Home - Federation of State Humanities Councils Members Member Services Events Board Staff Careers Contact About Councils Directory News Podcast Donate umanities Councils Serve all Americans Councils serve every state and territory, benefiting millions of Americans every year. Learn more about councils Stay Informed: Subscribe for Updates 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. Learn more about this initiative 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. Learn more about humanities councils Photo Credit: Sarah Weissman, Maryland Humanities Recent News 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. Read more news Sign up for our newsletter Supporting, connecting, and amplifying the work and voices of our members, demonstrating humanities councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy. 1530 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 340 Arlington, Virginia 22209 © 2026 Federation of State Humanities Councils Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Humanities Website Design by openbox9