An Update from Mass Humanities
As we begin 2026, Mass Humanities remains committed to leading with our values and sharing regular updates as we seek more ways to serve the commonwealth. We are grateful for your support as we navigate these volatile times.
In April 2025, we were one of many institutions that experienced the sudden termination of federal funding. In our case, the loss of our grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities erased 35% of our annual revenue. Despite the ensuing reductions of staff and programs, we counted ourselves fortunate: Our donors and our partners helped us stabilize our operations as we scaled back our budget and plans.
In recent weeks, news that NEH funding may resume in 2026 is a hopeful sign. However, until we understand how and when that funding will reach Massachusetts, we will base our plans for supporting Massachusetts communities on our available resources.
We appreciate your patience as we await more clarity. In the meantime, I want to share the decisions that shaped our impact over the last 9 months, as well as our plans for 2026.
Sustaining the Storytellers
In June 2025, our board of directors made a wise decision that we believe will benefit Massachusetts in 2026. We chose to continue our 2025 grantmaking plans because we believe strongly in the power of the humanities to nourish people during times of crisis.
At that time, we had already opened our 2025 Expand Mass. Stories grant applications. We chose to move forward with this signature initiative, which has supported more than 170 projects aimed at reimagining the past, present, and future of Massachusetts. In October, we distributed $800,000 in grants to 46 Massachusetts non-profits.
As a result, this year’s commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence will be more diverse, more lasting, and more accessible. The thirty-four organizations leading “Promises of the Revolution” projects will engage more residents in the meaningful work of exploring the roots and ongoing legacy of the nation’s founding values: equality, freedom from tyranny, and a people’s right to free assembly.
The twelve organizations supported by “Story Forward” grants will continue to contribute to their communities’ sense of self-worth, belonging, and empowerment. We chose to sustain this work in the face of efforts to defund and discredit honest history. The courage and resourcefulness of these organizations are examples we aim to follow.
Every day, we are reminded that the decision to support these storytellers was the right one. Since the beginning of this disruption, we held fast to our values because we know they are our most important asset.
Our Plans and Timeline for 2026
Yet financial uncertainty is a reality for our field just as it is for too many families and businesses. As a result of our decisions in 2025 and the decisions made in Washington, we enter 2026 with a much smaller budget. Our team is actively developing new models and new partnerships to attract resources that we can distribute to great people and programs in Massachusetts.
In 2026, we will pause new opportunities for funding for Expand Massachusetts Stories until this fall, when we expect to resume support for larger humanities projects. The planning, funding, and schedule for those opportunities are all front of mind for our team. We encourage you to reach out to our program officers if you have questions.
During this time, Mass Humanities will remain present as we listen, learn, and adjust to the current environment. In 2026, we plan to collaborate with many of our recent grantees through workshops, events, and the development of original content. In February, we’ll publish our first “People’s Guide to the Revolution” newsletter, begin production of a new documentary film series based on the 250th projects, and bring together grantees working in Black history to strengthen bonds and identify new avenues for us to support their work.
An assessment of our storytelling initiative is underway, with grantee feedback driving the shape of our future grantmaking. We are actively seeking funding partners so that we can deliver more resources to humanities organizations.
In the meantime, we look forward to experiencing the great work that’s unfolding now through our special initiatives: Reading Frederick Douglass Together, the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street, and the Clemente Course. We hope you’ll stay engaged with these programs.
You can apply today to host a Douglass event to bring his words to your community during this semiquincentennial year. The final deadline is April 17, 2026.
Our Smithsonian partners will receive a second year of support to grow the conversations about democracy in small towns that they seeded in the “Voices and Votes” tour. Visit our calendar to keep up with these events.
Clemente classes in five cities continue to offer residents free humanities courses, giving adults, including many recent arrivals to our country, the chance to learn and share their wisdom together. We can’t wait to celebrate graduations this spring in Brockton, Dorchester, Holyoke, Springfield, and Worcester.
Stay Connected
While this year is very much one of transition for all of us at Mass Humanities, we are deeply grateful to do this work together, alongside so many inspiring people, while serving this remarkable state.
Please be in touch with your ideas. Throughout this pivotal time, we promise to remain open and responsive to the many people who depend on our support. Our team is hopeful that 2026 will bring transformational change for the better.
Thank you for your faith in the humanities and for the important role you play in the story of Massachusetts.
Brian Boyles
Executive Director