In the competitive world of arts and humanities, securing funding can feel like a monumental task.

As budgets tighten, finding the right grant is more critical than ever for nonprofits, cultural institutions, and individual creators.

But with countless opportunities and looming deadlines, how do you focus your efforts on the grants that matter most?

This guide cuts through the noise.

We've done the research to bring you a verified list of high-value arts and humanities grants with confirmed deadlines in 2026. Each opportunity listed below is linked directly to its official source, providing you with the accurate information you need to prepare a winning application.

Let's explore the funding that can bring your next project to life.

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Grants for Arts Projects

The NEA's flagship program, Grants for Arts Projects (GAP), is one of the most prestigious and sought-after sources of federal funding for the arts.

It supports projects that demonstrate artistic excellence and a commitment to public engagement across a wide range of disciplines, including dance, music, theater, visual arts, and literature.

Funding Amount

$10,000 to $100,000

Confirmed Deadline

February 13, 2026

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is broad but specific.

You must be:

  • A nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in the U.S.

  • A unit of state or local government.

  • A federally recognized tribal community or tribe.

  • Applicants must have a three-year history of arts programming.

How to Apply

Applying is a two-step process.

First, you must register with both the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and Grants.gov.

This process can take several weeks, so start early.

Once registered, you can submit your full application package through Grants.gov.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): Public Humanities Projects

The NEH funds projects that bring the ideas of the humanities to general audiences.

The Public Humanities Projects program supports a variety of formats, from museum exhibitions and documentary films to walking tours and digital projects.

The goal is to connect the public with high-quality scholarship in an accessible and engaging way.

Funding Amount

  • Planning Grants: Up to $75,000
  • Implementation Grants: Up to $400,000

Confirmed Deadline

August 13, 2026

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • U.S. nonprofit organizations.

  • State and local governmental agencies.

  • Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

How to Apply

Similar to the NEA, applicants must have an active registration with SAM.gov and submit their proposals via Grants.gov.

The NEH strongly encourages applicants to read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully and even contact a program officer to discuss their project idea before submitting.

The Andrew W.

Mellon Foundation: Public Knowledge Program

The Mellon Foundation is a leading supporter of the arts and humanities, with a focus on building just communities.

Its Public Knowledge program funds projects that help create, preserve, and mobilize cultural heritage and scholarly information for the public good.

This includes support for libraries, archives, museums, and university presses engaged in innovative, community-centered work.

Funding Amount

Varies significantly based on project scope, typically ranging from $50,000 to over $500,000.

Confirmed Deadline

The foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOI) on a rolling basis.

The next review cycle deadline for submitted LOIs is June 1, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

  • Nonprofit organizations and academic institutions are the primary recipients.
  • Projects should align with the program's focus on democratizing knowledge and promoting equity in the creation and preservation of cultural records.

How to Apply

The first step is to submit a Letter of Inquiry through the foundation's online portal.

If your inquiry is a strong fit, you will be invited to submit a full proposal.

The foundation values clear, concise inquiries that directly address the program's goals.

Bank of America: Art Conservation Project

This unique corporate grant provides funding to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art that are in danger of deterioration.

It is a vital resource for museums looking to preserve their collections for future generations.

Rather than a cash award, this grant funds the direct costs of conservation work.

Funding Amount

Varies; this is a non-cash grant that directly funds the conservation services for a specific artwork.

Confirmed Deadline

April 30, 2026

Who Can Apply?

  • Nonprofit museums that are open to the public.
  • The artwork proposed for conservation must be of significant cultural or historical value.

How to Apply

Museums are nominated for consideration.

The application process typically involves submitting detailed information about the artwork, its condition, the proposed conservation plan, and the project's potential public impact.

Check the official site for the formal application portal when it opens.

3 Quick Tips for a Stronger Arts & Humanities Application

  1. Center Your Community Impact: Funders want to see how your project benefits the public.

Clearly articulate who your audience is and how your work will engage, educate, or enrich their lives.

  1. Tell a Compelling Story: Your narrative is your most powerful tool.

Go beyond simply describing your project; explain why it matters now.

Create a sense of urgency and importance around your work.

  1. Read the Guidelines Meticulously: Federal and foundation applications are notoriously detailed. A single missing document or incorrectly formatted budget can lead to disqualification.

Create a checklist from the official guidelines and double-check everything before you hit submit.

Navigating the grant landscape takes time and strategy, but the right funding can be transformative.

Use this list as a starting point to plan your 2026 grant-seeking efforts.

And to keep all these moving pieces organized, consider using a grant management platform to track deadlines, manage documents, and streamline your entire workflow.