Friends of the Humanities and of NJCH,
I write to you today with the very somber news that the humanities are in peril across the Garden State and across the country.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which has supported humanities programs, scholarship, digitization projects, and education across all districts and counties of our state and nation for 60 years, is being gutted at the recommendation of DOGE. At least 600 previously awarded grants, including statutory state council operating support grants, are being terminated and rescinded.
Over its history, NEH has accomplished much of its valuable work through its system of state humanities councils—a private, locally governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner in each state. These councils were created to be nimble and responsive. The drastic cuts being demanded of NEH, echoing what has happened with other parts of government, means this federal funding for state councils will be decimated.
NJCH will suffer directly, as will its partners, grantees, and communities of New Jerseyans who look to the humanities for connection and perspective. The impacts will be swift and severe:
- NJCH will be forced to significantly scale back or cut grants, programs, and operations.
- New Jersey-based cultural organizations will lose access to critical first grants for projects just getting underway, grants that often act as a springboard to larger foundation or federal funding.
- Interdisciplinary humanities programs for veterans, which create pathways to healing AND to higher education, will be imperiled.
- Literacy programs that teach whole families to read, give them books, and provide them meals while learning may be shuttered.
- Community history programs empowering small organizations and municipalities to collect and share their local histories in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding will be disrupted or discontinued.
Cultural nonprofits make meaning of our histories and our heritage, create bridges between cultures, and enliven our communities. They also contribute significantly to our state and local economies. Destroying a primary source of their funding will make New Jersey poorer, culturally and economically.
Here’s what you can do
- We urge you to contact your local members of Congress to demand restored funding for the humanities: https://p2a.co/DdtlGIT
- Share this call to action with your networks.
- Submit stories of how NJCH or NEH funding has impacted you, and particularly stories of any hardships that you are experiencing as a result of NEH being defunded, to darmstrong@njhumanities.org.
- While the responsibility for preserving our country’s history and culture rightfully lies with the federal government, you can also support this vital work with a private donation by visiting https://njhumanities.org/donate/.
Our country has weathered many storms with grit, gratitude, and faith. We humbly thank you for your support and shared hope to weather this most daunting threat.
With all best wishes,
Carin Berkowitz (Executive Director), Greg Waters (NJCH Board Chair), and the NJCH Staff, Gigi Naglak, Colleen Tryner, Joseph Szumowski, Sylvester Cruz, and Amy Liberi
