Mission
To connect Californians to ideas and to one another in order to understand our shared heritage and diverse cultures, inspire civic participation, and shape our future.
Vision
Californians possess the knowledge, understanding, respect, and empathy to create a more thoughtful, open, and just state.
Who We Are
California Humanities is an independent nonprofit organization and a partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Founded in 1975, California Humanities has supported programs that help Californians connect with ideas, history, and one another for more than five decades.
Grantmaking has long been a cornerstone of our work. By supporting libraries, museums, educators, cultural organizations, and community storytellers, we help bring humanities experiences to communities throughout the state.
As the needs of communities continue to evolve, California Humanities is also expanding its role by developing council-led initiatives, storytelling platforms, and public programs that engage Californians directly.
By combining grantmaking with initiatives we produce and lead, we amplify community voices and strengthen the role of the humanities in civic life across California.