Letter from the President (July 2026)

Dear friends, Writing from the nation’s capital on the eve of July 4 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I celebrate the fact that … Read more

Federation of State Humanities and Oregon Humanities File Motion for Summary Judgment in Case Challenging Mass Terminations of Humanities Council Grants by NEH and DOGE

The lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Department of Government Efficiency seeks to void unlawful mass terminations of humanities councils’ grants and enjoin NEH from again violating the Constitution and NEH Statutes.

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. 

51 Humanities Councils Join National Initiative to Explore the 250th through Community-Driven Cultural Programs

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by 51 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. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Federation Statement on Passage of Level Funding for NEH and Humanities Councils

On January 15, the Senate passed the 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which includes level funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the humanities councils—$207 million for the NEH, with $65 million of that budget allocated to the 56 state and territorial humanities councils. The bill will now go to the President for his signature.

Save the Date: Humanities on the Hill 2026

Humanities on the Hill (HoH) is a three-day event taking place in Washington, DC during March 3-5, 2026 that brings together humanities councils from all over the greater United States.

Crisis Continues for Humanities Councils as Appropriated Funds Remain in Limbo

This network is critical to the cultural health of states and territories, yet councils are having to take unprecedented steps to survive. 

Federation of State Humanities Councils Granted Preliminary Injunction in Lawsuit Against NEH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Hannah Hethmon, Communications Manager, Federation of State Humanities Councils (hhethmon@statehumanities.org) FEDERATION OF STATE HUMANITIES COUNCILS GRANTED PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION IN LAWSUIT AGAINST NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE … Read more

Federation of State Humanities Councils and Oregon Humanities File Lawsuit against NEH and DOGE Alleging Illegal Termination of Grants to 56 State and Jurisdictional Humanities Councils

Media Contact: Hannah Hethmon, Communications Manager, Federation of State Humanities Councils hhethmon@statehumanities.org or connect@statehumanities.org Federation of State Humanities Councils and Oregon Humanities File Lawsuit against NEH and DOGE Alleging Illegal … Read more

Federation Statement on NEA Grant Terminations

The Federation of State Humanities Councils (Federation) is deeply troubled by news that numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have been terminated without substantive explanation.  The … Read more

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Trump Proposes Elimination of National Endowment for the Humanities, Jeopardizing Local Cultural Programs Nationwide

The move would effectively defund state humanities councils, which provide vital programs and community grants in every state and territory and generate private investment in local economies. (Media Contact: Hannah … Read more