It is important to inform your legislators of taxpayer-supported programs that are happening in your area or that you may be helping to direct. Also, if you are planning on an exhibit or presentation, please consider inviting your legislators AND their staff.

To help you, we have provided the following samples and encourage you to personalize your letters with specific details of your project. Personalizing your letter of support will help the legislator relate to the project as being from his/her district. There is no substitute for letters of support from the locals!!!!

Michigan Humanities Council Grant Support Letter
Touring Grant Support Letter
Invite to an exhibit/presentation

Michigan Humanities Council Grant Support Letter

August 15, 2002

The Honorable Jane Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congresswoman Smith:

I am writing you to inform you of the success of "project title," an interactive exhibit on the campus of Southern Michigan University, which was funded in part by Michigan Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibit was hosted at the university's Cultural Center from January 15 - August 15, 2002, and received an overwhelming response from the community.

This grant enabled the Cultural Center to reach new audiences that informed the community about the value and experiences of human civilization in the 1900's. The Cultural Center collaborated with the University's Humanities Department and worked with local volunteers to create this "portable" exhibit. The community's response was invaluable and exceeded our expectations.

The Cultural Center at Southern Michigan University wants to thank you for your ongoing support of Michigan Humanities Council and for your commitment in bringing cultural projects to Michigan communities.

Sincerely,

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Touring Grant Support Letter

January 1, 2005

The Honorable Jane Doe
Michigan Senate
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909

Dear Senator Doe,

I am writing you to inform you of an opportunity provided by Michigan Humanities Council and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) to bring several live cultural performances to Smith Elementary School this summer. The school hosted a concert that provided students an opportunity to work with professional musicians/cultural entertainers and perform their songs before parents, teachers, friends and other citizens of the community.

The grants, made possible through the Arts & Humanities Touring Program, provides schools, library, museums, civic and service groups, festival organizers and other organizations in Michigan a wide variety of cultural programming opportunities. These programs are of the highest quality as represented by the tremendous response and support at our school.

Smith Elementary school is very appreciative of your continued support to help enhance the cultural experiences of our youth.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

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Invite #1 to an exhibit/presentation
(always include a formal card invitation when possible)

August 15, 2002

The Honorable Chris Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Smith,

I am writing you to invite you and your staff to a performance of our annual Summer-In-The-Park Performance Series hosted by the Smithsville Community Center. These cultural performances, which are a culturally educational and entertaining tradition in our community, are supported by a grant from Michigan Humanities Council (or, if this is a touring program, state "...are supported in part by Michigan Humanities Council and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.")

The Summer-In-The-Park Performance Series features individuals and groups which help bring Michigan's rich cultural history to the public. The community has expressed its support of the program with great attendance each year.

Our event is scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon on April 15, 2005, at the Smithsville Park Gazebo. The City of Smithsville and the Smithsville Community Center would love to share this performance with either you or a member of your staff. And, if you would like, we would be more than willing to include you in our ceremony.

Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Invite #2 to an exhibit/presentation
(always include a formal card invitation when possible)

August 15, 2002

The Honorable Chris Smith
U.S. House of Representatives
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Smith,

The Cultural Center of Southern Michigan University cordially invites you and your staff to a lecture hosted in conjunction with the "project title" exhibit.

Made possible by a grant from Michigan Humanities Council, the lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m. on July 15, 2002, at the Cultural Center followed by a reception. We expect about 350 people from the community and university to attend and would be please to give you the opportunity to give welcoming remarks.

Please let us know if your schedule will allow us to join us. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,