Through its programs and grants, the nation’s 56 state humanities councils seek to involve the general public in the humanities. The councils are funded in part by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). They also receive funding from private donations, foundations, corporations, and, in some cases, state governments. (For more on the character and resources of these organizations, see Indicator IV-3, State Humanities Council Revenues.)

The NEH collects information from the councils about their activities and then classifies the different types of programming under general headings. Figure V-12 clearly shows that the councils use their resources to engage the public in the humanities in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the production of local festivals to the support of television programming. Some council-supported programs have proved to be particularly popular over the years in part because they can be adapted to many settings and locations from urban centers to small rural towns. These programs include reading and discussion groups, lecture/discussion programs, and traveling exhibits. The councils’ priorities also include providing resources to teachers, supporting family literacy, and fostering an appreciation of local history. To accomplish their goals, the councils employ a variety of media. While virtually all councils generate printed matter, a substantial majority also rely on radio, TV, film, and the Internet in an effort to reach a broad swath of the American public.

Figure V-12, Full Size Supporting Data

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