Dear Friends and Supporters,
Earlier this week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed drastic reductions to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) budget, along with eliminating much of its workforce. And yesterday, Georgia Humanities received official notice from the NEH confirming the immediate cancellation of all grants—including the funding that sustains our work.
For over 50 years, Georgia Humanities has proudly supported our state’s people and communities by promoting history, culture, and education across Georgia. As the state affiliate of the NEH, we depend on federal funding to make our programs possible.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- National History Day Georgia: Helping thousands of K-12 students each year develop the critical thinking and communication skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
- New Georgia Encyclopedia: An award-winning free resource used by millions of students, scholars, and journalists to tell Georgia’s story.
- Smithsonian Museum on Main Street: Bringing cultural experiences to small towns and rural communities and inspiring local investment.
- Prime Time Reading Programs for Families: Strengthening literacy skills through books, meals, and family learning opportunities.
- America 250 Commemoration: Honoring Georgia’s role in American history as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Without NEH funding, these and many other programs are at risk. And this loss won’t just impact us—it will affect schools, universities, cultural institutions, and communities across Georgia. Last year alone, we partnered with more than 250 local organizations. If these cuts stand, the cultural landscape of our state will be forever changed.
But we aren’t giving up.
Despite the significant challenge we face today, Georgia Humanities remains committed to continuing our work and supporting the important programs already underway, including our spring grants cycle, National History Day Georgia 2025, and the upcoming Ocmulgee Rising event in Macon. Our dedicated staff and board are working tirelessly to assess the full impact of the situation and to find a path forward. But we need your help.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Contact Your Representatives: Your voice matters. Contact your representatives and urge them to restore funding to the NEH. Share how access to the humanities has made a difference in your life or community. You can use this tool to find your rep and reach out.
Donate Today: Your support is crucial. Every donation—large or small—will directly help sustain Georgia Humanities programs while we advocate for Congressional action. You can make a gift now at georgiahumanities.org/donate/.
This situation isn’t about budget lines. It’s about our shared history and future. The humanities connect us, inspire us, and remind us of the values that bind us together. Without ready access to history, literature, and culture, Georgia risks losing a vital part of what makes our state such a great place to call home.
Your voice, your donation, and your support matter more than ever. Let’s work together to ensure Georgia’s rich history and culture thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for standing with Georgia Humanities.
With gratitude,
Mary Wearn
President of Georgia Humanities
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Script for Contacting Elected Officials
Provided by the Federation of State Humanities Councils
Protect NEH/ Save Our Humanities Councils
As a constituent, I am [writing/calling] to urgently request that you support the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the face of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) attempt to substantially reduce its staff, cut the agency’s grant programs, and rescind grants that have already been awarded.
NEH is the only agency that funds our nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils, which provide vital cultural services and critical funding to local nonprofit organizations across the nation.
[Say something about Georgia Humanities here.]
NEH was created by an act of Congress in 1965 and reaffirmed by Republican and Democratic Presidents and legislators over the following 60 years. DOGE’s reductions to the NEH budget and workforce will block the agency’s ability to carry out Congressional intent.
Every Congress for 50 years has supported the state humanities councils and their effective distribution of federal dollars across America. These funds go directly to states (and your district) and allow councils to raise $2 in private investment for every federal dollar spent.
The loss of NEH funding to humanities councils will decimate the ability of these nonprofits to serve communities across our state, eliminating programs that are essential to our region’s cultural infrastructure.
Again, I urge you to protect NEH and NEH funding for humanities councils.
