We explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities in order to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.

What that means

We believe humanities fields such as history, literature, and philosophy are the best hope for our state and country's future. It's the humanities that help us break free from the limitations of our individual experience and see both the perspectives of others and the larger social forces that affect us all.

We work to bring the critical thinking and reflection the humanities spur to the Garden State's broad and diverse population, through programs and support for other humanities organizations.

Our programs, grants, resources, and convenings foster appreciation for the public humanities in every district in the state.  Explore our impact >>> 

We help the people of New Jersey explore the humanities through public programs, events, statewide and community-based initiatives, and connections to institutional and non-institutional experts in their fields.

As New Jersey's partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we support NJ humanities organizations of all kinds through grants, sponsorships, professional development, resources, and opportunities to network and convene.

We are the state's leading advocate for the diverse work of the humanities, through legislative outreach, communicating impact, recognizing excellence, and amplifying the voices of NJ communities.

Our Mission

We explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities in order to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.

Grants & Sponsorships

Through a competitive application process, we award Incubation Grants and Action Grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 to further the impact of the public humanities in New Jersey. Our COVID-19 grantmaking in 2020 and 2021 also helped pandemic-affected organizations recover and reimagine their work at a critical moment. Sponsorships are primarily aimed at greater visibility and access to audiences that are not currently served by NJCH through our grantmaking and other programmatic initiatives.

Grantee Spotlight

Camden, (Action / $15,000)
To support a teen fellowship program that, using social and emotional learning lenses, teaches resiliency, emotion regulation, and empathy through literacy and digital media skills. Read more

Meet all of our grantees

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On July 17, 2024, NJCH announced $216,319 in Grant Awards to 18 NJ Organizations Meet them »

Events

News

South Jersey Community Community reporters, (left-to-right) Carma Yé, Mariah Washington, Tracey L. Wells-Huggins, Roy Jones, Dr. Angeline Dean, and Camerun Hannah

A look back at the inaugural South Jersey Community Reporters initiative

October 31, 2024

In January 2024, the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the Center for Cooperative Media (CCM) at Montclair State University embarked on a collaborative project known as the “South Jersey Community Reporters” initiative.

Historical postcard showing the boardwalk in Avon-by-the-Sea, from the Avon Historical Society archive

Community History and Humanities Lab Cohorts Receive Project Approval and Funding

October 30, 2024

After months of collaborative learning and project development, NJCH’s latest Community History and Humanities Lab cohorts have reached a major milestone: their project proposals have been approved for NJCH funding and are set to launch this month.

Mary Marino, Tracey Nguyễn Mang, and Sierra Van Ryck DeGroot

Three new members join the NJCH Board of Trustees

October 25, 2024

Three New Jersey women bringing a wealth of valuable experience in nonprofits, education, arts, and humanities have joined the NJCH Board of Trustees.

Ever wonder: what's the story behind the myth of the Jersey Devil?

The Jersey Devil is a distinctive piece of our state's lore, a mythical creature legendary enough to serve as both a symbol of the Pine Barrens region and the mascot of our NHL franchise. Scholars supported with NJCH funds have traced this strange creature's origins to a mish-mash of political, religious, and capitalist conflict over generations of early America.

Learn more (if you dare!) »

The Jersey Devil

Program Spotlight

Democracy Conversation Project (DCP)

As part of this initiative, NJCH has collected hundreds of responses from individuals throughout the Garden state sharing their thoughts on citizenship, our democracy, the challenges we face, and the importance of voting. These responses are displayed in an interactive interface for exploration and will be archived for future use by historians.

Resource Roundup

Looking for other grant funding sources in New Jersey? Professional development opportunities? Networking? A new job?

Subscribe to the Resource Roundup, our monthly e-newsletter geared toward those working in humanities and nonprofit organizations.

Humanities People

Sadaf Jaffer, Ph.D.

An expert in South Asian history and policy, Sadaf Jaffer’s passion for the humanities has informed her work as a scholar, board member, and elected official.

Meet Sadaf »

Sponsors & Partners

NEH
Mellon Foundation
AMPU
NJCCC logo
Dodge Foundation
NJ Historical Commission
SITES
Journalism + Design

Keep In Touch

Engaging with community members throughout New Jersey is key to our mission. Wherever you are in our circle, we value your partnership and support!