IHS Grant Fund Guidelines 2007
Applications and all supporting documents must reach the IHS office by 5 P.M. EDT Friday, August 31, 2007. This information remains here for reference until the next grant cycle.
The Institute for Humanist Studies is dedicated to promoting and pursuing innovative approaches to the advancement of humanism. The IHS Grant Fund supports humanist projects in the U.S. and around the world.
- local group projects that pioneer models that can be replicated by other local groups
- projects for which additional funding has been sought or received from members and/or other sources, where appropriate and available
- initiatives that increase cooperation among organizations promoting the rights and beliefs of humanists and the nonreligious
- projects that utilize new media and technologies
- projects with the potential to increase public understanding of humanism
- projects by and/or for students
- educational projects
- projects that support international humanism
In addition, preference will be given to Project or Program Grants (i.e., funding for a specific initiative or new endeavour, not general purpose) rather than Capital Grants or General Operating Support. However, under certain circumstances, we recognize the importance of holistic support.
Groups who have received previous funding may not be eligible for future funding if they are late with semi-annual and annual reports.
- a copy of the government letter confirming your organizations non-profit status (501(c) (3) in the USA)
- an itemized annual budget for your organizations current fiscal year, with actual figures for the previous fiscal year
- your organizations most recent audited financial statement
- your organizations latest annual report or summary of prior years activities
- list of current board members
- an itemized budget, listing income and expenses, for this specific grant
- a Proposal Narrative (see below) explaining the projects purpose, activities, and impact (not to exceed 3 pages)
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Applications submitted without a Proposal Narrative and supporting documents will not be considered.
The Proposal Narrative should include the following subjects:
Needs and Capabilities:
- the situation--opportunity, problem, issue, need, and the community--that your proposal addresses, and how that need was determined
- your resources--staff, expertise, networks, other financial support--for accomplishing the project (please list details of other grants sought)
Goals and Objectives:
- the projects goals and objectives (n.b., goals are the broad outcomes expected from the project, and objectives are the specific, measurable aims) with matching outcomes to measure them
- specific, measurable activities to accomplish these objectives
- timeline for project with specific start/end dates
Impact of Activities:
- how the proposed activities will affect the designated community or target audience
- how you will measure the results, and how results will be used or publicized
- if and how you plan to sustain the project after the funding period has ended
In line with the Institute's goal of encouraging innovation and new directions, Institute staff can provide assistance for applicants whose projects may not fit neatly into the criteria listed above, or for organizations that cannot provide all the requested documentation. However, we must emphasize that applicants requiring additional help should contact the IHS office well in advance of the submission deadline.
Note: IHS reserves the right to conduct random audits of organizations receiving money from the IHS Grant Fund.
