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

Allie O'Shea stands behind a table that the Port Allegany Heart & Soul team set up outside during a community event this summer to gather stories from residents about what they love about their community.
Allie O’Shea’s love for Port Allegany goes back as long as she can remember. Now, the 19-year-old college sophomore is helping to shape the future of the community she always longed to call home as project coordinator for Port Allegany Heart & Soul.
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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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🌟 Support the Humanities this #GivingTuesday! 🌟

The humanities bring people together, bridging divides and fostering connection through our shared humanity. Your support helps expand innovative programs like Rain Poetry, Youth-Led Humanities, and Voices of History — all working to strengthen communities across Pennsylvania.

❤️ Join the movement and donate today to help people connect and grow through the power of the humanities!

🔗 PAHumanities.org/donate
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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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