Expand Massachusetts Stories: Advancing Equity Track Grant Program

From Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (Mass Humanities)

Mass Humanities supports the exploration of humanities to foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our current society, drawing from history and the critical examination of values, beliefs, and cultural heritage.

Type of Support

Overview

The Expand Massachusetts Stories Advancing Equity Track grant program, hosted by Mass Humanities, is dedicated to supporting projects led by individuals from historically excluded communities. It aims to award up to 15 grants to applicants meeting certain criteria. The program encourages the development of a variety of projects, including oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, discussions on underrepresented local histories, new interpretations of collections through exhibits and programs, short documentary films or digital media projects offering new insights into Massachusetts residents' lives past or present, teacher professional development for connecting Massachusetts narratives to K-12 curriculum, and programs that promote inquiry and reflection on residents' lived experiences. Selected applicants will participate in a non-competitive process that includes cohort workshops and application development support.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
MA
Organization Type
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
Fiscally-sponsored associations
Filmmakers
State or federally recognized tribes
Non-federal government organizations
Organization Budget And Years
Organization's annual budget is less than 300k
Other
  • Serve Massachusetts residents
  • Be in compliance with state and federal regulations regarding non-discrimination and accessibility
  • For the Advancing Equity Track: Leadership roles must be filled by people of color or those from historically excluded communities
  • Applicant organization has an annual operating budget of $300,000 or less (for Advancing Equity Track)
  • Applicant organization has 2 or fewer full-time equivalent staff (for Advancing Equity Track)
  • Applicant organization has never received a grant from Mass Humanities (for Advancing Equity Track)
  • Applicant organization is based in and primarily supports communities of color (for Advancing Equity Track)

Ineligibility

Individuals
Projects with work undertaken or supplies purchased outside the grant period
Profit-making or fundraising projects
Capital campaigns
Organizational strategic planning
Projects that re-grant funds to other organizations
Direct social service projects (e.g., counseling, therapeutic, legal, or medical services)
Professional art creation or artistic performances
Professional theater productions
Costs of entertainment or alcohol
Projects where ticket sales revenue benefits the applicant organization
Capital improvements, construction, or restoration projects
Lobbying or advocacy for specific public policies or legislation
Projects promoting a specific political, religious, or ideological viewpoint
Scholarships or prizes
Full-length documentary film production (longer than 40 minutes)
General operating costs (except for indirect project costs).
up to 20k

Submission

Schedule
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Application deadline
Apr 16, 2025
Step 2: Full proposal (check website)