Engage With Policymakers
In This SectionRaising 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. Here you’ll find key resources for easily contacting your Congressional representatives on top policy issues. You’ll also find tips on how to engage with Congressional leaders throughout the year and when they are at home on recess.
Advocacy
Connect with Congress — Advocate at Home Throughout the Year
Latest Advocacy Alerts
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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).
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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