The Mellon Foundation has announced $15 million in “emergency funding” for state humanities councils across the country. The support comes after the Department of Government Efficiency abruptly canceled some $65 million in grants earlier this month, which affected museums, historic sites, literacy programs for veterans, book fairs and thousands of other cultural programs in every corner of the country.
In a statement, the Mellon Foundation said, “Without immediate intervention, many state councils face steep reductions — or even closure.”
Mellon’s $15 million will go to the Federation of State Humanities Councils which will then distribute the funds nationally. Federation president Phoebe Stein said the support will be an “enormous boost to re-stabilize what was previously a very healthy network.”
Stein said 41% of state councils are “in dire need” of funding.
“Some are looking at how they can retain staff. Others are thinking about repurposing programming,” she said.
