About the Foundation

Established in 1974 as the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities is a programming and grant-making organization that receives support from the NEH and the Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as private sources. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of 25 directors who reflect the social and geographic diversity of Massachusetts. Approximately half the board represents the general public (business, labor, the professions, cultural affairs, and community life) and half are humanities professionals (college faculty, K-12 teachers, independent scholars, museum and library professionals, and writers). Six directors are appointed by the governor.

The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities uses history, literature, philosophy, and the other humanities disciplines to enhance and improve civic life throughout the Commonwealth.

The Foundation regularly identifies areas of special interest or concern and develops initiatives aimed at increasing program activity in those areas. Our current thematic initiative, "Liberty and justice for all," invites proposals for public programs that explore the interplay of these two fundamental principles of American political life. "Liberty" and "justice" may seem to be well understood philosophical touchstones of our democracy, but they yield, when examined further, significant controversy and opportunity for reflection.

Previous Foundation initiatives have focused on the interpretation of Native American history and culture in New England museums and historical societies, the contributions of women to public life in Massachusetts; and humanistic perspectives on the millennium.

What are the Foundation's Priorities?

The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities gives highest priority to projects that apply the humanities to current issues, deepening public understanding of these issues and thereby enhancing civic life.

The Foundation is particularly interested in funding projects that

  • address our current thematic focus, "Liberty and justice for all"
  • reach those whose access to the humanities has been limited due to social, economic, educational, or geographic circumstances;
  • involve collaboration among humanities institutions and other types of institutions and agencies, both public and private (e.g. hospitals, prisons, social service agencies);
  • foster connections across disciplines, among different bodies of thought, or between past and present;
  • have the capacity to revitalize communities, stimulate income, create or enhance jobs and attract tourism (Cultural Economic Development grants).