We’re Listening. Will You Help Us Keep Going?

For more than 50 years, Wisconsin Humanities has partnered with the people of Wisconsin to share our stories and traditions, and to dream our dreams. We built bridges that help us understand who we are, where we’ve been, and where we might go – together.

When Wisconsin Humanities’ federal funding was terminated in April, we had to lay off staff and pause our programs and grantmaking. But supporters stepped up! Thanks to private donors, we’re here. Today, we see a path to restart programs in 2026! Can you help us walk down that path with you? It begins with listening.

Your donation powers Listening Sessions across Wisconsin—helping us rebuild, reconnect, and shape the future of the humanities in our state.

   
Wisconsin Humanities branded graphic with text "We are listening, Wisconsin. Join the statewide conversation"

Our Statewide Commitment

Since our organization's founding as an independent nonprofit in 1972, Wisconsin Humanities has worked in every corner of the state with YOU to explore what it means to be human, to be part of a democracy, and to strengthen each of our communities.

Learn about our history

Follow Your Curiosity

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Ideas were flowing at our first virtual listening session! Huge thanks to the supporters who joined us for this special edition session just for you!

What do catastrophic flooding and the humanities have to do with each other? Join MKE journalist and WH board member Jimmy Gutierrez for a wide-ranging conversation that will leave you hopeful about ways your rural and urban neighbors are coming together. And get a sneak peek at WH's upcoming... Listening Sessions where we'll gather that energy and turn it into action. https://humanpowered.buzzsprout.com/1575412/episodes/17725894-human-powered-in-conversation-with-jimmy-gutierrez

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Wisconsin Humanities

We strengthen the roots of community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and individual imagination. Find...

www.wisconsinhumanities.org

Our We're Listening, Wisconsin campaign raised funds that will enable us to hold in-person and virtual sessions that bring the voices and dreams of Wisconsinites together and help us plan for 2026 as Wisconsin Humanities works to restart our programs.

All Wisconsin Humanities ...donors are invited to a special Listening Session just for you! Email contact@wisconsinhumanities.org to register now!

"An elder once told me that the land misses our Indigenous languages, and so to speak it out loud whenever we can," writes poet Halee Kirkwood in the summer edition of the @The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters magazine. Her story about the #languageback poetry workshops of... Indigenous Nations Poets, supported by a Wisconsin Humanities grant remind us all of the power of words -- and what it means when they are lost, and recovered.

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#LanguageBack

We rolled into the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena on a Friday night, as the setting sun broke through the clouds and cast the campus in...

www.wisconsinacademy.org

Great event tomorrow -- in Wausau and virtual -- organized by our wonderful friends at Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service

From Madison, Ruth Olson knows that every place in Wisconsin has its own story to tell. Through listening, we uncover the local strengths, challenges, and ideas that will shape the future of Wisconsin Humanities.

We’re Listening. Come share your story.
Support the campaign: ...https://wisconsinhumanities.org/donate/

Meghan Dudle, from Mineral Point, knows that your voice matters. As a former leader in outreach and grants at Wisconsin Humanities, she’s seen firsthand how powerful your stories can be in shaping what comes next.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join us.

We’re ...Listening.
Support the campaign: https://wisconsinhumanities.org/donate/

Lara Karpenko, from Milwaukee, invites you to be part of something bigger. Your voice matters—your story matters. Let’s shape the future of the humanities in Wisconsin, together.

We’re Listening. Are you?
Support We’re Listening here: https://wisconsinhumanities.org/donate/