In 1971, Oklahoma joined five other states in a National Endowment for the Humanities pilot program that established a grassroots network to ensure federal funding reached communities most at need. The pilot was so successful there are now 56 councils across the country. Oklahoma is proud to be one of the first.

For 50+ years, Oklahoma Humanities has administered the distribution of over $42 million in federal funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities to all 77 Oklahoma counties and all 5 Congressional Districts. Grantees are required to match funds 1:1 in this partnership, fostering local involvement and investments that maximize the efficacy of the programs and the efficient use of government money.

The NEH budget is less than 1/100th of 1% of the total, federal budget. Terminating these grants is not about saving money.

Help us save this critical funding for Oklahoma.

What to do: Contact your senators and representatives with this tool or if you'd prefer to contact them directly, look them up based on your zip code.

What to say: Use our call script.

How to share: Use our social media templates to raise awareness:

       Retro Design: I support OH and contacted my representative and senators.

       Oh No You Don't: Tell your elected officials we should receive our grant.

       The Humanities Matter. If You Know, You Know: Same message above.

What's next: Learn more about our programs and our impact across the state.

      Let's Talk About It, our dynamic book club celebrating its 40th anniversary

      Museum on Main Street, an exhibition partnership with the Smithsonian 

      Oklahoma Humanities magazine, an award-winning publication 

      Statewide impact 

      Impact by congressional district 

Thank you for supporting the humanities!