Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants of up to $35,000 support the execution of humanities activities such as exhibitions, public programs, and interpretive digital media projects.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Implementation Grants Overview
  2. Apply
  3. FAQs
  4. Resources for Grantees

Implementation Grants Overview

What are Implementation Grants?Sample GrantsGuidelines & ApplicationFunding PrioritiesImportant Dates

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.

What are the humanities?

The humanities are fields of learning that help us to understand and appreciate human history, culture, values, and beliefs. They include (but are not limited to) history, cultural studies, civics, literature, and art history and criticism. For a more complete view of the humanities, click here.

What about the arts? What about STEM?

CT Humanities supports the intersection of the humanities and other fields such as arts or STEM. Implementation Grants can fund projects that explore this intersection of humanities and other fields. For example, the production of a play with supporting programming that helps the audience to better understand the humanities themes of the play could be funded by an Implementation Grant. In this case, CTH would primarily consider funding the supporting humanities programming.

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:

Please note that application questions may change. Some sample applications do not reflect all questions asked in the current application and may have schedules that reflect old grant periods. Click the “Guidelines and Application” tab to preview the current Implementation Grant application. Click the “Important Dates” tab to view current grant periods.

To view all recent awarded grants, click here.

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 a certain percentage of matching funds be from external funds.

View Grant Guidelines

To preview the current Implementation Grant application, click here. Please note that all character limits include spaces.

After speaking with Grants staff about your project, apply through the CTH Grant Application Portal.

CT Humanities seeks to fund projects with significant humanities scholarship and content that explores topics and stories in an inclusive, diverse, and equitable manner. You can find more information about our funding priorities here.

Application deadlines are typically the first Friday of November and April.

2022-2023 Application deadlines:

  • November 4, 2022
  • April 7, 2023

Award notification: The first workday of July (for the April deadline) or January (for the November deadline)

Grant period: 24 months starting from the date of the award notification

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

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 an overview of the application process, click here.

Online Grant Application Portal

FAQs about Implementation Grants

What types of organizations are eligible to apply for an Implementation Grant?
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

Non-eligible applicants may choose to partner with an eligible organization to apply for an Implementation Grant, though in this case CT Humanities would be contracting with the eligible partner organization. You can find more information about eligibility requirements in the Implementation Grant guidelines (see the “Guidelines and App” tab above).

Do I need to receive a Planning Grant in order to apply for an Implementation Grant?
No. A Planning Grant is not required to receive an Implementation Grant, and receipt of a Planning Grant does not guarantee Implementation funding.

How much information do I need to include in my application?
The more information you can provide, the better. Typically, a competitive Implementation Grant application will include a narrative describing the background and scope of the project in detail, identify all project team members (including speakers or consultants), clearly articulate the humanities themes of the project, and include a marketing plan that demonstrates how you will reach your identified target audiences. Implementation grants also have additional required uploads; for example, applications for exhibitions must include object lists, sample text, sample floor plans and elevations, narrative walk-throughs, a list of learning objectives, and admission fee information. You can preview these requirements by viewing the “Sample Applications” tab above.

What information should I include in the Relationship to Participants and Subjects question?
The purpose of the “Relationship to Participants and Subjects” question in the application is to help reviewers to understand how your project incorporates the communities that will be discussed, explored, or involved in the project. If your project is an exhibit on local Indigenous history, how are the voices of the appropriate local tribes incorporated into the planning, execution, and/or contextualization of the exhibit? If your project focuses on a community that no longer exists, how are you involving the right people or organizations to ensure you are telling this story responsibly? For a preview of the current application, please view the “Guidelines and Application” tab above.

What are eligible expenses for grant funds?
You can find a list of eligible expenses and funding exclusions in the grant guidelines (see the “Guidelines and Application” tab above). If you are unsure whether an expense is allowable, please feel free to reach out to Grants staff.

What are eligible matching funds?
Implementation Grants require a minimum 1:1 match and require that a certain percentage of your request be matched by external funds. For Implementation Grant requests under $25,000, at least 25% of your request must be matched with external funds. For Implementation Grant requests of $25,000-$35,000, at least 50% of your request must be matched with external funds. The remaining match can be any combination of applicant funds or in-kind contributions.

  • External Funds – Funds raised to support the project, such as through donations or other grants.
  • Applicant Funds – Funds from your organizations spent on the project, such as salary for staff time or the purchase of equipment.
  • In-Kind Contributions – The value of any donated time or items for the project. For example, volunteers’ time can be valued and used to match the grant (for a typical volunteer, we recommend valuing their time at $25/hr; for specialists donating their time, value their time at their regular rates).

Funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development or any other state agency cannot be used for matching purposes. For more information about matching requirements, view the grant guidelines (see the “Guidelines and Application” tab above).

Can I have a Planning Grant and Implementation Grant open at the same time?
No. At any given time, an organization may have:

You are eligible to apply for another Implementation Grant or Planning Grant after you’ve completed your final report and closed your open Planning or Implementation Grant.

Beginning July 1, 2019, organizations may receive a maximum of two Implementation Grants in any three consecutive Connecticut Humanities (CTH) fiscal years (July 1 to June 30). This new policy is not retroactive and only impacts grants made after July 1, 2019 and moving forward. This policy only involves Implementation Grants and does not apply to any other CTH grant line including Planning Grants, Capacity Grants, or Quick Grants.

How will my grant application be scored?
The Application Review Committee will score your application using these questions, which will be used as the basis of their discussion of all grant applications. You can find more information about the application review process here. 

Can I save a copy of my application?
Yes. In the CTH Grants Portal, open your grant application. Under your contact information, you should see three buttons. Click the middle button “Application Packet” to create a PDF of your application. 

How are funds disbursed?
Funds are disbursed in two installments via check; 80% at the time of fully executed grant agreement and the remaining 20% after completion of the final report. You will find more information about the payment structure in your grant agreement.

Resources for Grantees

Have you received an Implementation Grant? The following resources may be helpful throughout your grant period. You can also find an overview of the grants management process here.

Checklist for Grantees

Ensure that you don’t miss any grant requirements by following this checklist for grantees.

Public Relations Toolkit

Public Relations Guidelines for CTH Quick, Capacity, Planning, Implementation Grants – PDF

CT Humanities Logo Files

Sample Press Release – Word

Sample State Legislator/Governor Letter of Appreciation – Word

Sample Federal Lawmakers Letter of Appreciation – Word

Find Your Legislators

Find Your Legislators – State and Congressional

Coming Soon: Find your media outlet

Final Report

In the final report, you will report on how your project went and how you spent CTH funds. To complete your final report, log in to the CTH grants portal. Under your project on your applicant dashboard you will see a line that says “Implementation Grant Final Report.” Click “View” to edit and submit your final report.

You will find the link to download a blank financial report form in your final report. To watch a tutorial video on completing the financial report, please click here.

For Implementation Grants awarded before 2021, you will need to email Grants Staff with your final report documents. You can find all final report documents on the Grant Documents page. Be sure to include in your email: 1) A narrative final report, 2) A financial report, 3) A copy of all donor checks greater than $100 OR a letter from each donor that states the amount contributed and its intended use for this project, 4) A letter from your organization asserting the amount of donated funds that were used to support this specific project (see Certification of Project Gifts for template), and 5) Documentation of project images or marketing and public relations as available.

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