Humanities councils organize tens of thousands of programs and events each year tailored to the needs of their communities. These programs may take the form of writing workshops for veterans, training for K-12 teachers, literacy programs for families, and more.

Councils also provide grants to support local humanities programs and invest in local heritage organizations to strengthen ties between residents.

Councils are already planning activities for the nation’s 250th. Leaders in their state 250th Commissions, councils will connect people through speakers, discussions, and free public programs in libraries and museums. Documentary films, local exhibits, online encyclopedias, and oral history projects will preserve and tell these stories for generations.

Direct Impact, Doubled

Federal investment in humanities councils has a direct impact locally in nearly every US legislative district. NEH support is the vital seed money that enables councils to raise additional funds from corporations, foundations, individuals, and state government. This public-private partnership means councils double the impact of each dollar received in federal funding with a matching ratio of 2 to 1, often more.