America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations: Planning Grants: On October 9, 2009 the National Endowment for the Humanities announced the availability of funding for the America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations: Planning Grants (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 45.164). The purpose of this program is to support the development of humanities content and interactivity that excite, inform, and stir thoughtful reflection upon culture, identity, and history in creative and new ways. Grants for America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations should encourage dialogue, discussion, and civic engagement, and they should foster learning among people of all ages. To that end, the Division of Public Programs urges applicants to consider more than one format for presenting humanities ideas to the public. The application deadline is January 13, 2010.  Eligible applicants include public, school, academic and research libraries; museums; disciplinary and professional associations; cultural institutions; state humanities councils and institutions of higher learning. To request an application package, visit www.grants.gov. For further information, contact Division of Public Programs, National Endowment for the Humanities, Room 426, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20506, 202-606-8269, publicpgms@neh.gov.

AmeriCorps State and National Grants FY 2010:  On October 9, 2009 the Corporation for National and Community Service announced the availability of funding for the AmeriCorps State and National Grants FY 2010 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 94.006). The purpose of this program is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. In the FY 2010 competition, the Corporation’s funding priorities are projects that address compelling, unmet needs in one or a combination of the following five national service priority areas Education, Clean Energy/Environment Healthy Futures, Veterans and Opportunity. The application deadline is January 26, 2010.  Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state entities and faith based organizations. To request an application package, visit www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp. For further information, contact (202) 606-5000.