The Public Scholar Program supports well-researched books in the humanities intended to reach a broad readership. Some humanities scholarship is necessarily specialized, but the humanities can also engage broad audiences in exploring subjects of general interest. Such scholarship might present a narrative history, tell the stories of important individuals, analyze significant texts, provide a synthesis of ideas, revive interest in a neglected subject, or examine the latest thinking on a topic. Books supported by this program must be grounded in humanities research and scholarship, making appropriate use of primary and/or secondary sources. They must also be written in a readily accessible style, addressing significant humanities themes in a way that will appeal to a large audience of general readers. Applications to write books directed primarily to scholars are not appropriate for this program.

By establishing the Public Scholar Program, NEH has entered a long-term commitment to encourage scholarship in the humanities for general audiences. The program is open to both individuals affiliated with scholarly institutions and to independent scholars, researchers, and writers. Projects may be at any stage of development.

U.S. citizens, whether they reside inside or outside the United States, are eligible to apply.
Foreign nationals who have been living in the United States or its jurisdictions for at least the
three years prior to the application deadline are also eligible.

To be eligible, applicants must also meet one of the following conditions: they must either a) have  written as sole author a book published by a university or commercial press; OR b) have written at least three articles and essays appearing in publications that reach a large national or international audience of general readers. The articles or essays may be published either in print
or electronically.

While applicants need not have advanced degrees, individuals currently enrolled in a degree-granting program are ineligible to apply.