A $200,000 emergency grant from the Mellon Foundation is more than just money, it’s a glimmer of hope for Humanities Guahan, which recently lost over $750,000 in federal funding due to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency.

This grant is a chance to breathe, to keep the lights on, bring staff back, revive core programs that nourish the community, and continue sharing the stories that matter.

“We hope that this money can go to things like our mother-read programming, our programming with DOC and their RSAT program there, those are some of our lower-cost programs that we know will be able to use some of that foundation money,” said CJ Ochoco, Executive Director of Humanities Guahan. 

With this lifeline comes a new challenge and a powerful opportunity: If the community can raise $50,000, the Mellon Foundation will match it, dollar for dollar.

Ochoco shared why local support is more critical than ever.

“I think a lot of that sustainability will come from community support–which is why the Mellon Foundation wants us to raise 50k from the community to show that it is possible that together we can support programming like this,” said Ochoco. 

That spirit of giving is already taking shape with Matson stepping up last month with a $10,000 donation. While it doesn’t count toward the match, Ochoco said it made a big difference, helping complete “Nothing Micro about Micronesia,” a recent island tour with Te’ada Productions that reached local students.

“We had so much good feedback from the kids who, for the first time were able to hear their language and their story spoken on stage, and so we’re so grateful–very appropriate that Matson’s donation went towards transport and then also to continue to help support us during this time,” said Ochoco.  

Still, Ochoco said the nonprofit is looking at cost-cutting measures to keep overhead low, with staff remaining remote and part-time as they prepare for a future likely without federal support.

Meantime, over $1,000 has been raised so far as every penny counts towards the cause.  

To join the effort and help Humanities Guahan reach the match, visit humanitiesguahan.org and look for their “Meet the Match” campaign.