Federal Funding Cuts

What We Know

Updated April 11, 2025

  • The Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) has slashed the budget and staff of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) effectively closing the agency.
  • This includes revoking the general operating funds of all 56 state humanities councils for the current 2025 fiscal year that have already been awarded by Congress.
  • No federal funding means 60% (33) of these state-run organizations could close as soon as June 30.
  • In 2025, almost 40% of CT Humanities’ budget was planned to come from NEH funds, about $1.5 million, most of which goes to pay staff salaries.
  • Last year, CT Humanities awarded more than $11million in funding to cultural, humanities, and arts organizations.
  • Our programs and services will have to change as a result of the NEH cuts.
  • CT Humanities is still holding its May 2 grant deadline for Quick Grants, Capacity Grants, Planning Grants, and Implementation Grants. We have not yet made decisions regarding funding opportunities after July 1, 2025.
  • We are evaluating what reductions will be necessary to the services CT Humanities provides as a result of these cuts.

Click here to read CT Humanities Executive Director Jason Mancini’s statement on the federal funding cuts.

What You Can Do

  • Contact our federal Congressional Delegation to urge them to save the National Endowment for the Humanities and funding for the nation’s state Humanities Councils. Click here to easily email your specific Senator and Representative with one click.
  • Click here to report the impact of federal funding cuts to your organization through the CT Office of Policy and Management
  • Do you have a story about how funding cuts will impact your organization? Do you have a story about how your organization impacts your community? Click here to share your story with us!
  • Consider donating to CTH.
  • Donate to your favorite museum, historic site, or other cultural nonprofit.
  • Share information about the federal funding cuts and its impact with your networks.
  • Join our mailing list.

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