Virginia Humanities is one of 56 state and territory humanities councils that are responding to the loss of funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a partnership central to fifty years of our service to Virginia.
What’s Happening
- As of April 2, the Department of Government Efficiency has revoked the general operating funds of state humanities councils and effectively shut down the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
- This includes more than $1.7M Virginia Humanities was expecting to receive in the current and next fiscal year from NEH.
- In total, Virginia Humanities receives about 20% of our budget from NEH, most of which pays the salaries of staff who run our programs, which reached nearly 1 in 3 Virginians last year.
- In May, Virginia Humanities announced changes to staffing, operations, and programs including:
- 25% reduction in our staff effective July 1
- We will vacate our office space at Dairy Central in Charlottesville
- We will no longer be the institutional home of Book Arts
- We will reduce grantmaking by $200K and fellowships by $45K
Thank You!
We are immensely grateful to everyone who contacted their legislators, shared testimonials, and helped advocate on our behalf. We are especially grateful to everyone who made a gift and helped us meet a $50k fundraising challenge issued by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Mellon Foundation. Your support continues to sustain us.
Advocacy Updates
NewsAnnouncing Changes to Our Organization
In the wake of a $1.7M loss in Federal funding, Executive Director Matthew Gibson outlines the steps Virginia Humanities is taking to refocus our work — including changes to staffing, operations, and programs.
NewsStories Connect Us
Stories connect us — and right now, we need to protect the ones that matter most. Bestselling author David Baldacci is lending his voice to support Virginia Humanities — and calling on …
NewsStrengthening Community Identity
Isha Renta Lopez, an apprentice in our first cross-ocean Virginia Folklife partnership with Puerto Rico, is calling on you to help fight for Virginia Humanities’ future. For 50 years, we’ve …
NewsThe Next Great Virginia Story
We’re proud to share a powerful message from Margot Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures,” about why Virginia Humanities matters—and why this moment calls for urgent action. We have long been …
NewsVirginia’s Stories Are at Risk
Virginia’s stories are at risk. Federal funding cuts have jeopardized the programs that preserve Virginia’s history, foster dialogue, and connect communities across the state. We’re proud to share this message …
NewsMellon Foundation Announces $15 Million Emergency Funding for Humanities Councils
This investment by the Mellon Foundation will help stabilize many councils after the sudden cancellation of federal operating grants by NEH in early April. Today, the Mellon Foundation announced a …
NewsKilling Curiosity
Virginia Humanities Executive Director Matthew Gibson on the value and importance of the public humanities. (Richmond Times Dispatch subscription required or Download PDF →)
NewsWhy We Hold Onto Books: An Appeal for Advocacy
By Kalela Williams “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” When I hear this quote attributed to the Roman philosopher Cicero, I actually see it, enlivened by the …
NewsThe Deep Listening We Need Now
Virginia Folklife Responds to Federal Funding Loss – I met Father Michael Imperial at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Olney, Virginia. My university colleagues, their students, and I were there to complete oral history interviews related to food and agriculture. Father Mike, as he asked us to call him, helps lead the Eastern Shore Migrant Ministry.
NewsDelivering on our Mission
Encyclopedia Virginia Responds to Federal Funding Loss – Encyclopedia Virginia’s mission statement is to “Encyclopedia Virginia’s mission is to provide a free, reliable, multimedia resource that tells the inclusive story of Virginia for students, teachers, and communities who seek to understand how the past informs the present and the future.”
NewsTell Us Why Humanities Matter
We want to hear from you! Help us demonstrate the power of the humanities in your communities by sharing a testimonial.
NewsFAQ About NEH & DOGE Cuts
What’s Happening See our previous statements → Frequently Asked Questions I was awarded a grant from Virginia Humanities that has not been fully paid. Will I still receive my payment? …
NewsVA cultural organizations, history, & preservation impacted by cuts to the NEH
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has targeted the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) with directives to reduce its staff by 75% and slash the agency’s budget from $211 …
NewsStatement on DOGE and NEH
UPDATE 4/3/25: Late last night and early this morning, all state humanities councils were notified that their awarded NEH grants—including general operating funds for the current fiscal year—have been canceled …
