Sustaining the Humanities through American Rescue Plan (SHARP) Grants

About the SHARP Grant

Humanities Tennessee's SHARP Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan Act, empowered us to distribute $941,454 across 91 organizations in the state of Tennessee. This initiative aimed to support jobs in the humanities, keep organizations resilient amid the pandemic, and foster recovery and response efforts.

Role and Responsibilities

As the former Community Engagement Officer, I focused on driving positive change through:

Needs Assessment, Outreach, and Community Engagement

Identified critical needs within Tennessee's humanities sector for pandemic recovery.
Developed grant programs that addressed these needs and fostered community resilience.
Centered the needs of organizations in under-resourced communities, BIPOC populations, and those undertaking vital humanities projects.
Organized grant office hours, facilitated informational sessions, and built collaborative models among grantees and our diverse programs.

Grants Administration and Communications Support

Engaged with Foundant's grant management & CRM systems.
Provided end-to-end support to applicants and grantees throughout the grants cycle.
Managed grant review processes to ensure equitable decision-making.
Communicated effectively with applicants, grantees, and stakeholders.
Prepared comprehensive reports for various audiences, including staff, board members, Congress, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Collaborated with grantees and our finance team to ensure seamless grant payments.
Participated in grant eligibility reviews with the Program Director and other program staff.
Managed applications, contracts, and records using Foundant, Salesforce, Asana Project Management & Google Workspace.

Conclusion

I am proud to have made a lasting impact in the humanities sector and to have been part of a team dedicated to fostering positive change through the SHARP Grant

Humanities Tennessee's SHARP Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan Act, empowered us to distribute $941,454 across 91 organizations in the state of Tennessee. This initiative aimed to support jobs in the humanities, keep organizations resilient amid the pandemic, and foster recovery and response efforts.

Skills

Community Relations · Needs Assessment · Grant Administration · Federal Grants Management · Cross-team Collaboration · Customer Relationship Management (CRM) · Project Management · Record Keeping · Citizen Engagement · Community Relations Management · Community Building · Leadership · Strategic Vision · Strategic Planning · Entrepreneurship · Strategic Communications · Networking · Resiliency · Adaptability

Award Types

General Operating Support (GOS) grants were available for nonprofit organizations with a primary mission of public humanities education.

Humanities Project Support (HPS) grants were available to nonprofit organizations whose primary mission was not public humanities (e.g., arts, sciences, or community/social services organizations) to undertake a public humanities project.

View SHARP Grant Recipient PDF

Grand Division Awards

Tennessee is geographically and culturally diverse, divided into three distinct grand divisions that showcase the state's varied landscapes and histories.

East Tennessee

Nestled in the Appalachian region, East Tennessee is renowned for its picturesque mountains, rolling hills, and fertile valleys. Cities such as Knoxville and Chattanooga thrive in this division, each contributing to the region's rich cultural heritage. East Tennessee played a pivotal role in American history, serving as a gateway to the West during the era of westward expansion. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds to the region's natural allure.

Middle Tennessee

The heart of the state, Middle Tennessee is characterized by its vibrant urban centers and expansive farmlands. Nashville, the capital, is a global hub for music, earning the nickname "Music City." The rolling hills of the Nashville Basin create a scenic backdrop, while the Cumberland River winds through the region. Middle Tennessee is not only a cultural powerhouse with its music scene but also boasts historical significance, with sites like the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson.

West Tennessee

Embracing the mighty Mississippi River, West Tennessee is known for its flatlands, fertile soil, and prominent cotton fields. Memphis, a cultural and economic anchor, stands proudly on the bluffs overlooking the river. With a rich musical heritage, including the birthplace of blues on Beale Street and the iconic Sun Studio, West Tennessee is a cradle of American music. The region's history is intertwined with the river's influence, making it a unique blend of cultural, agricultural, and economic significance.

Together, these three grand divisions contribute to Tennessee's identity, offering residents and visitors a diverse range of experiences, from the scenic beauty of the mountains to the vibrant energy of urban centers and the historical resonance of the Mississippi River.

What Our Grantees Shared

Memphis Filmworks used the SHARP Grant for “programming to introduce you to storytelling and filmmaking… to help of document the heritage and culture of underserved communities of Shelby County.

-Memphis Filmworks
“With support for the Stories of the Land Virtual Tour, The Nashville Food Project was able to continue cultivating community during a time of restricted gathering…with increased language access to our New American community members."

The Nashville Food Project
SHARP funds at the Museum of Appalachia supplemented the wages of our team which was essential for the planning, preparing and execution of new programs, replacing ones that had become ineffective as a result of the pandemic.”

-The Museum of Appalachia