Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants support the execution of humanities projects, such as exhibitions, public programs, and interpretive digital media projects. The implementation stage is intended for projects that are ready to bring to fruition. For projects that require research or development before implementation, please view our Planning Grants.

Although a Planning Grant is not required to receive an Implementation Grant, and receipt of a Planning Grant does not guarantee Implementation funding, a competitive Implementation Grant application will discuss the research, planning, and development work conducted leading up to the grant request.

Implementation Grant proposals must demonstrate significant humanities scholarship and content and articulate clearly defined goals that will be achieved during the project.

For more information and examples of typical Implementation Grant projects, view the “Sample Grants” tab.

 

Eligibility

Implementation Grants are intended for public humanities programs. To learn more about the humanities, click here.

To apply for an Implementation Grant, your organization must be one of the following:

  • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Connecticut for at least one year and governed by a board of directors that meets regularly
  • A municipality in the state of Connecticut
  • A Connecticut-based federally or State recognized tribe

For more information about eligibility, view the Guidelines below.

Guidelines

Please read the Implementation Grant guidelines before applying. The Implementation Grant Guidelines outline eligibility requirements, eligible expenses, matching requirements, grant duration, and more.

Please note that Implementation Grants require uploads based on your project type, which are described in the grant guidelines.

View Grant Guidelines

Funding Priorities

CT Humanities seeks to fund projects that include significant humanities scholarship and content; explore topics and stories in an inclusive, diverse, and equitable manner; and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the formation of the United States consistent with the America 250 | CT Commission’s guiding themes.

View Funding Priorities

If your project involves or interprets Indigenous history or cultures, please also note CT Humanities’ Indigenous Values Statement.

FAQs & Resources for Applicants

Need help with navigating the CTH Grant Portal? Have questions about CTH’s grants? Seeking resources to help develop and strengthen humanities projects?

Click the button below to view our FAQs & Resources for Applicants:

FAQs & Resources for Applicants

Please also feel free to reach out to CTH Grants Staff at grants@cthumanities.org with any questions.

Important Dates

Upcoming Application Deadlines:

  • November 1, 2024
  • May 2, 2025

Award Notification: The first workday of the following month

Grant Period: 12 months

Sample Implementation Grants

Please note that application questions may change from year to year. Some sample model applications may not reflect all questions asked in the current application.

Exhibitions

Implementation Grants can fund larger, interpretive exhibitions that explore humanities themes or issues. Exhibitions are the physical representation of humanities content and are typically installed on a permanent or temporary basis at museums and other public sites. Exhibition applications require the following materials:

  • A list or illustrations of key objects or images
  • Sample text for introductory panel, main section panels, and object labels
  • A rendering of the exhibition’s floor plan and sample elevations
  • A brief narrative “walk-through” of the exhibition or site that describes the visitor experience
  • Specific examples of “take-away messages” or learning objectives and how you will convey them through the exhibition

Sample Model Applications:

Discussion-Based Public Programs

Implementation Grants can fund large scale discussion-based programs that explore humanities themes and topics through formats such as panel presentations, lecture series, symposia, author talks, festivals, or other types of events that contextualize and interpret activities like film screenings, concerts, and performances. Regardless of the format, the project should provide opportunities for the audience to ask questions and engage with presenters. Discussion-based public program applications require a two-page maximum attachment that details the following:

  • Title, theme(s) and format of public program(s)
  • Dates and times of program(s)
  • Location and audience capacity of the venue(s)
  • Admission and other fees
  • Name of speakers, educators or presenters
  • If presentation is part of a larger program, include a schedule of events for the date(s)

For film and theater presentations, also include up to two pages that include:

  • A synopsis of the plot or story line
  • Specific examples of “take-away messages” or learning objectives

Sample Model Applications:

Interpretive Digital Media Projects

Implementation Grants can fund projects that convey the humanities through digital media, including the creation of new websites or updating of existing websites, creation and dissemination of audio and visual material, mobile applications, Geographic Information System applications, and data visualization projects. Interpretive digital media project applications require the following:

  • Statement of technologies to be used and justification for selection
  • Justification for choosing any proprietary technologies over open-source options
  • Description of standards (digitization, metadata, public accessibility, privacy) that will be employed
  • Access or other fees for the public to use the site or app
  • Explanation of how you will obtain permissions for intellectual property you do not own
  • For website and mobile app projects: sample text, screen shots and site map or structural description for the website
  • For other media projects: sample text and sample audio/visual component

Sample Model Application:

Documentary Films

Implementation Grants can fund the production of documentary films. These grants are designed to strengthen the humanities content and approach of documentary media productions and help propel projects toward completion.

Projects must be:

  • in the production stage
  • have a work in-progress to submit
  • actively involve at least two Humanities subject area experts to help advise on, frame, and contextualize subject matter throughout the production process
  • conducted by mediamakers with a previously completed work sample to submit.

Documentary film grants require:

  • A brief treatment detailing the creative style, narrative structure, imagery or audio content, animation, and interactive elements, as applicable, of your project. (2 pp. max)
  • Internet link and password, if applicable, to the work-in-progress sample for which you seek funding. (Suggested length: 10 minutes.)
  • Internet link and password, if applicable, to a prior work sample in its entirety.
  • Explanation of the prior work submitted & brief outline of role(s) your project team members played in its creation. Provide any necessary background information or context for the work- in-progress. (2 pp. max)

Sample Model Applications:

Hill-Stead Museum, Sunken Garden Poetry Festival Closing Night (September 2021)

How to Apply

We are eager to help you submit a strong application. Before applying, organizations must contact CTH Grants Staff at grants@cthumanities.org to discuss your project idea. Applications submitted without prior communication with CTH staff will not be considered.

For a PDF preview of the current Implementation Grant application, click here.

For an overview of the application process, click here.

Online Grant Application Portal

In FY24 (July 2023-June 2024), the success rate for Implementation Grants was

25%

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