The National Endowment for the Humanities Division of Research seeks applicants for the Scholarly Editions and Translations program, with applications due September 16, 2026. This year's competition is limited to projects on American history and culture or Western civilization, and all projects must include at least two collaborating scholars.
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, accredited public and private higher education institutions, state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American Tribal governments. Cost sharing is not required unless federal matching funds are requested.
The program offers three funding categories: Planning awards up to $65,000 for one to two years; Implementation awards up to $450,000 total ($100,000 per year in outright funds plus $50,000 per year in matching funds) for one to three years; and Chairman's Special Awards up to $1,000,000 for five years, limited to prior Implementation award recipients with exceptional significance and large audience reach. Approximately $5,000,000 will be distributed among approximately 20 grants. Award announcements are anticipated in July 2027.
Projects must produce editions and translations in print, digital, or hybrid formats with new scholarly material including introductions, annotations, and critical apparatus. Editions may be in the original language or translated into English; translations into other languages are not permitted. Unallowable activities include support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, environmental justice, promotion of specific political or religious viewpoints, and translation into languages other than English.
Review criteria include significance and impact, methods and execution, collaborator qualifications, project goals and productivity, and publication and dissemination plans. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov and screened by NEH staff for eligibility and completeness before peer review by subject matter experts.