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The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants that fund state councils are being rescinded by DOGE.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.

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 >>> 

We help the people of New Jersey explore the humanities through public programs, events, statewide and community-based initiatives, and connections to institutional and non-institutional experts in their fields.

As New Jersey's partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we support NJ humanities organizations of all kinds through grants, sponsorships, professional development, resources, and opportunities to network and convene.

We are the state's leading advocate for the diverse work of the humanities, through legislative outreach, communicating impact, recognizing excellence, and amplifying the voices of NJ communities.

Our Mission

We explore, cultivate, and champion the public humanities in order to strengthen New Jersey’s diverse community.

Grants & Sponsorships

Through a competitive application process, we award Incubation Grants and Action Grants ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 to further the impact of the public humanities in New Jersey. Our COVID-19 grantmaking in 2020 and 2021 also helped pandemic-affected organizations recover and reimagine their work at a critical moment. Sponsorships are primarily aimed at greater visibility and access to audiences that are not currently served by NJCH through our grantmaking and other programmatic initiatives.

Grantee Spotlight

Honoring Cudjo Banquante graphic Newark, (Action / $15,000)
To support a weeklong series of events honoring Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved man who served as a soldier in the American Revolution and became Newark's first documented Black businessman. Read more

Meet all of our grantees

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In January 2025, NJCH announced $205,716 in Grant Awards to 17 NJ Organizations Meet them »

Events

News

Map with 17 pinpoints showing grantees in New Jersey

NJCH Announces $205,716 in New Grant Awards

January 24, 2025

The New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) has awarded 17 grants totaling $205,716 in its most recent grant round. These funds will support a diverse array of projects in 10 counties across the Garden State, highlighting NJCH’s ongoing efforts to make the vital work of the humanities available to all New Jerseyans.

Cudjo Banquante Historical Marker near NJPAC

NJCH-funded and Prize-winning Project “Honoring Cudjo Banquante!” Featured by NJ.com

October 29, 2025

A new NJ.com feature spotlights Honoring Cudjo Banquante!, the NJCH-supported project celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Newark’s first documented Black business owner and Revolutionary War patriot.

Shaquana Darden-Robinson, Chief Curator of the Bayard Rustin Queer History Archive

NJCH-funded Bayard Rustin Queer History Archive Opens in Princeton

October 27, 2025

Watch video from the opening ceremony for the Bayard Rustin Queer History Archive, a years-long effort to collect and organize important papers, ephemera, artifacts, and digital files relating to the pivotal intersectional leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

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.

Learn more (if you dare!) »

The Jersey Devil

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

Gigi Naglak

In addition to overseeing and administering NJCH’s grants, Community History program, and capacity-building workshops, Gigi Naglak is a theatre performer and producer, avid lover of the outdoors, and community advocate.

Meet Gigi »

Select Sponsors & Partners

NEH
Mellon Foundation
RevNJ Proud Partner
AMPU
NJCCC logo
Dodge Foundation
NJ Historical Commission
SITES
Journalism + Design

Keep In Touch

Engaging with community members throughout New Jersey is key to our mission. Wherever you are in our circle, we value your partnership and support!