National Garden of American Heroes: Statues

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has issued a funding opportunity for the National Garden of American Heroes: Statues program, aimed at honoring significant figures from American history through the creation of life-size statues. The program anticipates approximately $30 million in funding, with grants of up to $600,000 per applicant for a maximum of three statues. Applicants, who must be U.S. citizens, are required to register with Grants.gov and submit their applications by July 1, 2025. Projects must begin on October 1, 2025, with completed statues due by June 1, 2026. The proposal process includes a detailed narrative, work plan, and various attachments, such as resumes and letters of support. Key evaluation criteria include the quality and appropriateness of the proposed sculptures, the capabilities of the artist, and the feasibility of completing the project within the awarded resources. The initiative coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the NEH's objective of recognizing individuals who have shaped American culture, science, and politics while maintaining strict compliance with federal guidelines, including restrictions on political advocacy and funding use. A risk assessment will precede any awards, ensuring that recipients meet all eligibility requirements.