NEA, Bow Owners, Visas, and Charitable Giving

January 21, 2026

In This Issue

• Congress Preserves NEA Funding as FY26 Grants Roll Out
• Learn Essential Next Steps for Bow Owners
• Visa Processing Changes and Challenges
• How Will 2026 Charitable Giving Respond to Tax Policy Changes?

Congress Preserves NEA Funding as FY26 Grants Roll Out

Overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House (397-28) and Senate (82-15), advanced a three-bill funding package that protects full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities at $207 million each. Orchestras joined arts advocates nationwide in speaking up in response to the Administration’s proposal to eliminate funding for the cultural agencies. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) emphasized the role of Congress in determining federal funding: “These bills are the product of bipartisan, bicameral consensus and are grounded in a member-driven process.”

New grantmaking is already underway. Now-confirmed NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter announced a round of projects related to the National Garden of American Heroes, as well as the first grant awards for FY26. Orchestras in communities throughout the U.S. will receive first round FY26 Grants for Arts Projects (GAP1) support from the NEA to present a variety of projects—many honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. These include free outdoor concerts, commissions and premieres of new works, and music education training for youth. Additional GAP1 grants for FY2026 will be added to the NEA’s Grant Search database as they are considered and awarded in the coming months, followed by action on GAP2 applications. The League has extracted FY2026 NEA Grants to Orchestras with the projects awarded to orchestras and related projects and will expand the list as more grants are added to the NEA’s Grant Search database.

• See the League’s ongoing list of FY26 Grants to Orchestras.
• Keep up with FY27 grant application deadlines ahead in February and July 2026, which now include Challenge America and Our Town support. Research grant applications are due in March 2026.
• The League’s NEA Grants Process Overview tracks the latest implications of court action, what we know about how executive actions affect grantee compliance requirements, and when updates have been made to the NEA’s agency priorities and FAQ pages.

Learn Essential Next Steps for Bow Owners

New rules under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) take effect March 5, 2026, with implications for all stringed musicians, makers, sellers, and the iconic Pernambuco trees that grow exclusively in Brazil. Bows will continue to move free of permits when crossing international borders for performances, repairs, and specific travel that does not result in a change of ownership. However, CITES permits will be required for all international sales of existing and new Pernambuco bows, with proof that the wood was harvested before the species went under international protection on September 13, 2007.

• Register to attend our webinar on February 10, 3:00pm Eastern, “Know Your Bow: New  Rules and Essential Steps for Pernambuco Sustainability.”
• Read the latest Symphony article, The Sustainable Bow.
• Learn more in the League’s Pernambuco Policies and Conservation Overview.

Visa Processing Changes and Challenges

The increasing cost of artist visas and long delays in regular processing are severe barriers to engaging international artists and is a focus of advocacy and action by the League and our national arts partners. USCIS announced fee increases for premium processing service (PPS), effective March 1, 2026, raising the cost to expedite O and P arts-related petitions from $2,805 to $2,965. Average regular processing times are taking 8 to 9 months, leaving many no choice but to pay the additional cost, as those seeking visa approvals also navigate changes to the fee payment method and filing address locations.

The League’s dedicated Artists from Abroad news alerts provide real-time updates on the deluge of policy changes. The League is ready to be of assistance and our team appreciates hearing about petitioner experiences to bolster our ongoing advocacy efforts.

How Will 2026 Charitable Giving Respond to Tax Policy Changes?

The League and its advocacy partners in the Charitable Giving Coalition are keeping an eye out for expected regulations from the IRS that will formally guide taxpayers through the changes to giving incentives included in the 2025 tax reform package. Meanwhile, our colleagues at the Association of Fundraising Professionals have provided very helpful overviews and donor-facing materials to help activate the broad base of donors that do not itemize tax returns and will now be able to access the tax deduction for giving in 2026. Find this and other helpful information and overviews in the League’s Philanthropic Trends Resource Center.