Mellon Foundation Announces $15 Million Emergency Funding for Humanities Councils, including up to $250,000 for Indiana Humanities

This investment includes a $50,000 matching grant, which launched April 29.

The Mellon Foundation announced a $15 million emergency funding commitment to the Federation of State Humanities Councils in response to cuts to federal funding for state humanities councils. This emergency funding will help provide support to all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils across the United States, including up to $250,000 for Indiana Humanities.

Mellon’s investment comes at a critical moment when, for the first time in Indiana Humanities’ 53-year history, its federal support has been eliminated as a result of cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). On April 2, Indiana Humanities received notice that all its grant funding through NEH had been cancelled effective immediately, a loss of $800,000 in fiscal year 2025 and a potential loss of $1.3 million in fiscal year 2026.

The grant from Mellon means an immediate $200,000 for Indiana Humanities and an additional $50,000 available in matching grants. Any donations received by Indiana Humanities starting April 29, 2025, count toward the match. Members of the public can donate by visiting www.IndianaHumanities.org/donate. 

This support allows Indiana Humanities to continue its work with libraries, schools, local historical societies and museums, cultural and arts organizations, local municipalities, community foundations, and tourism/economic development corporations to help enhance the quality of life and quality of place in Indiana’s communities.

While the funding is helpful now, a gap of at least $500,000 remains for this fiscal year alone, which jeopardizes Indiana Humanities’ ability to serve Hoosiers of all ages and backgrounds through free public programs, grants, and storytelling.

“We’re deeply grateful for the Mellon Foundation’s generous gift, which will allow us to continue serving the community in the short term as we navigate the changing landscape and identify new revenue streams,” said Keira Amstutz, Indiana Humanities president and CEO.

“We’ve launched a public fundraising campaign to access the $50,000 match and will continue to seek ways to bridge the gap that remains from the termination of our federal funding. While the stability provided by this unexpected support provides relief, Indiana Humanities has a long road ahead to a more permanent solution.”