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Kentucky Humanities Faces Severe Funding Cuts

Community engagement event hosted by Kentucky Humanities with diverse participants.

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News Summary

Kentucky Humanities is experiencing a drastic reduction in its funding due to the termination of federal support by the Department of Government Efficiency. This cut of $850,000, constituting 71% of its annual budget, jeopardizes numerous educational and cultural programs that have served communities across Kentucky for over 53 years. The organization is calling on the public to advocate for the restoration of these essential funds to ensure continuity in its mission of cultural enrichment and community engagement.

Frankfort, Kentucky – Kentucky Humanities is facing a significant setback following the immediate termination of its federal funding by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This reduction in support threatens the organization’s ability to provide vital services and programs that have connected and enriched communities across the state for over 53 years.

The funding cut, which amounts to $850,000 or approximately 71% of Kentucky Humanities’ annual budget of around $1.3 million, comes as a substantial blow to an organization that relies solely on federal assistance for its operations. The organization does not receive any state funding, placing its ongoing initiatives at risk.

Founded to promote cultural education, history, and literacy, Kentucky Humanities has been a cornerstone for community engagement across Kentucky. Between 2020 and 2024, the organization sponsored nearly 2,500 events that reached over 3 million people. Notably, the group has awarded more than $1.6 million in grant funds to support various cultural organizations throughout the state. Among its key initiatives are programs like Prime Time Family Reading® and the Kentucky Book Festival, alongside traveling Smithsonian exhibits and historically accurate dramatizations.

The sudden withdrawal of federal funds has immediate implications for numerous ongoing programs and events that cater to the educational and cultural needs of Kentuckians. The financial loss threatens not only current initiatives but also future planning and operations across various sectors that depend on Kentucky Humanities for guidance and support in literacy and history.

In 2022, Kentucky Humanities played a crucial role in assisting libraries, historical societies, artisan centers, radio stations, community centers, and cultural institutions affected by natural disasters, including catastrophic floods. The organization received emergency grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), emphasizing its ability to mobilize resources in times of need and reinforcing its importance within the community.

Since 2019, the NEH has allocated approximately $9.7 million to cultural and educational organizations across Kentucky through 57 grants. This support not only aids in recovery from disasters but also fosters a thriving cultural infrastructure that facilitates educational opportunities statewide. The cut in federal funding jeopardizes not just the immediate operational capacities of Kentucky Humanities, but also the long-term health of cultural enrichment across the region.

In light of these developments, Kentucky Humanities is calling upon the public to take action by contacting federal representatives to advocate for the restoration of vital funding. The organization emphasizes that sustained support for the NEH is crucial for the prosperity and cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Kentucky.

Executive Director Bill Goodman has expressed his profound frustration over the unexpected termination of funds, underscoring the critical need for public advocacy. The potential loss of impactful cultural initiatives could further strain Kentucky’s communities that have already faced challenges in the wake of recent natural disasters.

The support from the public could play a pivotal role in recovering these essential funding streams, allowing Kentucky Humanities to continue its mission of fostering community engagement through culture and education. As the organization stands at a crossroads, its ability to operate effectively hinges on the collective voice of those who value the arts and humanities in Kentucky.