Advocacy News and Alerts
In This SectionThe League’s team in Washington, D.C. is monitoring all of the latest policy developments, from key votes ahead that need your voice to newly-approved policies that will affect your orchestra’s day-to-day operations. Find here our advocacy updates and latest calls to action.
Advocacy Updates
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June 18, 2025
Newsflash! Senate Releases Tax Reform Package
Orchestras continue to speak up as Congress takes action on policies that will have a big impact on charitable giving and the nonprofit sector. The U.S. Senate has released its draft comprehensive tax reform package, modifying the version passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month as part of a massive budget reconciliation bill.
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June 6, 2025
Travel Ban, Bipartisan NEA Action, Public Broadcasting Funding, and Protected Species
In This Issue: Travel Ban and Partial Restrictions Issued by Administration; Bipartisan House Letter Calls for Reinstatement of NEA Grants; Public Media Funding Faces Serious Threat in Rescission Request; Protecting Species, Supporting Music
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May 27, 2025
Spring Into Action: Latest Policy Updates
In This Issue: Flex Your Policy Muscle; News! Tax Reform and Charitable Giving; Share Your Experiences: NEA Grants; and Ticket Rules FAQ Issued by Federal Trade Commission
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May 16, 2025
The Latest News on Charitable Giving and Nonprofit Tax Proposals
Orchestras and the wider nonprofit sector are speaking up as Congress considers tax policies that will have significant consequences for the future of charitable giving and nonprofits’ capacity to deliver on mission.
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May 5, 2025
NEA Issues Grant Terminations: Speak Up Now
In an unprecedented reversal of approved federal support for the arts, late on the evening of May 2, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sent notifications to many current grantees, terminating awards in progress, effective May 31, 2025. The agency also withdrew many offers of new FY25 grant awards that had been accepted by applicants, publicly announced by the NEA, and were awaiting final official notification to start receiving funding.
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April 7, 2025
Latest News: Charitable Giving, Ticketing, and Supporting the Arts
In This Issue: Urgent: Urge Congress to Support the Charitable Act; Ticket Fraud Policy Takes Center Stage; Advancing Arts Education for All; and Speaking Up for Federal Cultural Agencies Under Threat
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April 4, 2025
Urgent: Speak Up for Federal Cultural Agencies
Action is rapidly unfolding by the Administration, in the courts, and across Congress as the nation’s arts and cultural agencies continue to be threatened with restrictions and dismantling. Join us in speaking up to protect our nation’s investment in arts and culture.
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March 25, 2025
Policy Landscape Resources, International Artist News, and Education Executive Order
In This Issue: Urgent: Keep Pace with the U.S. Visa Process; U.S. Department of Education Directed to Close; and Resources on NEA and Big-Picture Policy Landscape
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March 17, 2025
Federal Budget, New and Renewed Targets in Executive Orders, and More
In This Issue: Congress Passes FY25 Funding; IMLS, Voice of America, and FMCS Targeted by Executive Order; Court Lifts Injunction on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Orders; Supporting Music Education as Federal Debates Unfold; Check Out the League's Latest Resources
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March 10, 2025
NEA Modifies Compliance Requirements for First Step of Grant Applications
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has published further updates to the FY26 grant application process in response to recent legal action.
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March 7, 2025
New Court Action as NEA Grant Deadline Nears
As the National Endowment for the Arts implements recent Executive Orders, grant applicants are newly required to certify their compliance with restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and “gender ideology.” Court action underway calls for halting implementation of these restrictions, as prospective applicants face a March 11 deadline for registering their intent to apply for the first round of FY26 grants.
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February 28, 2025
Court Action Prompts NEA Updates to Assurance of Compliance
As reported in the League's Advocacy Update earlier this week, on Friday, February 21, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction (PDF) blocking implementation of 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.
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February 24, 2025
Policy Action Plan, NEA Updates, Bipartisan Nonprofit Support, and More
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
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February 12, 2025
Revised FY26 NEA Grant Guidelines Announced
As reported late last week, the National Endowment for the Arts has posted revised grant guidelines and deadlines for FY2026 Grants for Arts Projects.
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February 6, 2025
New Deadlines and NEA Grant Guidance Ahead
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has shared an update about its FY2026 grant process, including new deadlines, plans for revised grant guidelines, and eligibility rules.
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January 30, 2025
Latest Arts Policy Updates from D.C.
