The Humanities Council is a dedicated body established to support the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (BCBCC) in its Humanities in Place grant-making program. This council will play a crucial role in reviewing GRACE Grants and ensuring that grant awards align with the program’s goals of fostering humanities projects that emphasize cultural heritage, historical significance, and community engagement. 

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Purpose and Responsibilities of the Humanities Council 

Purpose: 

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The Humanities Council is formed to: 

• Provide expert evaluation and recommendations for grant proposals submitted under the Humanities in Place program. 

• Ensure that the grant-making process is transparent, equitable, and aligned with the strategic objectives of the BCBCC. 

• Enhance the impact of humanities projects that celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage and historical narratives of the Beaufort County community, particularly those of Black residents. 

 

Responsibilities: 

• Review and Evaluate Proposals: 

  • Carefully review all RFPs submitted to the Humanities in Place program. 

  • Assess proposals based on criteria such as cultural significance, community engagement, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. 

• Provide Recommendations: 

  • Develop recommendations for grant awards based on thorough evaluations. 

  • Ensure recommendations reflect a fair and balanced consideration of all proposals. 

• Offer Expertise: 

  • Provide insights and expertise in the humanities to guide the grant-making process. 

  • Share knowledge on best practices and innovative approaches in humanities projects. 

• Foster Community Engagement: 

  • Engage with local communities to understand their needs and perspectives. 

  • Promote projects that enhance community participation and cultural understanding. 

• Ensure Transparency and Accountability: 

  • Maintain a transparent review process. 

  • Document evaluations and decisions to ensure accountability and clarity in the grant-making process. 

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Composition of the Humanities Council 

The Humanities Council will consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in the humanities, including but not limited to: 

• Academics and scholars in fields such as history, literature, cultural studies, and arts. 

• Community leaders and activists with experience in cultural preservation and community engagement. 

• Professionals with a background in grant-making and nonprofit management. 

• Representatives from the BCBCC to ensure alignment with organizational goals.