Vermont Humanities Council addresses funding cancellation by National Endowment for the Humanities

In a tense meeting of the House Appropriations Committee on April 30, 2025, the future of federal funding for Vermont's humanities programs took center stage. The atmosphere was charged as Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Executive Director of the Vermont Humanities Council, shared alarming news about recent developments affecting his organization and others across the nation.

Ilstrup began by outlining a troubling situation that unfolded in early April when the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) abruptly canceled approximately 1,600 grants, including vital operating support for all state humanities councils. This decision, he explained, came as a shock not only to the councils but also to NEH staff, many of whom were subsequently placed on administrative leave or terminated. With only one staff member remaining in the division that supports state councils, the future of these programs hangs in the balance.

Despite Congress passing a continuing resolution on March 13 to fund the NEH at previous levels through the end of the fiscal year, Ilstrup revealed that the president has chosen to impound these funds. This action has raised significant concerns about the legality and constitutionality of the funding freeze, as it directly impacts not only the humanities councils but also libraries, museums, and small nonprofits throughout Vermont.

The committee members listened intently as Ilstrup emphasized the critical role that these funds play in supporting cultural and educational initiatives within the state. The implications of the funding cuts could be far-reaching, affecting community programs that rely on these grants to thrive.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the situation became clear. The committee's discussions highlighted the need for immediate action to address the funding crisis and ensure that Vermont's cultural institutions can continue to serve their communities. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of the humanities in Vermont, leaving many to wonder how the state will respond to this unprecedented challenge.