Promotion of the Humanities_We the People
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IDILOGIC on Jun 24, 2005
Purpose of this program:
AUTHORIZATION: To support scholarly, educational, preservation, and public projects that explore significant events and themes in our nation's history and culture and that advance knowledge of the principles that define America.
Possible uses and use restrictions...
Idea of America Essay Contest: High school students submit essays on important themes in American history. There are no restrictions on the use of funds. We the People Bookshelf: Libraries launch community programs based on readings on important themes such as courage and freedom. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Who is eligible to apply...
Idea of America Essay Contest: Individuals. Must be high school juniors who are citizens of the United States. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively. As part of its We the People initiative, NEH is collaborating with the American Library Association to inaugurate the We the People Bookshelf, a program to encourage young people to read and understand great literature while exploring themes in American history. Applications will be accepted from all public libraries, including systems and branches, and school libraries (K-12), including public, private, parochial, or charter schools, in the United States and its territories.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Note:This is a brief description of the credentials or documentation required prior to, or along with, an application for assistance.
About this section:
This section indicates who can apply to the Federal government for assistance and the criteria the potential applicant must satisfy.
For example, individuals may be eligible for research grants, and the criteria to be satisfied may be that they have a professional or scientific degree,
3 years of research experience, and be a citizen of the United States. Universities, medical schools, hospitals, or State and local governments may also be eligible.
Where State governments are eligible, the type of State agency will be indicated (State welfare agency or State agency on aging) and the criteria that they
must satisfy.
Certain federal programs (e.g., the Pell Grant program which provides grants to students) involve intermediate levels of application processing, i.e., applications
are transmitted through colleges or universities that are neither the direct applicant nor the ultimate beneficiary. For these programs,
the criteria that the intermediaries must satisfy are also indicated, along with intermediaries who are not eligible.
How to apply...
Application Procedure:
Submit Idea of America Essay Contest We The People Bookshelf application forms to the headquarters office. Use of program guidelines provided by the agency is essential. Idea of America Essay Contest guidelines are available online (http://www.wethepeople.gov) or upon request to the headquarters office. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Bookshelf: printed application materials are available by calling (202)606-8446, sending an e-mail to info@neh.gov, or writing to NEH, Office of Public Affairs, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20506. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers, program guidelines are available through the NEH Division of Education Programs; and for We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, the NEH Office of Challenge Grants.
Note: Each program will indicate whether applications are to be submitted to the Federal headquarters, regional or local office, or to a State or local government office.
Award Procedure:
Idea of America Essay Contest: Applications are reviewed by educators, administrators of humanities institutions, panels of scholars or other appropriate individuals. Awards are made by the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities after advice of members of the National Council on the Humanities. We The People Bookshelf: Each application is assessed by staff at NEH in collaboration with the staff of the American Library Association. Evaluators may take geographical and demographic distribution into consideration when selecting participating libraries. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities makes the final decision.
Note: Grant payments may be made by a letter of credit, advance by Treasury check, or reimbursement by Treasury check.
Awards may be made by the headquarters office directly to the applicant, an agency field office, a regional office,
or by an authorized county office. The assistance may pass through the initial applicant for further distribution by
intermediate level applicants to groups or individuals in the private sector.
Deadlines and process...
Deadlines
For Idea of America Essay Contest and We The People Bookshelf, consult http://www.wethepeople.gov. We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture: February 1; Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers: August 6.
Note:
When available, this section indicates the deadlines for applications to the funding agency which will
be stated in terms of the date(s) or between what dates the application should be received.
When not available, applicants should contact the funding agency for deadline information.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Four to seven months.
Preapplication Coordination
For the Idea of America Essay Contest and The We The People Bookshelf, the standard application forms as furnished by the Endowment and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used. These programs are excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers, see guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs. For We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, see guidelines of the NEH Office of Challenge Grants.
Note:
This section indicates whether any prior coordination or approval is required with governmental or nongovernmental units
prior to the submission of a formal application to the federal funding agency.
