Civic Reflection Grant

The national Project on Civic Reflection helps groups build capacity, commitment and community through reading and discussion. Since 1998, the organization has engaged thousands of citizens across America in discussing short readings - poems, stories, essays - as a means of reflecting on basic questions at the heart of their giving, service and leadership.

The Project on Civic Reflection describes this process as bringing together “a group of people with common civic work to step back and think about their activities and commitments. Gathering in a hospitable place, they share refreshments and engage in facilitated conversation. The conversation focuses first on a short, thought-provoking reading and gradually opens up onto larger questions about civic engagement. What obligations do we have to others in our community? Why join one association and not another? To whom should we give? What do we really expect of those whom we serve? By reading and talking together about these underlying questions, participants gain a richer connection to one another—and to the important tasks of civic life.”

The Florida Humanities Council is currently seeking proposals from non-profit organizations in Florida who would like to host a civic reflection discussion for their organization or community.  For examples of previously funded projects, please click on the link to the right.

How it Works

FHC will work with your group to select an appropriate series of readings, develop a format, and identify a scholar-facilitator to lead a civic reflection program. FHC will also provide funding up to $1,500 to help cover program costs including the scholar-facilitator’s stipend, purchase of texts or readings, and publicity/recruitment materials.

Your organization is responsible for all aspects of administering the program including securing an accessible location, providing refreshments, and recruiting and registering participants. Costs for these items are the responsibility of the host organization.

The program must be offered at no cost to the participants.

To apply for funding

Submit a letter of intent of no more than 2 pages on your organization’s letterhead explaining why your agency would like to host a civic reflection program. Please include a short description of your organization as well as a brief budget including your organization’s cost-share.

Letters of intent are accepted year-round and should be mailed to:
Florida Humanities Council
Attn: Grants Director – Civic Reflection
599 2nd Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701