| Trump Administration mandates have resulted in an avalanche of policy reviews and revisions that have swiftly impacted the work of federal agencies that have historically championed the arts and humanities. Once reliable sources of leadership, information and funding – such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute for Museum and Library Services – have been directed to review longstanding programs and guidelines. In service to the Philadelphia region's creative community, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance will provide updates and share information to assist you as you navigate the changing federal landscape.
Yesterday, the following update was released by the National Endowment for the Arts: |
| | The National Endowment for the Arts is updating its FY 2026 grant guidelines, with deadlines in March and July 2025. These changes impact organizations applying in the Challenge America and Grants for Arts Projects categories; please see below for pertinent details.
CHALLENGE AMERICA
The Challenge America opportunity is canceled for FY 2026. Organizations that have applied or were planning to apply to the FY 2026 Challenge America grant opportunity are encouraged to apply to the Grants for Arts Projects category at the March or July deadlines instead. This change is to focus NEA staff resources on the Grants for Arts Projects category.
GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS (GAP)
The National Endowment for the Arts is revising the FY 2026 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines and they will be available on arts.gov/grants no later than Monday, February 10, 2025.
As part of these changes, the February 13, 2025, Grants for Arts Projects deadline has been canceled. The FY 2026 deadlines are now March 11, 2025, for GAP 1 and July 10, 2025, for GAP 2. Organizations that have already submitted an application must submit a new application under one of these deadlines.
Under the updated guidelines, the NEA continues to encourage projects that celebrate the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity by honoring the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America (America250). Funding priority will be given for projects that take place in 2026-2027 that celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This can include incorporating an America250-related component or focus within a larger project.
Additional changes to the Grants for Arts Projects guidelines include a requirement for applicants to have completed a five-year history of arts programming prior to the application deadline. If arts programming was suspended due to the pandemic, applicants may include examples that occurred in 2018 or 2019 to meet the five-year requirement. Do not include examples prior to 2018. Virtual programming is acceptable. Organizations may no longer submit applications in the same fiscal year for both Grants for Arts Projects and Our Town funding categories (a separate application in the Research Awards category is allowable).
The updated guidelines are in response to recent White House directives. They also streamline and simplify the application process and align with the agency’s mission.
UPCOMING NEA WEBINAR
An NEA webinar covering the updated guidelines will take on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET (Free to attend; however, registration is required. A recording will be posted shortly after the presentation in the Applicant Resources section of the Grants for Arts Projects webpage.) In addition, frequently asked questions will be available in the NEA's Applicant Resources section. This change is to focus NEA staff resources on the Grants for Arts Projects category. |
| | The Cultural Alliance will partner with our national, state and local organizational peers to advocate for the robust, equitable policies and funding that support and further our unwavering commitment to amplifying the diverse voices of our cultural community. We will continue to call on our elected officials to recognize the creative sector's indisputable contribution to the vitality of our region and our essential contribution to the well-being of our residents.
We can all make a difference. Join us as an arts advocate by:
- Educating decision-makers about the creative sector’s value to our communities and their constituents
- Building constructive relationships with elected officials and members of their staff that will serve the cultural community in the near and long term.
- To help defend arts and culture initiatives against future threats, the Cultural Alliance is asking you to share the impact of federal funding on your organization with this survey.
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| Support the Cultural Alliance The Cultural Alliance is a tireless advocate for arts and culture. By supporting the Cultural Alliance, you are taking action to protect our creative community. | | | | | | | |
