Challenge Programs grants strengthen the institutional base and organizational capacity of humanities organizations in the long term. Eligible applicants are U.S. nonprofit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. All applicants must advance the humanities by preserving and providing access to collections, developing educational programs for various audiences, conducting scholarship and research, or providing scholarly digital resources. 

Fundraising is an important aspect of all Challenge Programs grants. Successful applicants receive awards in matching funds intended to stimulate additional private, state, and local support for their project. Recipients must raise cash contributions from nonfederal third parties before NEH releases matching funds.

All potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Challenge Programs office with questions early in their project conceptualization process and submit draft applications by the appropriate deadline.