In This Issue: New Administration, Executive Actions, and Impact on the Arts; Playing Your Part: League Webinar on Advocacy in 2025; Tax Reform Discussions Underway; and Reminder: New Form for International Guest Artist Visa Petitions
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December 17, 2024
Urgent Year-End Policy Action and Updates
In This Issue: Update! FTC Announces New Ticket Sales Rules and Congress Considers Action; Make Plans to Engage with Congress in 2025; Charitable Giving and Tax Reform; Act Now: How Well Do You Know Your Bow?; NEA Grant Guidelines for FY2026: Prepare Now; and International Artists Visa Assistance
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November 25, 2024
Federal Policy Updates and Looking to 2025
In This Issue: Engaging the New Congress Starts Now; Speaking Up for Charitable Giving; HR 9495: Nonprofits Seek Due Process; and Federal Court Blocks Overtime Expansion
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October 23, 2024
U.S. Department of Education Message to School Officials: Access Support for Arts Education
In a culmination of years of advocacy, earlier this month the U.S. Department of Education’s Deputy Secretary issued a letter to state education officials reinforcing the ways federal funding can be used to support arts education within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
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July 25, 2024
House Defeats Brecheen Amendments, Senate Acts Next
After supportive remarks by Interior Subcommittee Chair Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME) on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the House defeated a pair of amendments offered by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK).
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July 19, 2024
House Amendment Would Reduce NEA Funding by 25%
After swift subcommittee and committee passage, the full House of Representatives is expected to consider Interior funding next week, which includes the annual budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
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July 1, 2024
Overtime Update, Take Action on: Ticketing, NEA Funding, Charitable Giving, and Music Education
In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources
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May 17, 2024
Updates on Ticketing, Protected Species, NEA Grants and More
In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources
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February 8, 2024
New Visa Fee Rules Finalized; Taking Action on Ticketing Policies
In This Issue: Final Visa Rule Sets New Fees, Effective April 1, 2024,and Ticketing Action Continues in Congress and at FTC
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January 26, 2024
NEA Announces First Round FY24 Grants; Hosts Arts Summit
In This Issue: NEA to Hold Summit on Arts and Culture; NEA Grants Support Orchestral Collaborations, Celebrations, Student and Community Programming, and More; Upcoming NEA Grant Due Dates
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December 13, 2023
Year-End News on Ticketing, Arts Education, Musical Instruments Policy and More!
In This Issue: Ticketing Legislation Advances in U.S. House and Senate; Congressional Letter Urges U.S. Secretary of Education to Improve Access to Arts Education; Prepare for FY25 NEA Grant Applications; Traveling with Ivory: Canada Announces New Permit Rules; Visa Petitions to Texas Service Center
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November 30, 2023
Urge Your Representative to Cosign a Letter Urging Improved Access to Arts Education
Please take a moment to urge your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to cosign a letter organized by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) and Chellie Pingree (ME) to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging the Department to take action to track and improve the status of arts education in our schools.
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November 3, 2023
Bipartisan Support for NEA as Amendment to Defund is Defeated
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted against amendments to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) during consideration of the FY24 Interior appropriations bill. The amendment to defund the NEA failed by a vote of 292 to 129, demonstrating bipartisan support for direct federal funding for the arts and culture.
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October 6, 2023
Urge Congress to Support FY24 Arts Funding!
With just hours left on the clock last weekend, the U.S. Congress managed to pass a 45-day continuing resolution that prevented a shutdown of the federal government. However, the upheaval in the leadership of the House majority makes for an uncertain path toward finding a funding compromise before the threat of a shutdown looms once again.
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September 26, 2023
Autumn Policy Updates: Shutdown Prospects and More
In This Issue: Deadline Looms for Federal Funding Agreement; Polling Data Shows Strong Support for Universal Charitable Deduction; U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Updated Overtime Rules; Take Action! Strengthening Federal Arts Education Policy; SBA Continues Shuttered Venue Grant Closeout; IRS Issues ERTC Moratorium
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July 20, 2023
Speak Up to Protect Federal Funding, Good News on Visa Fees, and Your August Action Plan
In This Issue: House Proposes Cuts for Arts and Culture; Good News: Visa Fee Decision Delayed to 2024; New Energy Program: Renew America’s Nonprofits; August Plans: Engage Your Policymakers!
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June 2, 2023
Latest News in Guidance for Bow Owners, NEA Grants, Charitable Giving Policy, and More
In This Issue: League and International Partners Release "Know Your Bow" Pernambuco Guide; NEA Announces Second Round Grants for Arts Projects Recipients; Speak Up to Support the Charitable Act!; Shuttered Venue Grants Near Close-Out Phase; New Ticketing Rules Proposed at Federal Level
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March 10, 2023
Last Chance to Weigh In on Drastic Artist Visa Fee Proposal
The opportunity to respond to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed rule on visa filing fees has been extended and will now close on Monday, March 13. This proposal would more than triple the cost for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners.
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January 23, 2023
DHS Proposes New Fees: Includes Steep Increases for Artist Visas, Harmful Policy Changes
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners. The comment period is open until March 6, 2023, and DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expect to take several months to review public feedback and consider adjustments.
