What We Look For
The SHMF is devoted to exploring topics of widespread Southern significance
and of regional or national interest. This does not mean that the subject matter
of an SHMF project cannot be specific to a certain locale or state. The concern
here is intention and point-of-view: our goal is to support media that aspire
to an embracing outlook, without slighting the necessary particularity that promotes
depth of understanding.
The SHMF encourages ambitious and well-conceived media projects, with an emphasis
on analytical and interpretive documentaries. We are committed to promoting free
inquiry and reasoned debate, without advocating particular political views or
social action. We seek projects that affirm the value of the humanities –
among them, the study of literature, history, folklore, jurisprudence, philosophy,
comparative religion, archaeology, and the theory, history, and criticism of the
arts. The programs we fund suggest and reveal how the humanities may enliven our
individual and social sense of human possibility as we address the heritage and
future of the South.
The SHMF only considers projects developed or sponsored by non-profit organizations
or governmental agencies (e.g., a state-funded television station). The Fund awards
grants only in support of the shooting/production, editing, and finishing of films,
video, and audio programs created for a general public audience. Both the technical
and scholarly personnel employed by SHMF projects must have demonstrated expertise
in working with the humanities and media projects. The Fund does not provide supplementary
support for projects that have already received their primary or major support
from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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