The humanities in Pennsylvania are under direct attack. Last night, PA Humanities received an abrupt notice from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), signed by Michael McDonald, Acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), that our general operating grant has been terminated, effective immediately. 

This harmful, drastic action is part of a sweeping and unprecedented effort by DOGE to dismantle the NEH, halt its programs, and withdraw funding from all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils.

The implications are staggering and PA Humanities will be directly affected. We rely on NEH support to deliver essential programs and provide funding to our grantees and partners across the Commonwealth. Cultural organizations and our economy will also be deeply impacted. Federal funding is the single largest source of support for the cultural sector in our state, which helps generate a $30.4 billion annual impact and provides 189,700 jobs.

But let us be clear: we are not backing down.

We urgently need your help right now. 

Here are 3 ways you can get involved:

• Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and urge them to oppose the dismantling of the NEH. Phone calls are especially appreciated. (Sample script below)
  
• Mobilize your networks by sharing this statement. (Sample social media post below.)
  
• Support our work as we fight to protect the humanities in Pennsylvania. With our funding disrupted, your donations are needed more than ever. Visit PAHumanities.org/Donate to make a contribution.
  

We are actively working with our local, state, and national partners to challenge this unlawful decision and advocate for the NEH. We are committed to defending the essential role the humanities play in building informed, connected, healthy, and resilient communities.

This is the most serious threat to the humanities in a generation. But together, we have the power to resist, to rise, and to reaffirm what matters most.

Thank you for standing with us.

Laurie Zierer, Executive Director & Gwendolyn White, Board Chair

Advocacy Resources

CALL/LETTER SCRIPT

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City/Town, PA].

I’m [calling/writing] to express my strong opposition to the recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency to terminate NEH grants, including funding for PA Humanities. This is an unprecedented and damaging move that puts critical community programs and cultural organizations across Pennsylvania at risk.

The NEH has brought over $37 million to our state in the last five years alone, supporting education, local history, youth programs, and civic engagement. Defunding the NEH undermines our communities, our classrooms, and our shared values.

I urge [Senator/Representative Name] to take action to protect the NEH and to stand against these harmful cuts.

Thank you.

[Your name and address]

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POST

PA Humanities just had its National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant terminated as part of a sweeping effort by DOGE to dismantle the NEH and public funding for the humanities and arts nationwide. This threatens libraries, museums, youth programs, classrooms and communities across PA.

[Personal statement on why the humanities matter to you.]

Take action now: https://pahumanities.org/conversations/2025/04/03/doge-neh/

#SavePAHumanities #ProtectNEH