Delaware Humanities will receive up to $250,000 in emergency funding from the Mellon Foundation, as part of a national $15 million relief package. (Photo By: Kaboompics.com)
WILMINGTON— In the wake of sudden federal budget cuts, Delaware Humanities will receive up to $250,000 in emergency funding from the Mellon Foundation, as part of a national $15 million relief package announced on April 29. The funds are intended to stabilize operations following the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) abrupt cancellation of its state-level grants earlier this month.
The funding, awarded through the Federation of State Humanities Councils, includes an immediate $200,000 allocation to Delaware Humanities, along with an additional $50,000 available through a matching grant. Donations made to Delaware Humanities starting April 29 will count toward that match. The organization is encouraging public contributions through its website.
The Mellon Foundation, established in 1969, is the country’s largest funder of arts and humanities initiatives.
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Delaware Humanities Executive Director Michele Anstine said the Mellon Foundation’s support will help keep the organization operational through the end of its fiscal year in October. However, a funding gap of approximately $400,000 remains.
“We are grateful to our colleagues at the Federation of State Humanities Councils for standing behind the collective work of all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils and especially to the Mellon Foundation for recognizing the impact of even one of our councils closing its doors on the United States public we serve,” Anstine stated. “This funding will ensure Delaware Humanities will continue to operate in the coming months, but we will be looking to our local supporters now more than ever to contribute to the programs that have enriched your local communities through your beloved libraries, museums, senior centers, cultural organizations, and community centers.”
The emergency grant follows the elimination of $65 million in federal support for state humanities councils nationwide. Delaware Humanities alone lost approximately $900,000 in NEH funding as of April 2.
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Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
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