Many have been reading and hearing news about current and future status of federal funding, the State of Wyoming budget, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) executive orders and state bills. This is a good opportunity for an update on the effects of these on Wyoming Humanities grants and programs.
For 50 years, Wyoming Humanities has been an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Wyoming was one of the first states to become an independent, nonprofit affiliate. Since 2012, Wyoming Humanities has been grateful to receive a modest amount of funding from the state of Wyoming. Both federal and state funding are constantly under scrutiny.
Federal and state funding has always been uncertain. Today’s uncertainty seems different, however. Funding and donations from individuals and corporations are increasingly vital for us to explore the stories and ideas shaping Wyoming.
Federal Funding. Eighty percent of the Wyoming Humanities budget comes from federal funding. Federal funds cover Wyoming Humanities’ staff expenses, travel, and service contracts for accounting, IT, and marketing. We have been operating under a “continuing resolution” funding since October. The most recent continuing resolution expires on March 14.
As I write this, it is not clear if there will be a shutdown, which would require us to rely on our budget reserves.
During the first week of March, I and arts and cultural ambassadors met with the Wyoming delegation to discuss the importance of NEH funding. Funding the NEH means we can continue to support local arts and cultural organizations, which can explore histories, develop exhibits, and bring authors and books to communities across the state.
State Funding. Ten percent of our funding comes from the state of Wyoming. These funds serve as the source of our grants program, supporting local organizations for public programs, publications, preservation projects, and digital media like documentaries.
We have one more year of funding before the next biennial budget. We are grateful to be able to continue making grants for important projects. We make monthly grants for smaller projects and are looking forward to receiving applications for our new Community Culture Grant which will support projects that explore Wyoming stories and ideas.
Had the 2025 supplemental budget been approved, we would have become part of the regular state budget. Since it didn’t pass, we will need to ask the legislature to support funding for local histories, discussions, and storytelling again.
DEI bills. President Trump’s executive orders on DEI may impact Wyoming Humanities. It is too early to see as court challenges are underway on First Amendment grounds. We will adjust as necessary while continuing to explore the compelling tales of persistence and change.
There was a more consequential anti-DEI bill, Wyoming Senate File 103. Had it not been vetoed or amended by the House, the bill would have restricted our ability to do “programs or activities that reference race or ethnicity.” The version of the bill that passed the Senate would have prevented Wyoming Humanities from participating in histories of the Heart Mountain Japanese American Internment Camp, the Chinese Massacre, Basques in Wyoming, and other important and often inspiring stories of community and persistence. The bill would have also prevented us from using privately raised dollars for these efforts.
What you can do. If you believe in the importance of local history, your community library and museum, or engaging all corners of Wyoming on the connections between our past, present, and future—please attend programs in your community. Please join the Pronghorn Reads community and celebrate the power of books. Listen to podcasts about new ideas and people’s journeys in their lives. Let your elected officials know these things matter to you and your neighbors. And, as always, please continue to support Wyoming Humanities.
The relevance of Wyoming Humanities is greater now, more than ever.
As an independent nonprofit organization, Wyoming Humanities is nimble and will adjust to these changes while being true to our important mission. But we can’t do it without you. Donors like you have made our programming possible, and your support will be even more important as we look into an uncertain future.
Click here to learn more about donating to Wyoming Humanities and how your contribution makes a difference.