Trump Administration Snatches Back $350K Grant from Tucson Archaeology Nonprofit

Archaeology Southwest, a nonprofit organization based in Tucson, is facing potential staff layoffs following the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) decision to retract a $350,000 grant. This funding was initially allocated for the group’s cyberSW program, which aims to create a digital Indigenous field guide highlighting key Sonoran Desert flora and fauna in collaboration with local Indigenous tribes, including the Gila River Indian Community.

The termination was announced by Michael McDonald, acting director of NEH, who stated that the project “no longer effectuates the agency’s needs and priorities.” This grant had previously been recognized as one of the most substantial awards for NEH in 2025.

Jeffery Clark, Archaeology Southwest’s vice president for research, described the decision as “capricious and unethical,” emphasizing that it undermines the trust between grantors and recipients. He expressed concern regarding the extensive time and effort invested in preparing the proposal.

The organization is actively appealing the grant’s termination and has called on Arizona’s elected officials to intervene, seeking to restore funding and halt the termination of previously awarded grants. “We are committed to continuing our work with tribes involved in this project,” said a representative from Archaeology Southwest.

Founded in 1989, Archaeology Southwest emphasizes a conservation-focused approach to preservation archaeology, collaborating closely with Native American tribes in the Southwest. Joshua Watts, cyberSW manager, warned that this incident sets a troubling precedent, marking the first time in the organization’s history that a federal grant has been rescinded.

Watts highlighted the tangible impact of the lost funding on both Archaeology Southwest and the communities it supports, noting that the project includes stipends for Indigenous participants. “This situation is part of a broader pattern of undermining public services and community resources,” said Caitlynn Mayhew, a Native American fellow with cyberSW.

Skylar Begay, director of Tribal Collaboration at Archaeology Southwest, explained that the grant’s loss will have “myriad negative” repercussions, including job losses, particularly among Indigenous staff. “This funding was a culmination of years dedicated to building trust and collaborative relationships with tribes,” Begay emphasized.

Sarah Oas, a data specialist with cybER SW, underscored the significance of the project amidst rapidly changing ecosystems, particularly noting local species like saguaros and the cactus wren that are facing population declines. The guide aims to focus on these keystone species that hold cultural relevance for the Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham peoples.

In a striking turn, Steve Nash, Archaeology Southwest’s president and CEO, revealed that the grant termination notification was sent from an email address that raised red flags regarding its authenticity. He also expressed concerns about NEH staffing cuts that may inhibit their capability to administer grants effectively.

Additionally, the NEH has faced criticism for its funding cuts, as they directly affect communities and public humanities programs nationwide. The National Humanities Alliance emphasized that loss of staff and resources within NEH will create barriers to accessing funding for initiatives that preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Nash believes the abrupt grant termination is part of a larger, troubling trend affecting federal funding mechanisms. He urged for a concerted effort to challenge these decisions, hinting at potential legal actions to protect the crucial resources needed for community-driven projects.

As the organization moves forward with its appeal, it remains committed to its principles of collaboration and cultural preservation, standing firm in its resolve to support Indigenous communities despite the setback.