Office of the Vice President for Research

Public Scholars

https://www.neh.gov/grants/research/public-scholar-program

Maximum award amount $5,000 per month

Expected Output Books

Period of performance Six to twelve months

In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s Founding, the 2026 Public Scholars competition will only accept projects that promote a deeper understanding of our nation’s extraordinary heritage, including our record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing.

Competitive applications will focus on topics in American history, culture, and government in any period from the Colonial Era to the present that increase public knowledge of the 250th anniversary of American Independence and American exceptionalism. Projects might explore the origins of the world’s oldest constitutional democracy, or how its founding ideals have been met over time, or examine significant individuals, events, books or documents, artworks, objects, music, places, traditions, or ideas that have shaped America, its role in the world, or the experiences of its people. NEH particularly encourages projects focused on American military history; projects that explore the concept of the American Dream through the lens of economic freedom, entrepreneurship, and innovation; and projects that elucidate the historical and ongoing role of the United States as a leader in global affairs, emphasizing themes of American exceptionalism, moral leadership, and constructive diplomacy.