On Wednesday, April 2, Kentucky Humanities received notice from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that our federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has been terminated effective immediately. The National Endowment for the Humanities is the only federal agency that funds our nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils.
The loss of NEH funding to humanities councils will decimate the ability of these nonprofits, including Kentucky Humanities, to serve communities in their states, eliminating programs that are essential to each state’s cultural infrastructure.
Kentucky Humanities calls on all Kentuckians to raise their voices in support of the NEH and Kentucky Humanities by contacting their Senators or Representative. The NEH is not merely a line item in a budget—it is a lifeline for communities seeking connection, meaning, and understanding.
For decades, the NEH has been a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual enrichment across Kentucky and the nation, fostering education, community engagement, and the preservation of our shared heritage.
The NEH’s impact on Kentucky is profound. Through grants and programming, NEH and Kentucky Humanities have empowered our state’s educators, supported the exploration of Kentucky’s rich history, and celebrated the voices and stories that make our communities vibrant and unique. The humanities fuel critical thinking, foster lifelong education, and build stronger communities. From 2020-2024, Kentucky Humanities sponsored nearly 2,500 events reaching more than 3 million Kentuckians, and awarded more than $1.6 million in grant funds to cultural organizations throughout the state.
Attempts to diminish NEH’s funding and influence threaten to undermine decades of progress in education, public outreach, and cultural preservation. Kentucky Humanities is dedicated to Telling Kentucky’s Story to create a legacy of pride in the Commonwealth and build civic engagement; we continually deliver programs to communities throughout the state that would otherwise not be accessible including traveling Smithsonian exhibits and children’s author visits to rural Kentucky schools. The return on investment in the humanities far outweighs its cost, contributing to economic growth, tourism, and an appreciation for our shared history.
Public humanities programs are in museums, libraries, community centers, state parks, and educational institutions, including public, and private settings across Kentucky. Most of the programs are in rural communities. This investment isn’t a luxury. It is fundamental to a thriving Commonwealth.
“Since 1972, Kentucky Humanities has been a steadfast partner in bringing the transformative power of storytelling, education, and culture to every county throughout the Commonwealth,” said Kentucky Humanities Executive Director Bill Goodman. “For more than five decades, we have worked tirelessly to enrich lives, bring families together through a love of reading and learning, and empower all Kentuckians to share their stories. Through our programs, such as Kentucky Chautauqua®, Prime Time Family Reading®, Think History, grants to support community humanities projects, and the Kentucky Book Festival, we have opened doors to history, literature, and shared experiences that deepen our understanding of who we are as Kentuckians. Kentucky Humanities, with support from the NEH, has invested millions of dollars in initiatives that have reached across the state, sparking curiosity in young minds, preserving our collective history, and celebrating the voices that make our state truly unique.”