Appeals
Idea of America Essay Contest and We The People Bookshelf: None. For other We the People grants, applicant may request written reasons for rejection and reapply with revised proposal to a subsequent application deadline.
Note:
In some cases, there are no provisions for appeal. Where applicable, this section discusses appeal procedures or allowable rework time for resubmission
of applications to be processed by the funding agency. Appeal procedures vary with individual programs and are either listed in this section or
applicants are referred to appeal procedures documented in the relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Renewals
Not applicable.
Note:
In some instances, renewal procedures may be the same as for the application procedure, e.g., for projects of a non-continuing nature renewals will be treated as new, competing applications; for projects of an ongoing nature, renewals may be given annually.
Who can benefit...
Idea of America Essay awards are made to high school juniors who are citizens of the United States. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively. School and public libraries are invited to apply to receive the We the People Bookshelf, which consists of fifteen thematically related books and supplemental materials to help with publicity and the organization of public programs.
Beneficiaries
About this section:
This section lists the ultimate beneficiaries of a program, the criteria they must satisfy and who specifically is not eligible. The applicant and beneficiary will generally be the same for programs that provide assistance directly from a Federal agency. However, financial assistance that passes through State or local governments will have different applicants and beneficiaries since the assistance is transmitted to private sector beneficiaries who are not obligated to request or apply for the assistance.
What types of assistance...
Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use
Financial assistance from the Federal government provided directly to beneficiaries who satisfy Federal eligibility requirements with no restrictions being imposed on the recipient as to how the money is spent. Included are payments under retirement, pension, and compensatory programs.
How much financial aid...
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Idea of America Essay Contest: $5,000 for grand prize winner; $1,000 for finalist. We the People Bookshelf winners receive fifteen books and promotional materials, including bookplates, bookmarks, brochures, and posters. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Note:
This section lists the representative range (smallest to largest) of the amount of financial assistance available. These figures are based upon funds awarded in the past fiscal year and the current fiscal year to date. Also indicated is an approximate average amount of awards which were made in the past and current fiscal years.
Obligations
Idea of America Essay Contest(Grants): FY 03 $10,000; and FY 04 est $10,000; FY 05 est $10,000. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, contact the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Note:
The dollar amounts listed in this section represent obligations for the past fiscal year (PY), estimates for the current fiscal year (CY), and estimates for the budget fiscal year (BY) as reported by the Federal agencies. Obligations for non-financial assistance programs indicate the administrative expenses involved in the operation of a program.
Account Identification
59-0200-0-1-503.
Note:
Note: This 11-digit budget account identification code represents the account which funds a particular program.
This code should be consistent with the code given for the program area as specified in Appendix III of the Budget of the United States Government.
Examples of funded projects...
Idea of America Essay Contest: (1) Essay describing importance of the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison, which elevated the Federal judiciary to equal footing with Congress and the president; (2) Essay on the role of John Adams in securing the Constitutional right to a fair trial; and (3) Essay on President George Washington's response to the Whiskey Rebellion and its role in establishing the power of the rule of law in the United States. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
About this section
This section indicates the different types of projects which have been funded in the past. Only projects funded under Project Grants or Direct Payments for Specified Use should be listed here. The examples give potential applicants an idea of the types of projects that may be accepted for funding. The agency should list at least five examples of the most recently funded projects.
Program accomplishments...
Idea of America Essay Contest: In fiscal year 2003, 1,332 applications were received and 6 awards made. In fiscal year 2004, 1,800 applications and 6 awards are anticipated. In fiscal year 2005, 2,500 applications and 6 awards are anticipated. We The People Bookshelf: In fiscal year 2004, an estimated 1,400 applications and 1,000 awards are anticipated. In fiscal year 2005, approximately 2,000 applications and 1,000 awards are anticipated. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, contact the Division of Education Programs and the Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Criteria for selecting proposals...
