inspiring. engaging.

The humanities are how we understand ourselves and our world and how we communicate that understanding to others. South Carolina Humanities funds, promotes, counsels, and coordinates all manner of thoughtful (and thought-provoking) endeavors—exhibits, documentaries, discussion forums, research, planning, workshops, dramatizations, lectures, and on and on—that pertain to the humanities.

How can you get involved?

We are a small organization, but we accomplish big things with our partners throughout South Carolina.

We help to build communities and move South Carolina forward as a state. SC Humanities reaches many rural areas, increasing the cultural capacity of local institutions and providing local economic impact.

Won’t you join us in this endeavor?

Apply for a Grant

There are several categories of grants available to nonprofits, including major grants, mini & planning grants, and fast-track literary grants.

Request a Speaker

Request one of South Carolina’s finest scholars to share their knowledge and to spark discussions about human values, traditions, and cultures.

Start a Conversation

The "Let's Talk About It" book discussion series has long been the backbone of library programming offered by SC Humanities with assistance from the SC State Library.

Donate Today

Your support matters. Commit to a monthly gift or support a program that you are passionate about.

Attend an Event

Attend an exhibition or lecture, sign-up for a workshop, and more.

Celebrate the Humanities

The annual Governor's Awards in the Humanities Luncheon celebrates excellence in the humanities.

Featured News

“I Was Born to Be in a Library”: Pat Conroy’s Great Love of Libraries - Facebook Event

May 29, 2020

“A library could show you everything, if you knew where to look.” ~Pat Conroy, My Reading Life On Thursday, June 11 at 12:00 PM, South Carolina Humanities will host a…

A Call for Nominations for the Board of Directors

May 26, 2020

SC Humanities operates as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation granting funds received from federal (National Endowment of the Humanities), corporate, state, and private sources. The Board of Directors consists of twenty-two…

A Sincere Thank You

May 19, 2020

Thank you South Carolina Congressional Delegation: On behalf of South Carolina Humanities, I would like to thank our members of Congress, in the House and in the Senate, for having…

Thinking in Place - Digital Humanities Delivery

May 19, 2020

South Carolina Humanities believes that the humanities are a vital tool for navigating periods of distress or uncertainty. As the public health crisis concerning COVID-19 continues to unfold, we plan…

Horse Creek: A Tale Worth the Telling - Facebook Premiere

May 4, 2020

Horse Creek Valley is a geographically and socially unique region of the state in Aiken County noted for its mill villages and first public school system. The documentary Horse Creek Valley:…

SC Humanities Offers Emergency Relief Grants for Cultural Organizations

April 24, 2020

SC Humanities is honored to provide funding to humanities organizations facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Funding for the Bridge Grants has been provided by the National Endowment…

Word on the Street

At this time few things are more important than the exploration, discussion and reflection encouraged and facilitated by South Carolina Humanities - the state's primary vehicle for advancing shared cultural experiences and consideration of ideas. South Carolina Humanities energizes communities, libraries, schools, museums and higher education institutions reaching across the state to help make us all more understanding and, yes, more humane.

Sig Huitt

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

Through the 2016 SC Humanities Festival in Beaufort, people and groups gently stepped out from their silos and worked together to make our hometown an even better place… Historical and cultural organizations and artists of all kinds, from north and south of the Broad River, came together to present the SC Humanities Festival in Beaufort County. The theme was: ‘Inspire, Engage, and Enrich.’ We all came together seamlessly to give something very special!

Billy Keyserling

MAYOR OF BEAUFORT

fiscal year 2019

By the Numbers

$ 1 K

Grant Money Awarded

grants awarded

counties reached