Delaware Humanities, a non-profit that provides grants for many local organizations, recently announced that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to make deep reductions in its staffing and budget, including grantmaking. Delaware Humanities is an affiliate of the NEH which means the cuts will greatly impact their ability to issue grants.
“We want to be clear, this situation is unusual and unprecedented,” Michele Anstine, Executive Director, said. “Humanities councils across the country received notice of these cuts through emails and letters sent out on the early morning of April 3, notifying us of the termination of our funding April 1.”
Anstine explained that the cuts will greatly impact their partners, grantees and communities they support throughout Delaware. Some of the Milford area organizations that have benefitted from grants from the organization include Greater Harrington Historical Society, the Bowers Maritime Museum, Milford Museum and Milton Historical Society.
“The funding we received from Delaware Humanities helped us with our Memorial Day celebration, digitize the Harrington Journal and create a documentary on Blue Hen Records,” Doug Poore, of the Greater Harrington Historical Society, said. “They have been amazing and none of these projects would have happened without their support.”
Bowers Beach Maritime Museum used the funding for their Buccaneer Bash and Bowers Heritage Day.
“We couldn’t have produced these events without their financial help,” Judy Martin, a volunteer at the museum said. “We accommodate thousands of visitors during that weekend and Delaware Humanities is very important to the success of the event.”
Anstine stated that the cuts would be devastating to non-profits in the area who depend on grants to provide programs to the community.
“As we navigate these abrupt changes, we are evaluating the next steps on how to best support our partners,” Anstine said. “However, we will remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen our communities by connecting Delawareans through the diversity of human experiences.”
The cancellation of federal funding has led the organization to close new requests for programs and grants. This includes requests for speakers and community conversations. Previously approved requests will be supported.
“If the funding is not restored, we will be forced to significantly scale back or suspend programs and grants while non-profits in Delaware will lose critical access to grants,” Anstine said. “Our speaker’s program will be disrupted as will our Prime Time Family Reading program, which brings a strong foundation for child literacy.”
According to their annual report, Delaware Humanities had revenue of $971,271, of which $847,469 was from the NEH. Their expenses were $1,055,500 with only $204,557 going to management. The financials provided demonstrate that without federal funding, Delaware Humanities will be unable to continue supporting local organizations.
“Here is what you can do. Call or message your U.S. senators and representatives and urge them to protect NEH and humanities councils,” Anstine said. “Call or message your state and local elected officials and let them now how this loss of funds will impact your community. Share this action with your networks whether by social media, email or word of mouth. Make a private donation in support of Delaware Humanities.”
Anstine believes that the community will rally behind the organization.
“Delaware may be small, but we are mighty in spirit,” Anstine said. “With your support we will be able to amplify our efforts and continue to provide humanities programs that enrich the lives of Delawareans throughout the state.”
