We find the

human
connections

in the humanities

We put people first.
Our work champions the humanities — centering growth, equity, and community as a pathway to positive, lasting change.

$4.5m

in direct grants since 2020

69

core program sites
in the past 5 years

293

organizations granted funds
in the past 5 years

$2M+

granted in the past 2 years

330

organizations granted funds
in the past two years

73

core program sites
in the past 5 years

the

Many of Barrio Alegría’s programs take place outdoors, are free and involve art. The result of many of these programs, said founder and PA Humanities board of directors member Daniel Egusquiza, is that people in Reading begin to care about one another. Photo courtesy of Barrio Alegría.
Barrio Alegría in Reading is known as a community transformation organization that uses the arts for engagement and the development of social and multicultural awareness. PA Humanities board member Daniel Egusquiza founded it, however, with a simple question: Do you know how to dance?
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Research

We believe in contributing our learnings to the larger conversation about the role of the humanities in creating lasting change. We put participatory research at the forefront of all our work and partner with scholars, consultants, and a cross-sector of leaders including Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania’s PennPraxis, Elizabeth Myrick + Associates, and Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Support Our Work

An independent nonprofit that puts people first, PA Humanities relies on financial support from people like you. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, your support will help more Pennsylvanians experience the humanities and put them in action through civic engagement, education, building community, and however they are inspired to make change.

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Last week, board and staff from PA Humanities headed to Providence, RI for the National Humanities Conference. This annual event brings together representatives from colleges, universities, state humanities councils, cultural institutions, and other community-based organizations to explore approaches to deepening the public’s engagement with the humanities.

We led many powerful sessions:

-Rediscovering the Humanities: A Journey Through Our Lived Experiences
-Deeper than DEI: How Project Ready is Making Ripples in Library Culture
-Beyond the Dollar: Supporting Grantee Learning & Growth
-Council Board Chair/Member Conversation Constituent Group
-Community Advisory Committees: The Power of Co-Creating Meaningful Humanities Programs
-Breakfast Roundtable Discussion - PA Humanities Discovery Project
-Sharing Stories and Listening to One Another: A 250th Convening

It was an honor to participate again this year, sharing about all our impactful work in Pennsylvania, from our PA Humanities Discovery Project to our DEI initiatives to our people-centered approach to grantmaking. We were also excited to have our Rain Poetry project nominated for a Schwartz Prize, which recognizes exceptional humanities programs across the country.

Thank you to @humfed and @humanitiesall for organizing this event.
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Today is the big day! Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia begins at 9:30am. It will unite civic leaders, artists, and community members to explore strategies that integrate arts and culture into transformative civic decision-making. Register for the livestream and find full details. Our executive director Laurie Zierer will speak on the state of Philadelphia`s cultural sector and will be participating in a panel.

Find the registration link in @philaculture`s bio.
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🎉 We are excited to announce the addition of John Jackson, Shawn Mooring, and John Sanchez as the three newest members of our Board of Directors!

John L. Jackson Jr. serves as Provost at @uofpenn and holds the title of Richard Perry University Professor at @annenbergpenn. Shawn Mooring is Head of Philadelphia Programs at @lenfestinstitute. John Sanchez is Professor Emeritus at @pennstate.

“We are honored to have these esteemed champions of the humanities join our board.” -Executive Director, Laurie Zierer

“Each brings a profound commitment to the humanities and a wealth of knowledge and experience that will advance our mission and our work across Pennsylvania.” -Board Chair, Gwendolyn White
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