Urgent Message from CEO Kevin Lindsey

This week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shuttered the offices of National Endowment for the Humanities. DOGE terminated all agreements with state affiliates such as the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), terminated hundreds of contracts with scholars across the country, and placed nearly all NEH staff on administrative leave. If unchallenged, the actions of DOGE will result in a $1.2 million annual loss of revenue to MHC. 

MHC grant recipients should know that MHC will be able to honor all commitments under existing grant agreements. However, the actions of DOGE will adversely impact MHC’s ability to provide high quality humanities programming throughout Minnesota and impact the scope of future grant lines that MHC is able to offer. 

In speaking with my colleagues across the nation, many of them are making plans to close their organizations. Humanities councils across the country, on average, work with over 120 local partners and raise $2 in private investment for every $1 of federal support. The elimination of funding to humanities council affiliates and the NEH will have a devastating impact on the cultural infrastructure of the United States.

I would be remiss not to mention other recent actions taken by DOGE to shut down the Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS) which supports thousands of libraries across America. Also, this week DOGE has forced the removal of the leader of the Smithsonian and has demanded that the museum remove exhibits that present ‘a divisive narrative’ and ‘distorted ideology’ about America. 

What can you do at this moment? 

Step 1 – Call or message Senator Klobuchar, Senator Smith, and your representative and urge them to protect MHC and the NEH. If you are not sure what to say, we have included a brief script to help you craft your personal message. 

Step 2 – Share this information on social media, then send it directly to five people in your network and ask them to message their elected officials and share the information.  

Step 3 – Write an Op-ed letter to your local newspaper explaining why you value the work of the Minnesota Humanities Center. 

Step 4 – Join our public mailing list to receive advocacy updates on how you can support MHC and NEH in the future. Please share with us what you are doing to create a more just society that is curious, connected, and compassionate.  

Script for Contacting Elected Officials 

Re: Ensure Funding for NEH and MHC 

Dear [Elected Official] 

I’m writing/calling to request your immediate help to support the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC). The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken action to place nearly all NEH staff on administrative leave, terminate contracts with NEH affiliates such as MHC, rescind grants that have already been awarded, and eliminate grant lines.  

NEH funds our nation’s 56 affiliate humanities councils (one in each state and territory of the United States) which provide vital cultural services and critical funding for our nation’s cultural infrastructure.  

The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is facing a potential annual loss of $1.2 million in funding if the actions of DOGE are not challenged. The work of MHC is valuable to the people of Minnesota; MHC and the disciplines of the humanities ask us to examine what it means to be human, to create a viable society, and how we can build a nation that works together.  

[Insert something that you have appreciated about the MHC – view ideas]  

MHC creates humanities programs and provides grants that serve all Minnesotans in every region of the state, whatever the size of your town or city, your occupation, or your age. Moreover, MHC creates opportunities for all Minnesotans, regardless of their political affiliation, to be seen and heard.  

I appreciate organizations such as MHC that seek to bring us together. I hope that you will support MHC and NEH as we need organizations that bring us together. 

Sincerely,

[your name] 

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our work.

Kevin Lindsey