$15 Million new gift announced by Elizabeth Alexander illustrates how private giving can assist public culture

In response to significant federal funding reductions that have impacted cultural and educational institutions nationwide, Elizabeth Alexander and the Mellon Foundation announced a new commitment of $15 million in emergency funding to assist state humanities councils across the United States.

This funding aims to mitigate the effects of the recent elimination of approximately $65 million in grants previously provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The withdrawal of federal support has challenged the operations of museums, libraries, historical societies, and various cultural programs integral to American civic life.

Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “At stake are both the operational integrity of organizations like museums, libraries, historical societies in every single state, as well as the mechanisms to participate in the cultural dynamism and exchange that is a fundamental part of American civic life.”

The emergency funds will be distributed through the Federation of State Humanities Councils, providing immediate operational support to all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils.

Each council is set to receive $200,000, with additional challenge grants of up to $50,000 to encourage local fundraising efforts.

Phoebe Stein, president of the Federation, described the Mellon Foundation’s support as a critical lifeline, noting that 41% of state councils are in urgent need of funding. “Some are looking at how they can retain staff. Others are thinking about repurposing programming,” she said.

The federal funding cuts have had widespread implications, including the cancellation of over 1,200 NEH grants and significant staff reductions within the agency.

In Texas, for instance, Humanities Texas faced the elimination of a five-year, $5.9 million NEH grant, which had supported classroom education and cultural programs statewide.

Elizabeth Alexander announced the Mellon Foundation’s emergency funding, which includes a $250,000 grant to Humanities Texas to help offset the loss.

The Mellon Foundation’s intervention underscores the vital role of private philanthropy in sustaining the nation’s cultural infrastructure, particularly during times of governmental challenges.

As state humanities councils navigate these challenges, the Foundation’s support aims to preserve the cultural programs and institutions that contribute to the nation’s civic and educational landscape.