Pennsylvania Humanities Council's New Civic Engagement Grants Inspire Collaboration and Community Action

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It is not news that the field of the humanities must make a stronger case for public support. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to award Civic Engagement Grants, which call for a renewed investment in the humanities to foster a society that is innovative, competitive and strong. PHC's new grants program addresses collective civic engagement through collaborative programs that facilitate community improvement and action.

"We see the humanities, (history, arts, culture, customs and traditions,) as the catalyst that brings people together and inspires actions that lead to improvements. Whether it's revitalizing Pennsylvania's communities through downtown preservation or preserving new immigrant culture, identity and way of life, the humanities play an important role in connecting us to one another to solve problems, shape our lives and improve our future," said PHC Executive Director Laurie Zierer.

PHC's civic engagement grants will champion and advocate for the humanities by empowering a vibrant network of individuals, organizations and communities to make a real difference by providing programs that increase understanding and appreciation for diverse ideas and people. The total funding for this RFP is $150,000. Through this initiative, PHC anticipates funding three to four projects for up to a maximum amount of $50,000 each. The grants will be awarded in consortia (2 or more organizations) that can comprehensively and systematically address issues that individual organizations alone cannot.

The goal of this new grants program is to inspire Pennsylvanians to think critically, grow and engage in their communities through interaction, dialogue and action. PHC aims to develop and facilitate partnerships and relationships that generate more resources for humanities initiatives that lead to stronger policies supporting humanities-based programs and education.

To learn more about PHC's new Civic Engagement Grant or to submit a Letter of Intent to Apply, visit www.pahumanities.org.

About PHC
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council is a 40-year old non-profit organization and a federal-state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. PHC champions the humanities through original programming, advocacy, and direct grants. Annually, more than 16,000 people attend approximately 500 programs in over 130 communities in every Pennsylvania county. 

CONTACT:
Sherry C. Hicks
Communications Manager
215.925.1005 - ext. 119
[email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Humanities Council