Federal Cuts Threaten SDHC – Humanities Programs Need Citizen Support
April 5, 2025
This week, staff at the South Dakota Humanities Council (SDHC) learned that their federal funding, appropriated by Congress and distributed through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), had been cut by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This drastic cut threatens the very foundation of South Dakota’s history and culture – what makes our state special.
For decades, NEH funding has been the backbone of SDHC’s mission, allowing the organization to bring thousands of humanities-based programs, discussions, and events – including the South Dakota Festival of Books – to citizens in every county in the state, said SDHC Executive Director Christina Oey.
“We take pride in bringing excellent programs to all of South Dakota, especially people in rural areas who might otherwise not have access to the scholars and resources we provide,” Oey said. “We believe humanities are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Whether it’s literature, history or civil conversation, the humanities help us better understand ourselves and our state. To get to where we’re going, we need to know where we came from.”
Among the most devastating losses is the potential end of the Young Readers program, which provides free books to every third grader in South Dakota. SDHC is the only organization in South Dakota that provides a free book to EVERY third grader in the state, no matter where they live or attend school. Since 2014, SDHC has provided 86,715 engaging, age-appropriate books to students at a crucial age in the development of literacy.
SDHC receives about $950,000 through its Congressional appropriation, which makes up 73% of its operating budget. The rest comes through donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
“We have incredible donors from around our state and nation, and we deeply appreciate all of you who are stepping up to support us in the face of this challenge,” Oey said. “However, we also need you to advocate strongly for our federal funds.”
In a joint statement, Oey and SDHC Board Chair Stephen Williamson called on lawmakers, educators, and citizens to take immediate action to request the restoration of NEH funding.
“We look forward to engaging directly with Senate Majority Leader Thune, Senator Rounds, and Representative Johnson on funding issues for the Humanities,” they said. “Whether it be issues around agriculture, veterans, or the arts and humanities, our representation has always had the backs of South Dakotans. Like our national representatives, SDHC believes in South Dakota, its story, and its people. We’ll pivot as necessary, but like the Missouri River, the Great Plains and the Black Hills, we aren’t going to run away from this challenge.”
For further information, resources, and guidance on supporting the humanities in South Dakota, please visit SDHC’s Call to Action webpage.
Learn more about humanities programming in South Dakota by signing up for SDHC e-Updates!