Idea of America Essay Contest: Proposals are read and evaluated on whether the essay demonstrates a strong understanding of American history; presents a focused and well-reasoned consideration of the topic; shows originality in analysis and composition; displays clear writing and proper spelling and grammar. We The People Bookshelf applications are evaluated according to the following criteria: Are the proposed programs well conceived, and do they have broad community appeal? Do the proposed programs explore the theme of courage? Will the proposed programs engage young readers? Does the library provide a long-term plan for promoting ongoing interest in the Bookshelf? For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Assistance considerations...
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Formula and Matching Requirements
Contact NEH Office of Challenge Grants for information on matching requirements for We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture.
Note:
A formula may be based on population, per capita income, and other statistical factors. Applicants are informed whether there are any matching requirements to be met when participating in the cost of a project. In general, the matching share represents that portion of the project costs not borne by the Federal government. Attachment F of OMB Circular No. A-102 (Office of Management and Budget) sets forth the criteria and procedures for the evaluation of matching share requirements which may be cash or in-kind contributions made by State and local governments or other agencies, institutions, private organizations, or individuals to satisfy matching requirements of Federal grants or loans.
Cash contributions represent the grantees' cash outlay, including the outlay of money contributed to the grantee by other public agencies, institutions, private organizations, or individuals. When authorized by Federal regulation, Federal funds received from other grants may be considered as the grantees' cash contribution.
In-kind contributions represent the value of noncash contributions provided by the grantee, other public agencies and institutions, private organizations or individuals. In-kind contributions may consist of charges for real property and equipment, and value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the grant program. When authorized by Federal legislation, property purchased with Federal funds may be considered as grantees' in-kind contribution.
Maintenance of effort (MOE) is a requirement contained in certain legislation, regulations, or administrative policies stating that a grantee must maintain a specified level of financial effort in a specific area in order to receive Federal grant funds, and that the Federal grant funds may be used only to supplement, not supplant, the level of grantee funds.
Post assistance requirements...
Reports
Idea of America Essay Contest and We The People Bookshelf: Not applicable. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Note:
This section indicates whether program reports, expenditure reports, cash reports or performance monitoring are required by the Federal funding agency, and specifies at what time intervals (monthly, annually, etc.) this must be accomplished.
Audits
Idea of America Essay Contest and We The People Bookshelf: Not applicable. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Note:
This section discusses audits required by the Federal agency.
The procedures and requirements for State and local governments and nonprofit entities are set forth in OMB Circular No. A-133.
These requirements pertain to awards made within the respective State's fiscal year - not the Federal fiscal year,
as some State and local governments may use the calendar year or other variation of time span designated as the fiscal year period,
rather than that commonly known as the Federal fiscal year (from October 1st through September 30th).
Records
Idea of America Essay Contest and We The People Bookshelf: Not applicable. For Landmarks of American History: Workshops for School Teachers and We the People Challenge Grants in United States History, Institutions and Culture, consult the guidelines of the NEH Division of Education Programs and Office of Challenge Grants respectively.
Note:
This section indicates the record retention requirements and the type of records the Federal agency may require.
Not included are the normally imposed requirements of the General Accounting Office.
For programs falling under the purview of OMB Circular No. A-102, record retention is set forth in Attachment C.
For other programs, record retention is governed by the funding agency's requirements.
Regulations...
Authorization
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 89-209, 20 U.S.C. 951 et seq.
Note:
This section lists the legal authority upon which a program is based (acts, amendments to acts, Public Law numbers, titles, sections, Statute Codes, citations to the U.S. Code, Executive Orders, Presidential Reorganization Plans, and Memoranda from an agency head).
Regulations, Guidelines, And Literature
45 CFR 1100 and 1105. Idea of America Essay Contest: program guidelines and forms are available online at http://www.wethepeople.gov and and also upon request from the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506. We the People Bookshelf: application materials are available by calling (202)606-8446, sending an e-mail to info@neh.gov, or writing to NEH, Office of Public Affairs, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20506. Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, is the Endowment's official publication, "Humanities" by subscription (6 issues annually, $24.00 domestic, $30.60 foreign).