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
Cultivate
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, and opportunities to network and convene.
Champion
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 $3,000 to $15,000 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
Montclair State University (Indigenous Studies)
Montclair, (Incubation / $14,943)To support the development of an exploration of Indigenous women's roles in preserving cultural and spiritual well-being in New Jersey Native communities. Read more
Meet all of our grantees
In January 2025, NJCH announced $205,716 in Grant Awards to 17 NJ Organizations Meet them »
Events
Featured
Featured
Events
List of events in Photo View
Want to see your event listed here? NJCH, at its discretion, may list events from its grantees, partners, and organizations within the NJ humanities community. Email us your event info for consideration.
Events
List of events in Photo View
News
60+ NJ Community College Faculty Members Gather at Convening Led by NJCH and Princeton University
At the second annual convening organized by NJCH and Princeton University, community college faculty from across the state forged partnerships and shared strategies for enriching classrooms and communities through the humanities.
Resource Roundup April 2026
Our monthly email newsletter for the NJ Humanities community with helpful information, including notifications of funding, professional development events, meetings, and conferences from both NJCH and the larger nonprofit community.
Two NJCH Grantees Receive NJEDA Grants Totaling $625,000
Two organizations that previously received early-stage and emergency NJCH grants have been awarded grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Association (NJEDA), totaling $625,000.
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.
Program Spotlight
Prime Time Family Reading
Prime Time Family Reading is a national program serving 6- to 10-year-old kids and their families. Participating families build early literacy skills, engage in critical thinking, and connect with each other through literature and discussion. NJCH is excited to expand this program to more NJ libraries in 2026!
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
 |
|
Capt. James Yee served as one of the U.S. military’s first Muslim chaplains at Guantanamo Bay before being falsely accused of treason. Cleared of all charges and honorably discharged but traumatized by the events, he advocates the arts and humanities as healing pathways for veterans. Meet James » |
Selected Sponsors & Partners
