NEH Collaborative Research Grants 2026 in the USA | Up to $250,000 for Humanities Research Projects

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for its Collaborative Research Grants 2026, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to advance knowledge in the humanities through collaborative scholarship. The program supports teams of researchers working together on projects that produce significant interpretive outputs such as books, digital publications, scholarly websites, peer-reviewed journal issues, and other sustainable research resources.

With awards of up to $250,000, this funding opportunity provides scholars and institutions with the resources needed to pursue innovative humanities research that contributes to a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the United States and Western civilization.

About the NEH Collaborative Research Program

The Collaborative Research Program supports teams of scholars engaged in humanities research that addresses important research questions through collaborative approaches. Projects may be based within a single discipline or bring together expertise from multiple fields.

NEH encourages projects that:

* Advance humanities scholarship.
* Incorporate diverse perspectives and approaches.
* Explore new areas of inquiry.
* Foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
* Produce tangible and sustainable scholarly outputs.

Collaborators may come from a single institution or multiple institutions, and international partnerships are welcome provided that scholars at U.S. institutions make substantial contributions to the project.

Funding Categories

The 2026 competition supports three project categories:

1. Planning International Collaboration

Supports the development of international humanities research partnerships and collaborative projects.

Maximum Award:  Up to $50,000

2. Manuscript Preparation

Supports collaborative research leading to scholarly books, edited volumes, and peer-reviewed publications.

3. Scholarly Digital Project

Supports the creation of digital humanities resources, databases, websites, and digital publications that advance humanities scholarship.

Funding Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

* Funding of up to $250,000 depending on project category.
* Support for collaborative humanities research.
* Resources for manuscript development and publication.
* Funding for digital humanities projects.
* Opportunities to establish international research partnerships.
* Support for interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration.

Expected Project Outputs

Projects must result in a tangible and sustainable product, including:

* Co-authored books
* Edited scholarly volumes
* Themed issues of peer-reviewed journals
* Digital publications
* Scholarly websites
* Digital humanities resources

Outputs should demonstrate meaningful collaboration and contribute to significant humanities research questions.

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to organizations and institutions supporting humanities research teams.

Collaborators may come from:

* Universities and colleges
* Research institutions
* Cultural organizations
* Humanities centers
* Nonprofit organizations

International collaboration is encouraged, but U.S.-based scholars must play a significant role in the project.

2026 Program Priority

For the 2026 funding cycle, proposed projects must focus on:

* The history of the United States
* The culture of the United States
* Western civilization

Applicants should ensure that their projects align clearly with these thematic priorities.

Project Duration

Depending on the funding category, projects may receive support for up to:

Three Years

This allows research teams sufficient time to complete substantial humanities projects and produce high-quality scholarly outputs.

Application Timeline

| Application Opens | July 7, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 16, 2026 |

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early to allow sufficient time for institutional approvals and registration requirements.

Application Process

 Step 1: Review the Funding Opportunity

Carefully read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and related application guidance documents.

Step 2: Complete Required Registrations

Applicants must have active registrations with:

* SAM.gov
* Grants.gov

Organizations should verify that their registrations are current before beginning the application process.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

Develop a strong proposal that clearly outlines:

* Research objectives
* Collaborative structure
* Project methodology
* Expected outcomes
* Dissemination plans

Step 4: Submit Through Grants.gov

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov before the deadline.

Why Apply?

The NEH Collaborative Research Grants represent one of the leading funding opportunities for humanities scholars seeking to undertake ambitious collaborative research projects. Whether developing a major scholarly publication, creating innovative digital resources, or building international partnerships, this program provides the financial support needed to generate lasting contributions to humanities scholarship.

The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports projects that bring together diverse expertise to address complex research questions in new and meaningful ways.

Contact Information

Division of Research
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

📧 [collaborative@neh.gov](mailto:collaborative@neh.gov)
📞 202-606-8200

Conclusion

The NEH Collaborative Research Grants 2026 offer a remarkable opportunity for humanities researchers and institutions to collaborate on projects that expand knowledge, generate impactful scholarship, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the United States and Western civilization. With funding of up to $250,000, support for international collaboration, and opportunities to create lasting scholarly resources, this program is ideal for teams seeking to advance innovative humanities research. Interested applicants should begin preparing their proposals now and submit their applications before the September 16, 2026 deadline.

Discover more opportunities on the OFY Webpage.