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December 22, 2022
Happy Holiday Policy News: Arts Funding Increases and New Charitable Giving Incentives Win Approval
In the final days of 2022, Congress has come to an agreement on a year-end funding deal that includes victories for two League policy priorities – federal appropriations and enhanced charitable giving incentives.
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November 28, 2022
Global Negotiations Support Musical Instruments and Pernambuco Conservation
Improvements for the movement of musical instruments across borders and new support for the conservation of Pernambuco wood won approval at the conclusion of two weeks of global negotiations in Panama City, Panama.
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November 21, 2022
Post-Election Update and Peek at 2023
In This Issue: Short-term Priorities for Year-End Legislating, Prepare for 2023 and Beyond, and Odds and Ends
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November 7, 2022
Global Action on Musical Instruments Begins Next Week
The League is partnering with international stakeholders to represent the music sector in policy conversations that will determine future rules for travel and trade with musical instruments made with material subject to endangered species protections.
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September 27, 2022
Autumn Advocacy Action
In This Issue: Activate New Voter Engagement Resources; Shuttered Venues Grant Program Enters Closeout Process; Talks Accelerate on New Rules for Musical Instruments; Engaging Artists from Abroad
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July 1, 2022
Sizzling Summer Policy Updates
In This Issue: NEA and Arts Education Funds Increase for Fiscal Year 2022; Continued Calls for Relief as Research Charts COVID-19's Impact on the Arts; League Speaks Up on Travel with Musical Instruments; Charitable Giving and Nonprofit Sector Take the Spotlight in Senate Hearing
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May 26, 2022
NEA Awards 2nd Round FY22 Grants; Invites Public to Equity Listening Session
Last week, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced its second round of major awards for fiscal year 2022 in the category of Grants for Arts Projects, including support for 49 orchestras and numerous related projects.
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March 23, 2022
Signs of Spring: Cherry Blossoms and D.C. Policy Updates
In This Issue: NEA and Arts Education Funds Increase for Fiscal Year 2022; Continued Calls for Relief as Research Charts COVID-19's Impact on the Arts; League Speaks Up on Travel with Musical Instruments; Charitable Giving and Nonprofit Sector Take the Spotlight in Senate Hearing
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February 14, 2022
Latest Arts Policy News
In This Issue: Act Now: ERTC Reinstatement Gaining Support; States Now Processing FEMA Safe Opening Assistance; U.S. Copyright Office Opens Talks on 'Bots'; Shuttered Venue Grants in Action Nationwide; NEA American Rescue Plan Grants to Aid 24 Orchestras; New Engagement by U.S. Department of Education on Arts Learning; Engaging International Artists? Explore Consular Waivers, Confirm Approved Vaccines
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January 13, 2022
Kick-Start 2022 with the Latest Arts Policy News
In This Issue: Act Now: Renewed COVID-19 Relief Talks Underway; NEA Awards 1st Round FY22 Grants, Direct ARP Grants to Come; Newest Artist Visa Updates as Travel Resumes, Cautiously; League Resources on COVID-19 Relief and New Safety Rules; 2022: A Key Year for Advocacy
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December 17, 2021
Year-End Policy News and Looking Ahead
In This Issue: Speak Up to Reinstate the Employee Retention Tax Credit; IRS to Non-Itemizers: Donate Now; Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Enter New Phase of Implementation; National Endowment for the Arts Grant News and Updates; Our Year-End Thanks to You!
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November 12, 2021
Major Policy Developments, International Travel Resumes, and Latest SVOG News
In This Issue: Employee Retention Tax Credit Curtailed as Infrastructure Bill Passes; New Action Ahead on Shuttered Venue Operators Grants; The Latest on COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Requirements; COVID-19 Travel Bans Lifted: New Policies in Place for International Air Travel; Speak Up Now to Preserve New Charitable Giving Incentives!
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October 8, 2021
Agency Nominations, Policy Updates, and More
In This Issue: Still Time to Act on Arts and Recovery, Reminder! New Charitable Giving Incentives Encourage Donors to Give More, Shuttered Venue Operators Grants: Reporting Requirements Coming Soon, International Guest Artists Experiencing Visa Delays and Complications, Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson Nominated to Lead National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Education Legislation Nears Introduction, October is National Arts and Humanities Month
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September 20, 2021
Fall Brings Important Policy News and Opportunities
In This Issue: Act Now: Arts and Recovery; Shuttered Venues Grants Enter Supplemental Phase; U.S. to Lift International Travel Restrictions in Early November
Contact Congress
Raising your voice about key issues before Congress is essential. Contacting Congress is easy to do, and your communication with elected officials will ensure that communities nationwide continue to benefit from orchestral music.
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