NEH Funding Cuts Jeopardize Cultural and Educational Programming in Georgia
Atlanta (April 3, 2025)— Earlier this week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed drastic reductions to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget, including an over 80% cut and the elimination of much of its workforce. This morning, Georgia Humanities received official notice from the NEH announcing the immediate cancellation of all grants—including the funding that supports our work.
For more than 50 years, Georgia Humanities has proudly served our state’s people and communities by supporting history, culture, and ongoing education in every corner of Georgia. As the state affiliate of the NEH, we rely on federal funding to deliver this meaningful, community-driven work, including:
- Supporting thousands of K-12 teachers and students each year through programs like National History Day Georgia, which helps kids develop the critical thinking and communication skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
- Keeping Georgia’s history alive and accessible through the New Georgia Encyclopedia, an award-winning free resource used by millions of students, scholars, and journalists to tell our state’s story.
- Bringing cultural experiences to small towns and rural communities through Smithsonian Museum on Main Street traveling exhibitions that inspire community pride and local investment.
- Helping families become stronger readers by providing books, meals, and opportunities for children and caregivers to bond through learning.
- Commemorating America 250, the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, by developing programs and funding opportunities that honor Georgia’s role in American history and inspire statewide participation.
We remain committed to moving forward with programs already underway, including our spring grant awards, National History Day Georgia 2025, and the upcoming Ocmulgee Rising event in Macon. Our staff and board are actively assessing the impact of these cuts on our future operations. Without NEH funding, most of Georgia Humanities’ ongoing programs and initiatives will not be sustainable.
In addition to the impact on our work, we fear the broader repercussions these cuts will have on Georgia’s cultural landscape. Just last year, Georgia Humanities partnered with more than 250 local organizations, and the loss of our funding, along with other NEH grants, will directly impact schools, universities, cultural institutions, and communities that rely on this support to sustain their vital work.
“Decisions made in Washington may seem distant, but the loss of NEH funding has direct and serious consequences for Georgia,” said Mary Wearn, president of Georgia Humanities. “Each year, this support helps local nonprofits bring history, literature, and cultural programs to communities across the state. These grants aren’t dictated by Washington—they’re shaped here in Georgia to serve Georgians, strengthening civic life, education, and community connections in towns and cities statewide.”
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. For more information on Georgia Humanities’ work and how to support our mission, please visit GeorgiaHumanities.org.
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