The recent uproar over federal cuts to the Vermont Humanities Council (VHC) has prompted passionate reactions from local arts advocates and media outlets alike. A Seven Days article published this week framed the cuts as a gutting of Vermont’s cultural infrastructure, warning that programs cherished by libraries, schools, and nonprofit groups are now in peril.
But as with many budgetary battles, a closer look reveals a more nuanced—and far less catastrophic—picture. Despite dire headlines, there is no constitutional crisis here. What’s more, the public still isn’t being given a clear accounting of how much money is actually in play, what it funds, or how the loss of federal dollars might be offset by state and private contributions.
The Legal Foundation for the Cuts
According to a verified termination letter sent to NEH grantees and published by Daily Nous, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is rescinding select grants in accordance with federal regulation 2 CFR §200.340. This clause allows agencies to terminate awards when they no longer align with the agency’s mission or needs.
The NEH’s shift in direction was ordered by Executive Order 14217, titled “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy”, issued by the President on February 19, 2025. The order directs all federal agencies to eliminate “non-statutory” programs—that is, any program not explicitly required by law.
In plain terms, this is not about corruption or mismanagement. It’s a lawful, policy-driven realignment of discretionary spending priorities—fully within the authority of the executive branch.
Where the Money Actually Goes
From 2019 to 2023, Vermont received $7.07 million in NEH funding, spread across just 40 awards. Those grants came via three channels: (1) funds allocated to VHC, (2) direct NEH grants to Vermont nonprofits, and (3) direct NEH grants to academic researchers, including those at the University of Vermont and Middlebury College.
Among the publicly documented projects:
- Shelburne Museum – Perry Center for Native American Art
Recipient: Shelburne Museum
Amount: $750,000
Source: NEH Infrastructure and Capacity Grant
Notes: NEH Challenge Grant with matching funds - Jesse Wegman Biography on James Wilson
Recipient: Independent Scholar
Amount: $60,000
Source: NEH Public Scholars Grant
Notes: Direct to scholar, not via VHC - Vermont Folklife Center
Recipient: Vermont Folklife
Amount: $10,000 (2023), $15,000 (2022)
Source: VHC IRS 990 Filings
Notes: Listed in VHC’s Schedule I grants - Outright Vermont
Recipient: LGBTQ+ Youth Org
Amount: $10,000/year (2021, 2022)
Source: VHC IRS 990 Filings
Notes: General Purpose Grant - Pride Center of Vermont
Recipient: LGBTQ+ Advocacy Org
Amount: $7,500–$10,000/year (multiple years)
Source: VHC IRS 990 Filings
Notes: Recurring grants for general programming - Tillie Walden Graphic Novel (Bryant & Drake)
Recipient: Tillie Walden / Sheldon Museum
Amount: $20,000
Source: Seven Days
Notes: $15k to artist, $5k to museum; from $50k NEH grant pool - Sandglass Theater
Recipient: Puppet Theater Group
Amount: $6,250 (2020)
Source: VHC IRS 990 Filings
Notes: General Purpose Grant - Vermont Reads: The Most Costly Journey
Recipient: Various communities
Amount: Unknown
Source: Vermont Humanities
Notes: Funded in part by UVM and Vermont Community Foundation; also had Kickstarter
While many of these projects are meaningful to their audiences and communities, they tend to be narrowly tailored and often aligned with specific cultural or identity themes. As the federal government reevaluates its discretionary spending, such programs have come under greater scrutiny.
State and Private Funding Will Likely Continue
While federal cuts will affect future NEH allocations, it’s important to note that Vermont has long contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars annually—often in the range of $250,000 to $350,000, based on state budget line items and past 990 filings—to VHC through its own budget. In addition, a substantial portion of the Council’s funding—up to 25% in some years—has come from private donors.
In response to anticipated losses, VHC recently raised money from 600 individual donors, reportedly covering additional operating costs. If that level of civic support continues—or increases—it could meaningfully fill the gap left by NEH changes.
And if the State of Vermont believes in preserving these programs, there’s nothing preventing lawmakers from increasing the state’s share of support. Given recent legislative trends, that seems likely.
A Case for Transparency and Prioritization
One of the biggest frustrations for many observers isn’t necessarily the content of what’s being cut—it’s the lack of clarity around what was being funded in the first place. While defenders of VHC programming highlight community storytelling, reading events, and youth engagement, critics argue that some of these activities—such as puppet theater or academic comic books—could easily be organized by volunteers or supported privately.
When taxpayer dollars are involved, transparency matters. How much is being spent, on what, and for what return?
In this case, the IRS Form 990 filings for the Vermont Humanities Council from 2020 through 2023 do not list the high-profile programs cited in media coverage. That’s because those projects were funded either directly by NEH or through temporary grants not itemized in annual reports. This makes it difficult for the public to trace how much each initiative cost—and who profited.
If the Council and its allies want to rebuild public confidence and make the case for continued or expanded funding, publishing line-item project budgets would be a strong first step. This absence of visibility raises an important question: how can the public assess whether these initiatives are worth continuing if they don’t know what they cost?
A Future Without NEH?
The federal government is not the only source of cultural investment, nor should it be. The outcry over the NEH’s shift in priorities assumes that only Washington can preserve Vermont’s humanities scene. But the data tells another story: a large share of these programs are already being maintained by state taxpayers and private donors. The infrastructure for public support exists—it simply requires trust and transparency to continue thriving.
In short: the arts in Vermont aren’t being gutted. They’re being decentralized. Whether that’s a crisis or an opportunity depends on who you ask—and how honestly they’re willing to examine the numbers.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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