NEH is being gutted, and New Jerseyans will suffer as a result.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants that fund state councils are being rescinded by DOGE. As a result, NJCH has been forced to cut all our grants, several programs, and two staff members. To make an immediate impact, donate today. Currently, all donations are being matched dollar-for dollar up to a total of $50,000 by the The Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation.
The Mellon Foundation has announced a grant of emergency stabilization funds for all state humanities councils. We are profoundly grateful for this generous gift. However, these funds NOT a replacement of our federal funding, either in the short- or long-term.
Currently, donations to NJCH are being matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $50,000 by the Federation of State Humanities Councils with support from the Mellon Foundation. Please maximize your impact by donating today.
We explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities in order to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.
What that means
We believe humanities fields such as history, literature, and philosophy are the best hope for our state and country's future. It's the humanities that help us break free from the limitations of our individual experience and see both the perspectives of others and the larger social forces that affect us all.
We work to bring the critical thinking and reflection the humanities spur to the Garden State's broad and diverse population, through programs and support for other humanities organizations.
Our programs, grants, resources, and convenings foster appreciation for the public humanities in every district in the state. Explore our impact >>>
Our Mission
We explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities in order to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.
$
In January 2025, NJCH announced $205,716 in Grant Awards to 17 NJ Organizations Meet them »
Events
Featured
1 event found.
Featured
6 events found.
News
NJCH Awards 2025 Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities to “Honoring Cudjo Banquante!”
The weeklong event comprised 20 events and exhibitions bringing to life the little-known story of Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved man who fought in Washington’s Army, gained freedom and became Newark’s first documented Black business owner.
Applications for Community History and Prime Time Reading 2026 are open!
The application processes are open for organizations seeking to participate in the next cohorts of NJCH’s Community History or Prime Time Family Reading programs.
Resource Roundup September 2025
Our monthly email newsletter for the NJ Humanities community with helpful information, including notifications of funding, professional development events, meetings, and conferences from both NJCH and the larger nonprofit community.
Ever wonder: what's the story behind the myth of the Jersey Devil?
The Jersey Devil is a distinctive piece of our state's lore, a mythical creature legendary enough to serve as both a symbol of the Pine Barrens region and the mascot of our NHL franchise. Scholars supported with NJCH funds have traced this strange creature's origins to a mish-mash of political, religious, and capitalist conflict over generations of early America.
Program Spotlight
Prime Time Family Reading
Prime Time Family Reading is a national program serving 6- to 10-year-old kids and their families. Participating families build early literacy skills, engage in critical thinking, and connect with each other through literature and discussion. NJCH is excited to join the national network of this program in 2025!
Resource Roundup
Looking for other grant funding sources in New Jersey? Professional development opportunities? Networking? A new job?
Subscribe to the Resource Roundup, our monthly e-newsletter geared toward those working in humanities and nonprofit organizations.
Humanities People
 |
|
NJCH Board Chair Greg Waters has championed the humanities throughout his long career in higher education, spearheading efforts to recognize the value of humanities skills in the workplace as well as serving as a consultant to the NEH. Meet Greg » |
Sponsors & Partners
