Mass Humanities seeks to support the mission and programming of small historical organizations in Massachusetts by funding inventorying projects designed to support future programming, including but not limited to cataloguing of manuscripts, published records, photographs, artifacts, or other materials in the organization`s collections or mission area. General inventories and inventories prepared for national register or historic district nominations will not be considered. Institutions that successfully complete an inventory project are encouraged to apply for the Scholar in Residence program.

A Research Inventory Grant carries a maximum award of $1,500.  Under special circumstances, all-volunteer organizations whose collection has not been catalogued at all, and who need to boost their organizational strength, may apply once for a Research Inventory Grant for core organization planning, which has a higher maximum ($2,000), to fund professional consultation about their collection and mission. To get a sense of what kind of programming we support, we suggest a stroll through the Grants Awarded section.

• Contact Local History Coordinator (413-588-1606) at least one month before deadline.
• Download and read the Local History Grant Guidelines and Application for Research INventory Grants before discussing your project with the Local History Coordinator.
• Eligibility: Massachusetts museums, historical societies, or other organizations with historical collections and a record of presenting interpretive history programs to the public and an operating budget of under $75,000
• Read Local History Grant Guidelines for Research Inventory Grant
• Projects results must be made public: deposited in a public library or archive, made available online, or published in a readily available brochure.

SIR deadlines for planning purposes.

RIG Guidelines & Application

RIG Project Director Evaluation
RIG Inventory Taker Evaluation
RIG Final Expenditures Report