Advocacy Alert: Drastic Cuts to FY26 NEA and NEH Funding

On July 14, the House Appropriations Committee proposed a dramatic cut to National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding, reducing each agency’s budget to $135 million. This marks a drastic 35% decrease from the current funding level of $207 million.

Our congressional representatives need to hear how devastating these cuts will be to the Greater Philadelphia region.  It is crucial that everyone who values the contributions of the creative sector to a healthy and thriving region reach out to their Members of the House urging them to maintain NEA and NEH funding at $207 million.

Both NEA and NEH funding—through direct grants to organizations and support to state and regional partners—are essential to supporting vibrant, thriving communities. Our partners at the Americans for the Arts have created an advocacy action for you to email your representatives urging them to maintain funding for the NEA and NEH at $207 million. Take two minutes to email your representatives today:

Currently, federal arts funding amounts to just 62 cents per person—less than a quarter of today’s average cup of coffee. Supporting an appropriate increase would help ensure that these vital programs continue to serve our community.

When arts programs flourish, our entire community benefits. However, both the NEA and NEH currently face severe budget cuts that could significantly impact these programs. Together, we can ensure our community’s creative future remains bright.