Take Action! Support the Humanities.
Support Humanities Kansas Funding
In April 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency terminated HK’s general operating grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities overnight. Regrettably, this action made a significant impact on HK’s ability to provide resources to the hundreds of Kansas nonprofit organizations across the state who use these critical funds at the local level. Donations from Kansans and grants from Foundations continue to be instrumental in keeping HK resources available statewide as we work through these changes. Full funding from NEH remains uncertain.
By Kansans, For Kansans
Humanities Kansas is the only statewide provider of humanities resources in Kansas. Last year, HK supported 341 events in 138 communities. Kansans engaged with thoughtful and important programming exploring Kansas stories in communities large and small connecting over stories of our state at libraries, museums, senior centers, community halls and church basements. "For a small nonprofit to be able to participate is a true blessing and increases our knowledge of history," shared one project director. Who else provides opportunities like these? If we don't do it, who will?
138 communities in Kansas were served by Humanities Kansas funding in 2025.
- Send a Message. Contact your Members of Congress and ask for their continued support for Humanities Kansas. Remind them of the programs and projects that are happening in your community because of federal funding. Find their Contact Information here:
- use your member of Congress's webform
- make a call to your representative and senators
- Tell your story. Submit stories of how HK or NEH funding has impacted you and your community to Tracy Quillin, Associate Director, at tracy@humanitieskansas.org.
- Share HK's social media graphics to raise awareness.
- Donate. Your financial gift supports a Movement of Ideas to strengthen Kansas communities through innovative programming and resources. Your support keeps humanities resources free and available to all Kansans.
Impact
Click on the image to see the ripple effects of one HK event.
What Kansans are Saying
- Hometown Humanities in Hays - Brandon Hines, Director of Hays Public Library
- Hometown Humanities in Fort Scott - Kirk Sharp, Director of the Gordon Parks Museum
- Hometown Humanities in Lawrence, Steve Nowak, Director of the Watkins Museum of History
- Hometown Humanities in Kansas, Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg
FAQ – Humanities Kansas and NEH Funding
- What is the relationship between Humanities Kansas and the NEH?
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit. Since 1972, HK has been a state-based affiliate of the NEH. As NEH’s designated state partner, Humanities Kansas (like all state humanities councils) receives an annual operating grant from NEH through their Federal-State Partnership division. HK periodically applies for other competitive grants from NEH as well. All designated state humanities councils also provide a variety of reports to NEH on our council activities and outcomes, and has a site visit from NEH every five years. - How much of HK's funding comes from the NEH?
Congress determines both the NEH’s overall annual budget, and the portion that is designated to the Federal-State Partnership budget line (FY 24 was $207 million total for NEH, and $65 million of that for the state councils). Funding for every state council is determined by a formula that takes population into consideration.
HK receives income from diverse public and private sources.
The National Endowment for the Humanities remained the single most important source of support in 2024, providing 79% of HK income. The private sector provided 11% and 8% was provided by other income, including investment income and miscellaneous income. The State of Kansas provided 5% of HK’s support.