12 common myths about the neh metropolitan st. louis grants conference, january 10, 2007...
TRANSCRIPT
12 Common Myths about the NEH
Metropolitan St. Louis Grants Conference, January 10, 2007Co-sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis and
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Myth 1
“NEH is broke…I read that Congress cut most of
their budget”
False. NEH budgets have remained the same or increased
every years since 1995’s cut
Special Initiatives
$15,239,000
Federal/StatePartnership$30,926,000
Division of Preservation$18,368,000
Office of Challenge
Grants$9,649,000
Match
Division of Research
$12,692,000
Division of Public
Programs$12,381,000
Division of Education
$12,266,000
National Endowment
for the Humanities
$102M
Myth 2
“Most NEH money goes to the elite school of the
Northeast”
False. The top institutions are spread across the country.
New York and California submit about 20% of all applications. They receive about 20% of the awards.
The Mid-Atlantic states form the most successful region (26% of awards), followed by the Midwest (22% of awards), New England (16%), South (14%), West (12%), and Plains/Mountain (10%)
Single institution: Ohio State & Michigan
Myth 3
“NEH funds only senior scholars ”
False. Junior and senior scholars are funded in proportion to their
application numbers.
34% of the applicants are junior scholars (7 years of less since receiving their highest degree). 33% of awards went to junior scholars.
Myth 4
“It’s too early in my project to get funding”
False. NEH recognizes that funding needs will vary depending
on the project.
Individuals: fund at any stage…you have to make the case.
Institutions: many grant programs have established sub-programs according to stage of project.
Myth 5
“NEH isn’t interested in the kind of scholarship I do”…this is usually
followed by one of the following: “my work is too old fashioned,” or “my
work is too cutting edge,” or “Democrats/Republicans hate my
kind of work.”
False. NEH seeks to fund the best work regardless of its approach. It
avoids trendy scholarship and scholarship that is obscurely
written.
• Different stages of the review process tell us different things.
• Emerging disciplines and specialized fields seem to have more difficulties.
Myth 6
“NEH only funds projects that relate to America…
proof is their We the People initiative”
False. A rising tide floats all boats. See our awards lists.
• Congress likes to know how new money will be spent and they like American topics.
• Do not change your project to fit the initiatives.
Myth 7
“The same panelist kills my application year after
year”
False. Panelists are rotated.
• Best way to see the process in action is to sign up to be a panelist: www.neh.gov
Myth 8
“If you don’t know someone on the inside at NEH, you’ll
never get funded”
True & False. NEH staff members are paid to help all applicants
identify grant opportunities and write better applications.
Use NEH staff members to help you craft a better application. We– Read and comment on draft applications– Provide “why-not” letters– Offer advice– www.neh.gov/WhoWeAre
Myth 9
“Grants.gov has made applying for a grant too cumbersome …
it’s not worth the trouble”
Maybe…the key is preparation
Register!!!!-Find out your AOR
-Get comfortable with the Grants.gov system.
Myth 10
“I am more likely to get funded if I ask for very little” or “I am more likely to get what I need if I inflate my
budget”
False. Don’t distort your budget!
• NEH struggles to balance the amount of the award with the work that needs to be done.
• Distorted budgets distract the panelists… instead of talking about your ideas, they talk about your budget.
Myth 11
“Applying for a grant is easy…I’ve done it a
million times and know exactly what the guidelines say”
If you’re psychic, you should be able to find money elsewhere.
• Most common mistake is NOT reading the application guidelines.
• Programs change; requirements change. Don’t assume that the requirements are the same as the last time you applied.
Myth 12
“There is no money for local projects & initiatives”
False. NEH has great partnerships with state humanities councils
Missouri Humanities Council 543 Hanley Industrial Court, Suite 201St. Louis, MO 63141314.781.9660www.MOhumanities.org Michael Bouman, Executive Director ([email protected])
Illinois Humanities Council203 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2020Chicago, IL 60601312.422.5580www.prairie.orgKristin Valaitis, Executive Director ([email protected])
