The Mellon Foundation has announced a $15 million emergency fund for state humanities councils across the United States, providing crucial support after the National Endowment for the Humanities abruptly canceled most of its grants to redirect funding toward President Trump's priorities. This funding is vital for councils, especially in rural areas lacking private philanthropy, as it offers a partial offset to the $65 million they were initially set to receive. The foundation aims to preserve diverse humanities programs that foster understanding of human history and contemporary communities, with immediate operational support and challenge grants to be matched by other sources. The foundation's intervention comes at a critical time, as many councils face existential threats due to insufficient reserve funds and a significant reduction in federal support. This marks another instance where the Mellon Foundation has stepped in during a crisis, continuing its strategic focus on social justice and cultural preservation under the leadership of Elizabeth Alexander.

The Mellon Foundation announced $15 million in emergency funding for state humanities councils after the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled most existing grants, redirecting funds toward projects aligned with President Trump's priorities.

This funding supports humanities councils in all 50 states and six jurisdictions, helping offset a portion of the $65 million initially planned for distribution by the humanities endowment, which is the largest public funder of the humanities in the U.S.

Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, emphasized the importance of preserving a wide range of humanities projects, which are crucial for understanding human history and contemporary society, especially in rural areas with limited philanthropic support.

The funding will provide each council with $200,000 for immediate operational needs, with additional $50,000 challenge grants requiring matching funds from other sources, offering a temporary lifeline as councils seek long-term solutions.

The cancellation of existing grants by the National Endowment for the Humanities, part of a broader governmental shift, poses an existential threat to the councils, with many reporting less than six months of reserve funds, highlighting the critical need for the Mellon Foundation's intervention.

The foundation has previously taken emergency actions, notably during the 2020 pandemic, by increasing its grant-making budget and prioritizing social justice, reflecting a commitment to cultural preservation despite the inability to fully replace lost federal funding.

Alexander acknowledged that while philanthropy cannot fill all funding gaps created by federal cuts, the foundation is committed to doing what it can to support the humanities, recognizing its responsibility to aid in preserving cultural and historical understanding.