The American Humanist Association provides annual Chapter Grants to support our local groups’ efforts to expand their membership, spread humanism, and practice humanist values in society. AHA Chapters may request grants ranging from $250 to $2,500 that fit our Organizational Development or Programming Track (see below). Submissions must include a clear purpose for the grant, a concise plan, a breakdown of how the money will be used, and a reliable measure of success. Preference goes to groups with one-off projects or who can provide evidence they can sustain ongoing progress. We encourage groups to be innovative and creative with their ideas so we can share humanism with a broader population.
Applications open October 15 and close January 31
Committee reviews and votes by February 10
Awardees announced, agreements signed, and grant money paid by February 28
Progress reports due by September 1, March 1, and the following September 1 (unless project ends earlier)
Organizational Development Track
Organizational Development Grants support chapter projects that grow their group by strengthening its culture, membership engagement, outreach, leadership, or publicity. This could include trainings, meeting space adjustments, promotions, rebranding, website or social media development, or other activities that promote sustainable growth and group development.
Programming Track
Programming Grants support chapter projects that publicize humanism by either educating people on humanism or engaging people in the practice of humanist values. This could include talks, service projects, classes, tabling, videos, social media campaigns, book discussions, or other activities that promote humanism.
Eligibility Requirements for Chapter Grants:
- Applicants must be Chapters of the American Humanist Association in good standing (i.e., have at least five AHA members, maintain at least two active forms of public contact information, provide an annual membership list to the AHA, openly identify as an AHA Chapter, and support the AHA’s mission).
- Applications must be completed by the deadline and include all requested and required information. Applicants may need to submit additional information upon request.
- Grants in the range of $250 to $2,500 will be considered and partial grants may be awarded. Grants will be considered for one year’s funding and 1-3 reports must be made within 18 months of receiving funds. Awardees must return any unspent or unaccounted for funds to the AHA. Misuse of funds can result in ineligibility for future grants.
- Chapters may apply for annual grants in consecutive years but should not expect funds to be automatically granted or reoccurring, and understand preference will be given to new applicants and groups who haven’t recently won a grant.
- Grants may not be used for:
- ongoing operational costs like rent, salaries, or subscriptions,
- lobbying or partisan purposes, or
- donating to another nonprofit.
Application Procedure:
All applications are to be submitted through our online form by midnight (ET) January 31. Applications must provide the following:
- Brief summary of the proposal plan and purpose
- Timeline and budget for project or program
- Description of how you will measure effectiveness
- Group’s contact information and EIN
- Background on group including operating budget
Applications are reviewed by the AHA Board Chapter & Affiliate Service Committee. Winners are notified and sent an agreement form to virtually sign and choose to receive funds via bank transfer or paper check so that funds can be received in February.
To assist the American Humanist Association in monitoring the work of its grantees, each recipient is required to submit a progress report form each six months (September, March, and the following September) unless the project ends earlier. Reports will include successes attained, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Awardees are also encouraged to share text and images to publicize their project and its success, i.e., social media content, articles, toolkits, etc.