In 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, a historic milestone that calls for reflection, exploration, and celebration. To mark this occasion, the Institute for Humane Studies is launching a special round of funding for faculty who want to engage undergraduates in programming that highlights the themes of liberty, self-governance, liberalism, and the American experiment.

We invite professors to propose projects that inspire students to think deeply about America’s founding principles and their relevance today. Activities may take many forms including undergraduate-focused initiatives such as mentorship, reading groups, symposia, or research support, as well as public-facing events like lectures, panel discussions, or community forums that include meaningful opportunities for student participation.

Most accepted proposals will not exceed $20,000, though we will consider larger grants for exceptional projects.