“We do programming with libraries and schools, museums, historic sites, parks, municipalities, churches. Any certified Michigan nonprofit is eligible to receive benefits from our grant-making and our programming.”
Jennifer Rupp is president and CEO of Michigan Humanities, which receives 90% of its budget from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The loss of over $900,000 in NEH funding will be felt statewide as MH serves all 83 Michigan counties and has suspended all grant opportunities and programs.
“So, it really did have an immediate impact on how we do business. When we are issued our annual award, that $1.4 million doesn’t come directly to us. It is held in the U.S Treasury, and we can only request money that we can spend in 2-3 business days.”
For example, the Great Michigan Read, a program that connects 30,000 readers around a single book, providing free copies and curriculum, has been suspended.
“In the WGVU area, we have 25 organizations that take part in the Great Michigan Read.”
Rupp says the organization is considering fundraising options while trying to forecast how much longer it can stay afloat.
