Gaines Center Taking Applications for Humanities-focused Mini-grants

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 2, 2021) The humanities intersect with every discipline on the University of Kentucky campus, and, last year, the University of Kentucky's Gaines Center for the Humanities partnered with a number of campus departments to highlight just how rich those intersections can be. 

Now in its second year, the Gaines Center's mini-grant program is taking applications for awards for the 2021-22 academic year. The grants of up to $500 are intended to support humanities-related programming and expenses related to speaker fees and/or event logistics. Individuals in any UK college or department are eligible to apply. 

"When the Gaines Center launched the mini-grant program last year, we just wanted to be good citizens in difficult times. The high quality of innovative and creative programing offered by the recipients helped to maintain intellectual engagement on campus in ways we could not have imagined. We are continuing this program to help amplify the humanities at UK and support our colleagues in their efforts to do the  same," Gaines Center Director Melynda Price said.

The Gaines Center will award six mini-grants to programs that meet the following guidelines:

  • demonstrate a strong humanities focus;  
  • allow for maximum participation of faculty, students and/or community members when possible;
  • occur before May 1, 2022; and
  • list the Gaines Center for the Humanities as a (co-) sponsor on all relevant announcements and marketing materials.

It is preferred that this year’s mini-grant submissions contribute to the Gaines Center's "Year of Mountains" theme. A list of last year’s grant recipients can be seen here: https://issuu.com/chelseabrislin/docs/_final-draft_gaines_spring_2021_newsletter/8.

Applications for the Gaines Center’s mini-grant program are due Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. To apply, visit https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czJdRsMCkmZHUup.

Questions regarding the Gaines Center’s grant program may be directed to Chelsea Brislin, associate director of the Gaines Center, at 859-257-1537 or clbris4@uky.edu

Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities functions as a laboratory for imaginative and innovative education on UK's campus. The center is devoted to cultivating an appreciation of the humanities in its students and faculty. The Gaines Center embraces varied paths of knowledge and particularly strives to integrate creative work with traditional academic learning.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.