California Humanities

Programs: The library innovation lab pilot project will provide training, support, and resources to a cohort of programming librarians. This project will enable them to design and implement new public humanities projects that will reach and engage underserved immigrant groups in their communities during the program period. Through an open call application, 10 libraries were selected to receive $5,000 each to participate in our first round of the library innovation lab grant program. This grants program will help build capacity within california libraries to develop creative and innovative programs that will respond to the needs and circumstances of todays immigrants and immigrant communities and foster more inclusive communities within our state.

the california documentary project (cdp) is a competitive grant program that supports high-quality, broad-reach film, radio, and new media documentaries that examine issues of significance to californians and the nation and that use the humanities to provide context, depth, and perspective. Cdp supports media projects in the research and development, production, and public engagement stages, with award amounts ranging from $10,000 up to $50,000. Since 2003, california humanities has awarded almost $5 million to documentary productions that raise awareness, foster reflection, and deepen understanding of critical california subjects and issues. Cdp projects reach and engage local, state, and national audiences through radio and television broadcast, online, at festival and community screenings, and in classrooms.

community stories, formerly known as the california story fund, is an ongoing, competitive grant program. Community stories-funded projects reach and engage hundreds of thousands of californians annually in public humanities programs that explore the california experience and share the stories of californias diverse communities through various programming mediums: physical and online exhibits, radio and video documentaries, performances and presentations, and multiple-format activities. Of statewide scope and reach, the program has a special interest in supporting projects that bring to light, preserve, and share lesser-known community stories and experiences. Since 2003, 497 grants have been made; 20 awards were made in 2016. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations and local and state government agencies. Awards are generally at the $10,000 level. Community stories-supported projects have received an impressive array of recognition and awards from entities ranging from the federation of state humanities councils, the american association for state and local history, to the white house national arts and humanities youth program awards.