South Carolina Humanities

inspiring. engaging. enriching.

The humanities are how we understand ourselves and our world and how we communicate that understanding to others. South Carolina Humanities is one of 54 state and jurisdictional humanities councils that receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. SC 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.

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.

Explore Resources

SC Humanities has supported a variety of projects that include digital content for all ages. Check them out!

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

Now Accepting Board of Directors Nominations

Now Accepting Board of Directors Nominations

South Carolina Humanities is accepting nominations to become a member of our Board of Directors. New members will begin three-year terms in…
2025 Call for Nominations for the Annual South Carolina Awards in the Humanities

2025 Call for Nominations for the Annual South Carolina Awards in the Humanities

South Carolina Humanities is pleased to announce that nominations for the Governor’s Awards in the Humanities and the Akers Prize…
Smithsonian Exhibit “Spark: Places of Innovation” Opens in Belton

Smithsonian Exhibit “Spark: Places of Innovation” Opens in Belton

The traveling Smithsonian exhibit Spark! Places of Innovation will open in Belton at the Belton Area Museum Association on Sunday, March 2, 2025.…
SC Humanities Awards $108,000 in Major Grants

SC Humanities Awards $108,000 in Major Grants

The South Carolina Humanities Board of Directors awarded more than $108,000 in Major Grants to 11 cultural organizations after a February 21,…
Akers Announces Retirement

Akers Announces Retirement

After 37 years of service, Executive Director Randy Akers has announced his retirement from South Carolina Humanities effective June 30,…
Thirteen New Speakers Added to the Speakers Bureau: Humanities Out Loud Roster

Thirteen New Speakers Added to the Speakers Bureau: Humanities Out Loud Roster

SC Humanities is pleased to announce that thirteen new speakers will join the Speakers Bureau: Humanities Out Loud program in…

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 2024

By the Numbers

Grant Money Awarded

$ 1 K
grants awarded
1
counties reached
1