Information about the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), an independent grant-making federal agency to support research, education, and public programs in the humanities, is provided in this booklet. The first part covers the programs that NEH does and does not support, eligibility for assistance, and how applications are evaluated. NEH encourages proposals that relate to the foundation of American society and the Columbian quincentenary. There are seven divisions for offices for endowment programs described in the second part: (1) Division of Education; (2) Division of Fellowships and Seminars; (3) Division of General Programs; (4) Division of Research Programs; (5) Division of State Programs; (6) Office of Challenge Grants; and (7) Office of Preservation. Each program is presented through a short description, eligiblity, criteria, and application deadlines. A quick reference guide to programs and deadlines is also included. The last part of the booklet contains a telephone directory of NEH divisions and offices, the addresses and phone numbers of state humanities councils, and the names of the members of the National Council on the Humanities. (DJC)