Indiana Humanities announced a new grant program to fund humanities programming in Indianapolis.
The Mini-Grant program, announced Jan. 13, will provide funding to support tax-exempt organizations across Indiana in hosting programming in areas of history, literature, archaeology, ethics, philosophy, world cultures and more, according to a press release.
“Our goal is to offer flexible and dynamic grants that invite nonprofits across the state to create impactful public programs for their communities,” George Hanlin, director of grants for Indiana Humanities, said in a statement. “We know the humanities are a powerful tool for connection, and we look forward to supporting new efforts to bring Hoosiers together.”
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As a statewide nonprofit, Indiana Humanities established this grant program as a “quick and accessible way” to help grow humanities programming available to Hoosiers. Following the termination of federal funding in April 2025, Indiana Humanities decided to limit its grant program to the Historic Preservation Education Grant, which is distributed in partnership with Indiana Landmarks.
Funded through private donations from generous Hoosiers, the new Mini-Grant is the first grant offering added to Indiana Humanities’ offerings since having lost federal funding. The award may total up to $1,000 to support a variety of projects that “stoke curiosity, promote dialogue and allow people to better understand the complex world in which they live,” according to a press release.
As long as the programming is open to the public and “utilizes the humanities as a tool for engagement,” it may be considered for the Indiana Humanities Mini-Grants program. This includes, but isn’t limited to, programming such as workshops, presentations, reading and discussion programs, exhibitions, podcasts and film documentaries.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; however, to be considered, applications must be submitted by the last day of each month. Applicants will be notified of their award within four weeks of the application deadline.
To view the Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant program guidelines and application instructions, visit indianahumanities.org/grant/mini-grants. For more information or questions, email grants@indianahumanities.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
