Urgent: Save Humanities in Illinois and our Country!

Late last night, Wednesday, April 2, Illinois Humanities - and our partners across the nation - received letters telling us our federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was cancelled in its entirety, effective immediately.

We are the state's partner for the NEH. We are the organization entrusted to ensure local distribution of federal tax dollars right here in Illinois.

The impact on Illinois - and the country - will be devastating. 

The grant that was terminated represents a third of our budget – roughly $2M. This loss means we will be unable to provide for things like

• Free community reading and discussion programs
• Free history and heritage programs
• Resources to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
• Funding for rural museums and historical societies
• Free book and cultural festivals that draw tourism and private investment
• Free education for youth and adults

Today, we are calling on you to help us protect what belongs to Illinois, as only you can.

What to do:

• Call Senators and your representatives. This tool will help. 
• Share this message on social media and with your community.

What to say:

Call Script: Save Humanities in Illinois and our Country!

Introduction: "Hello, my name is ________ and I'm a constituent from [YOUR CITY/TOWN]. I'm calling about recent threats to the National Endowment for the Humanities funding and the termination of NEH funding."

Your Message: "I'm deeply concerned about the Department of Government Efficiency's action to terminate all NEH funding to humanities councils nationwide, including Illinois Humanities. 

Museums, universities, libraries, community organizations, and so much more in every corner of our state all benefit from grant funding from the NEH. This agency has provided over $34m in funding to our state since 2019.

The termination of Illinois Humanities’ NEH grant will mean the loss of:

• Free history and heritage programs
• Resources to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
• Funding for rural museums and historical societies
• Free education for youth and adults
• And so much more

As your constituent, I ask that you take immediate action to protect NEH funding and Illinois Humanities: reverse this decision that will harm our state and our democracy."

Close: "Can I count on Representative/Senator ________ to speak out against these cuts and work to restore NEH funding?"

Thank you for your time.

What's Next:

We're doing what we're asking you to do. If we all do it together, it WILL help. This is not the first time that NEH has been under attack. We’ve fought back before, and we won. Together, through actions like this, we can help protect the humanities in Illinois and our democracy. 

In 1965, Congress declared the humanities belong to all of us. It's up to us to make it stay true. We will stay in touch as we learn more. 

With deep appreciation,
Gabe

Gabrielle Lyon,
Executive Director