humanities.

To that end, the foundation anticipates making three to five general operating support grants, with grants ranging between $20,000 and 35,000. The grants are intended to support organizations undertaking interventions such as teacher training, enrichment activities in or outside of school, or the development or dissemination of curricular resources. The work funded may occur anywhere in the Unite States but must be based in the core humanities disciplines of history, philosophy, or the study of literature and other arts, or in fields like classics that combine those disciplines. The program excludes literacy per se, language learning, and the practice of arts (e.g., creative writing).

Applicants must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status under the Internal Revenue Code and a strong track record of engaging high-school students richly in the humanities.

Proposals must be submitted by May 3 to highschoolhumanities@whiting.org: and include a cover letter of no more than three pages; the applicant’s most recent organizational budget covering at least three years of operations and its most recent audited financial statements; and  any relevant off-the-shelf information about the work it would like to include (e.g., annual reports, testimonials). In addition, the cover letter should incorporate: the grant amount requested (between $20,000 and $35,000); a description of how and when the funds will be used and the specific outcomes to be achieved; and an overview of the organization, including its mission, qualifications for the work, and how the organization fits into the wider landscape of high-school humanities engagement.

The foundation will review proposals in collaboration with a group of outside experts and follow up with grantees for clarification as needed, with grants to be made by early fall.

For more information, including details about eligibility and the application and/or review process, email the foundation at highschoolhumanities@whiting.org.

https://www.whiting.org/