Policy Action Plan, NEA Updates, Bipartisan Nonprofit Support, and More

February 24, 2025

In This Issue

• Four Policy Actions You Can Take Today
• Latest News on NEA Funding Requirements
• New Data on Bipartisan Support for Nonprofit Sector
• Protecting Species, Supporting Music

Four Policy Actions You Can Take Today

The past month brought a deluge of policy proposals and executive actions from the new Administration, as Congress considers massive funding decisions and tax reform options. Amid an influx of Executive Orders, changes by the Administration to the operations of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the dismissal of thousands of civil servants, threats and attempts to freeze federal funding, and the looming possibility of a government shutdown, the pace and scope of change can be overwhelming.

These decisions have a direct impact on the arts, nonprofit sector, and the communities served by orchestras. As 501(c)(3) organizations, orchestras are non-profit, nonpartisan, and have missions that drive their artistic and educational work. There are important actions you can take to engage in today’s public policy landscape. 

1. Create a year-long plan to stay in touch with officials. The League’s Calendar of Opportunities provides month by month suggestions for orchestras to keep in touch with members of Congress, many of whom are new to office. Bookmark our calendar and make your own orchestra’s version with specific dates and actions. Your elected officials need to know how policy changes or budget cuts would hamper your ability to deliver on mission. Relationship-building with policy leaders is an ongoing process, not a one-time message. Take a break when you must, but do not disengage.  
2. Collect, then share stories and data about local impact. Whether it is direct funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, tax incentives for charitable giving, partnerships with public schools, and more, how does federal policy affect what, where, and how frequently your orchestra serves your community? How does the critical balance of government support, charitable giving, and ticket sales support your workforce, main stage programming, community or educational events, and partnerships with other local nonprofits? Ultimately, how does this affect your community’s well-being and economy? Equip your members of Congress with this information, and they will be better prepared to act on your behalf. 
3. Join the crowd(s). If you are not already plugged in to local or state coalitions, now is the time to join. Coordinating across disciplines, finding allies, and supporting one another’s causes help to strengthen the community fabric supporting us all. The League’s Playing Your Part Guide to Public Policy Advocacy includes a wealth of information; in this moment, it’s more important than ever to invest in coalition building. And speaking of joining the crowd, the League is holding a free member webinar on Tuesday, February 25, to discuss key policy priorities, how to engage policymakers year-round, and share tips from experts and orchestra peers well-practiced in speaking up for the arts.
4. Keep us posted. Just as the League is keeping you informed, hearing from you helps us know what you need, which priorities are rising to the top in your part of the country, which approaches are working and which ones are not. Please contact our D.C. policy team with questions, concerns, and let us know how your meetings are going so we can align and reinforce messages.

Latest News on NEA Funding Requirements

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) continues to share information about how the implementation of recent Executive Orders will impact grantmaking procedures. The National Council of Nonprofits has provided an overview of court action (PDF) in response to a wide array of orders and reports that on Friday, February 21, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction (PDF) blocking two executive orders (EO 14151, and EO 14173) attempting to terminate or change federal grants and contracts for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are following all developments, summarizing information on our new online resource page, and encourage orchestras to check back frequently for any updates. 

View the League’s NEA Grant Application Overview

While there are many outstanding questions related to the required Assurance of Compliance and the scope of all relevant existing and future executive orders that would apply to grantees, we’ve recently added detailed language available from the NEA’s own guidance and regulations. The League will continue to outline what is known about substantial changes to the eligibility and compliance rules for grantees, key questions still to be answered about the impact on state and local funding, and information grantees need when determining possible next steps for FY25 NEA grants and FY26 applications for future funding.

New Data on Bipartisan Support for Nonprofit Sector

Orchestras continue to join the wider nonprofit sector in speaking up to Congress in the coming weeks and months as detailed tax policy proposals emerge that can shape incentives for charitable giving and nonprofit capacity to deliver on mission. Take note of the following newest information:

• Open Letter to Members of the 119th Congress (PDF): More than 4,500 charitable organizations from all 50 states, including the League, signed an Open Letter reminding Congress that charitable nonprofits are essential employers, service providers, and partners with government at all levels. The sign-on letter was sent to every House and Senate office.
• Protecting Vital Services: Mobilizing Support for Nonprofit Federal Funding Amid the Freeze (PDF): The Nonprofit Alliance released new research showing strong public support, across party lines, for the nonprofit sector and its essential role in communities. 
• New Poll: Voters Want Policymakers to Support Nonprofits in an Uncertain Time – Independent Sector: New research finds that voters overwhelmingly want to see nonprofits better resourced through charitable giving and federal tax credits, a strong nonprofit workforce, and nonprofit engagement in policy work to address community needs. 

Protecting Species, Supporting Music

Among the many policy developments underway, significant action is advancing regarding the rules for international travel and trade with musical instruments that contain natural materials protected under international rules. The League partnered with global music stakeholders in recent policy discussions regarding the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), taking place in Geneva, Switzerland February 3 through 8. 

In November 2025, the 185 global parties to the CITES treaty will meet at the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to consider new policy proposals for worldwide implementation. While the full agenda for those negotiations will not be set until later this summer, the League and its partners in the U.S. and globally are going on record about action to support improvements to the CITES Musical Instruments Certificate, sustainability measures for the Pernambuco wood used in crafting many bows for stringed instruments, and other policy measures that can advance urgent conservation concerns while supporting international cultural activity with musical instruments. 

Learn more: 

• Know Your Bow: Guide for Owners 
• League and Partners Comment on U.S. CITES CoP20 Priorities (PDF) 
• Statement on the CITES Musical Instrument Certificate CITES Protected Species Travel Tips