Pennsylvania Humanities Council announces new grant program for cultural organizations affected by COVID-19

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) today announced Pop-Up Grants for Cultural Producers, a new grant program supporting efforts to sustain public engagement during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Due to social distancing requirements, cultural organizations have canceled in-person programs, festivals, and other major events that bring people together to build community and uplift local economies. Pop-Up Grants for Cultural Producers was created to provide financial assistance to Pennsylvania organizations migrating to virtual or other forms of distance-based cultural activities.

“This crisis is impacting everyone but the cultural sector is particularly vulnerable,” said Laurie Zierer, executive director of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. “Whether it’s a Zoom dinner-time book discussion or a podcast with local creative entrepreneurs and historians on downtown development, we want to quickly give affected organizations the support and visibility they need to champion their big ideas and help people stay connected at this crucial time.”

The grants will be between $500-$2000 with a fast turnaround to get programs quickly off the ground. Applications will be accepted through April but the deadline may be extended as needed. This opportunity is open to small and medium-sized non-profit organizations (budgets under $3 million). Interested individuals can work through local nonprofits to realize their projects.

Pop-Up Grants for Cultural Producers is a PHC initiative and not part of the CARES Act, which has allocated additional federal funding to be distributed by state and territorial councils through the National Endowment for the Humanities. PHC will provide more information about CARES Act opportunities in the coming weeks.

More info for Pop-Up Grants for Cultural Producers, visit: https://pahumanities.org/conversations/2020/03/31/pop-up-grants-for-cultural-producers