inspiring. engaging.

The humanities are how we understand ourselves, 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

York County Library Community...

December 30, 2019

In January and February 2020, the York County Library will offer a “community-wide” reading program – with a twist! Through the “York County Library Community Reads Program of Kindness,” library…

“To preserve us from...

November 27, 2019

The bloodless revolution that occurred in Charles Town in 1719 had a profound impact on South Carolina history that reverberates even to this day, but the event itself has been…

The Ring People

October 30, 2019

Four thousand years ago, in the time of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, an ancient civilization on the South Carolina coast also left behind colossal landmarks. Fig Island, off the…

The South Carolina Events That Changed America

Eyes on the Prize: 2020 Vision – African American History Month at USCB

Southern Wesleyan University Literary Festival – South Carolina Real and Imagined

York County Library Community Reads Program of Kindness

Discovering the Banjo

2020 Student Research Fellow Announced

Gullah Roots: Back to Sierra Leone

“To preserve us from utter ruine” The Revolution of 1719: Exhibit Opening

Author Annette Laing at Christmasville in Rock Hill

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