Indiana Humanities has awarded more than $800,000 in federal pandemic-relief grants to humanities organizations across the state. 

With funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Indiana Humanities has provided grants totaling $833,517 to humanities-focused nonprofit organizations in 45 Indiana communities. 

The Shelby County Historical Society received a $5, 000 grant for operating funds.

“In supporting this funding, the U.S. Congress has sent the message that the humanities are essential to our recovery from the impact of COVID-19,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “These funds allow us to put much-needed resources into Indiana communities, where they can be used to strengthen humanities organizations and the programming they provide to Hoosiers.” 

To distribute the ARP funds, Indiana Humanities invited nonprofits to apply for two types of grants: Operating Support Grants and Programming and Capacity-Building Grants. Seventy-eight organizations have been awarded grants. The organizations receiving grants provide Hoosiers with programs and activities focused on subjects such as history, literature, languages, linguistics, archaeology, philosophy, ethics, jurisprudence and comparative religion.

“During the past 18 months, we have had limited engagement opportunities with our constituents, and this grant allows us to reengage with those we serve,” said Troy Fears, executive director of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute. “As we all continue navigating these challenging times, sharing our message of hope, healing, respect and responsibility is more important than ever.”

Last year, Indiana Humanities provided more than $500,000 in similar grants to humanities organizations as part of CARES Act funding.