Humanities Councils Serve all Americans

Councils serve every state and territory, benefiting millions of Americans every year.

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Join our public email list to receives updates on federal funding for humanities councils and learn more about council programs and grants around the country.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation’s cultural life and imagine its shared future.

Cinco de Mayo parade in Mount Vernon, WA. Photo courtesy of Humanities Washington/WACultures.
Photo Credit: Sarah Weissman, Maryland Humanities

Humanities Councils Serve Your Community

Federal investment in humanities councils has a direct impact locally in nearly every US legislative district. This public-private partnership means councils double the impact of each dollar received in federal funding with a matching ratio of 2 to 1, often more. (Photo: Humanities Montana)

Humanities Councils Serve All of America

More than 80% of councils collaborate with rural communities to create exhibits and programs to highlight and preserve unique local histories. Councils invest in heritage organizations across the
nation to strengthen ties between residents. (Photo: Virginia Humanities)

Humanities Councils Serve All Americans

Council programs benefit all Americans, including seniors, parents with young children, students, and teachers. More than 60% of councils deliver programs that serve veterans, active-duty military, and their families. (Photo: Georgia Humanities)

Humanities Councils Serve American Institutions

Councils are already planning activities for the nation’s 250th. Leaders in their state 250th commissions, councils are connect people through speakers, discussions, and free public programs in libraries and museums. Documentary films, local exhibits, online encyclopedias, and oral history projects will preserve and tell these stories for generations.

Maryland students participate in National History Day. Photo courtesy of Maryland Humanities.
Photo Credit: Sarah Weissman, Maryland Humanities
Recent News

Statement on Proposed Elimination of NEH and Humanities Council Funding 

The President’s Budget Request for FY 2027 once again recommends the elimination of the NEH and NEA.

One Year Since Cuts to Humanities Councils: An Update from the Federation

It has now been one year since humanities councils woke up to an email telling them that their operating grants had been terminated by NEH with no opportunity for appeal. 

Humanities = Training Community Journalists in DC

HumanitiesDC’s Community Journalism Program addresses this pressing need by training Washington, D.C., residents in the discipline of journalism so they can tell the stories that matter most to them and their neighbors.