Help us advocate: A message from our executive director
We’re launching a statewide advocacy campaign to protect and support Nebraska’s culture.
Dear friends,
Earlier this year, the State of Nebraska reclaimed $5 million of its match funding from the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Thanks to people like you who spoke up, we stopped a full sweep of the $15 million match fund. But this fight isn’t over.
Nebraska’s budget challenges persist, and the Endowment will face renewed threats. With new elected officials taking office in 2027 and a new appropriations committee, the work to protect Nebraska’s culture starts now.
We need Nebraskans and policymakers across the political spectrum to understand what’s at stake, why the arts and humanities matter and why public-private partnership is essential.
The urgency of this moment is drawing national attention: NPR culture reporter Chloe Veltman recently visited Nebraska to report on what’s at risk if our state disinvests in its culture. Her story addresses a common argument — that the arts and humanities should rely solely on private donations.
In reality, matching funds inspire greater private giving, maximize taxpayer investment and help ensure every Nebraska community has access to arts and humanities funding.
You can help right now. More specific information, like talking points, stories and district-specific funding impact lists, is available in our online advocacy hub.
Thank you for standing with the Endowment. Together, we can protect — and strengthen — Nebraska’s cultural future.
With gratitude,
Maggie Smith
Executive Director