FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shonda Moore
Phone: 951.963.4362
Email: smoore@calhum.org
OAKLAND, CA — Monday, July 21 — California Humanities has received official notice from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that a portion of its FY25 funding has been restored. This change allows California Humanities to begin releasing grant payments to nonprofit organizations across the state that had been left in limbo after an abrupt funding freeze earlier this year.
On April 2, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated all FY25 federal funding to California Humanities and its peer councils across the nation. This sudden decision disrupted a nearly 50-year federal-state partnership and halted funding that had already been approved and committed to cultural and community organizations.
As a result of new guidance issued by NEH in late June, California Humanities now has access to a portion of its FY25 allocation and has begun the process of distributing funds to existing grantees.
“It’s a relief to finally deliver on our promise to grantees who are doing vital work in communities across California,” said Rick Noguchi, President and CEO of California Humanities.
While this restored funding is a critical step forward, the NEH has not yet released the full amount appropriated by Congress. Ongoing staff reductions at NEH, ordered by DOGE, continue to impact its ability to fulfill its mission and sustain the partnership with state humanities councils.
California Humanities is actively seeking new funding from philanthropic partners to ensure the future of public humanities in California, while also urging Congress and federal leaders to protect and restore full funding in the FY26 budget.
“Despite these challenges, our commitment to California’s communities remains strong,” Noguchi added. “The humanities help us make sense of the world, connect with one another, and imagine a better future. That work must continue.”
About California Humanities:
California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For 50 years, California Humanities has worked to connect Californians to ideas and one another, helping people learn about their shared history and culture through the humanities. To learn more, visit calhum.org, or like and follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
