We have a $50,000 match on the table — will you help us?

On April 29 the Mellon Foundation, which is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities, announced a one-time direct gift and accompanying $50,000 matching opportunity to stabilize and support Indiana Humanities.  

This generous funding includes an immediate $200,000 and an additional $50,000 available through a matching grant. That means that donations made to Indiana Humanities starting April 29, 2025, will have double the impact until we reach our goal.    

We’re deeply grateful for the Mellon Foundation’s support, which will allow us to continue serving Indiana after the cancellation of our annual operating-support grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. While the funding is essential in the short term, a gap of at least $500,000 remains for this fiscal year alone, which jeopardizes our ability to serve Hoosiers of all ages and circumstances through free public programs, grants, and cultural experiences. 

The Mellon Foundation’s emergency support helps us bring to life projects like Voices & Votes, a traveling Smithsonian exhibit that is set to launch in seven rural Indiana communities next year as we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And while we won’t be able to restart our grants program just yet, we’ll continue finding our way through the changing landscape and identifying new revenue streams.  

To make the most of the Mellon Foundation matching opportunity, we need your help. 

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. 

You can help by donating now at www.IndianaHumanities.org/donate.