Media Projects: Production

Overview

<p><strong>Division of Public Programs</strong><br><span></span></p> <p><span>The Media Projects: Production Grants program supports the production and distribution of documentary film, television, radio, and podcast projects that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. All projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship and demonstrate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical. The approach to the subject matter must go beyond the mere presentation of factual information to explore its larger significance and stimulate reflection.</span></p> <p>Production awards (up to $700,000) should result in the production and distribution of radio, podcast, television, and long-form documentary film projects.</p> <p>To be ready to apply for a Production award, you should have:</p> <ul> <li>completed research on your subject, including archival work and preliminary interviews</li> <li>involved scholars in creating and interpreting the project’s content</li> <li>completed the project’s script (for film or television projects) or detailed treatment(s) (for radio or podcast projects)</li> <li>designed your plans for distribution, outreach, and partnerships</li> </ul> <p>Media Projects: Production awards may support activities such as:</p> <ul> <li>meeting with scholars</li> <li>script refinement</li> <li>production and distribution of films, television programs, radio programs, and podcasts</li> <li>resources related to the proposed media project that help students and teachers explore the humanities content and themes central to the project</li> <li>outreach activities and public engagement related to the proposed media project</li> </ul> <p>NEH is especially interested in supporting projects that advance humanities-related work in the following areas: “A More Perfect Union”: NEH Special Initiative Advancing Civic Education and Commemorating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, NEH encourages projects that promote a deeper understanding of American history and culture and that advance civic education and knowledge of our core principles of government. The agency-wide “A More Perfect Union” initiative will help Americans better understand the world’s oldest constitutional democracy and how our founding ideals are met in a modern, pluralistic society.</p> <p>NEH welcomes consideration of diverse topics in American history, from Native American culture to rural life to the rise of the industrial city, from the Civil War to the Cold War to the Civil Rights movement, etc. We also seek projects that examine foundational documents in U.S. history, as well as projects that examine historical objects, places, traditions, events, and individuals who collectively shaped our states and nation. Applications about the contributions of under-represented communities are highly encouraged.</p>