The state humanities councils are nonprofit, non-partisan organizations, which support grassroots humanities programs in every U.S. state and territory. The councils are funded by Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities and in addition raise funds from corporations, foundations, private individuals, and/or the state government.
Humanities council programs support local responses to local educational and cultural needs. They enable communities to address local issues of concern. They engage groups at all economic and educational levels, draw communities together, and encourage citizen participation in civic life. They provide forums for citizens to learn about the histories of their nation and communities, participate in reasoned discussion about difficult issues, and explore common values. They offer professional development institutes for teachers and improved reading skills and personal enrichment for adults on the margins of literate society.
The Federation is the councils' national membership association. Its purpose is to provide leadership, advocacy, and information for its members to advance the humanities to the broadest U.S. public.