Federal humanities funding supports museums, libraries, archives, educational programs, documentaries, festivals, historic preservation, and cultural organizations serving communities all across Ohio.
In January, Congress approved funding for state humanities councils, but Ohio communities still need those funds released! As Congress considers FY27 funding this spring, continued support for the state humanities councils remains critical.
We encourage you to contact your members of Congress, especially Senator Jon Husted. He was recently appointed to the Senate Interior Appropriations Committee.
We ask that you urge support for:
- FULL FY27 funding for state humanities councils
- The release of ALL congressionally appropriated NEH funding intended for Ohio communities
Even a short message can make a difference. Below are two suggested messages you can copy and paste directly into an electronic message to your representatives in Congress.
Click HERE to find your representatives and contact them via their electronic messaging forms.
To best support the goals of the FUND CULTURE HERE campaign, we encourage you to make your messages:
- Be civic rather than ideological
- Be forward-looking rather than angry
- Ground your comments in the benefits to the community
Sample Messages:
#1: Medium Length
Subject: Support State Humanities Councils
Dear Representative/Senator [INSERT NAME]:
As an Ohioan, I urge you to support FULL FY27 funding for state humanities councils and help ensure all congressionally appropriated NEH funding is released for Ohio communities.
Humanities funding supports museums, libraries, educational programs, archives, documentaries, local history projects, literacy initiatives, and cultural organizations serving communities across Ohio. These investments help preserve Ohio’s stories, strengthen civic life, support education, encourage tourism and economic development, and connect communities through culture and history.
The humanities matter in all 88 Ohio counties, and continued federal investment in state humanities councils is essential to ensuring these opportunities remain accessible to communities across our state.
Please support Ohio communities by protecting and fully funding the state humanities councils.
Thank you for your service to Ohioans.
Sincerely,
#2: Short Length
Subject: Support State Humanities Councils
Dear Representative/Senator [INSERT NAME]:
As an Ohioan, I urge you to support FULL FY27 funding for state humanities councils and ensure all congressionally appropriated NEH funding is released for Ohio communities. Humanities funding supports museums, libraries, education, local history, and cultural organizations serving communities across our state. Please support continued federal investment in the humanities.
Thank you for your service to Ohioans.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME] [CITY], OHOptional Personalization
We encourage you to personalize your message by sharing:
- Why culture matters in your community
- What organizations or programs you value
- How the humanities have impacted your life
- Why preserving Ohio’s stories is important to you
Help spread the word
“Fund Culture Here” is a public advocacy campaign that will run now through the end of May 2026, supporting federal funding for state humanities councils and the communities they serve.
The toolkit is designed to help you and your organization participate in this campaign and engage your donors, stakeholders, and the broader community in advocating for the release of NEH funds and protecting this funding for the future.
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About Ohio Humanities
Ohio Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire ideas by hosting programs and awarding grants that support storytellers statewide, from museums to journalists to documentary filmmakers. For more information, visit ohiohumanities.org.
About Humanities Councils
There are 56 humanities councils—one in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia. These nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations were established in 1971 by Congress to make outstanding public humanities programming accessible to everyday Americans in all communities across the United States. For over five decades, councils have received federal funding from Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Learn more about humanities councils at statehumanities.org.
Ohio Humanities media contact:
Linda Myers, Membership and Partnership Manager
lmyers@ohiohumanities.org