By now, the ripple effect of grant terminations by federal agencies has been felt far and wide at institutions dedicated to historic preservation, interpretation, and education. These institutions build community, share our full American story, and work tirelessly every day to create space for civic engagement and connection. The range of projects impacted is varied, but the long-term effects of this funding loss to the American people will be profound.
While recent judicial decisions have restored some funding and staff at the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS), the impacts from grant terminations from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are extraordinary, leaving organizations scrambling to close unexpected funding gaps, while also having to pivot for future budget decisions. Additional funding challenges due to unreleased FY 2025 Historic Preservation Fund annual appropriations and proposed deep cuts for FY 2026 threaten the future of preservation across the country, and we encourage everyone to take action.
The ramifications of these actions are illustrated through funding cuts at four National Trust Historic sites. Learn more and then see how you can act to support these important programs.
