New Deadlines and NEA Grant Guidance Ahead

February 6, 2025 (updated February 10, 2025)

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. Please read the complete announcement from the NEA for full details. A few key highlights are:

• New grant guidelines are being issued in response to recent directives and to “streamline and simplify the application process and align with the agency’s mission.”
• The new guidelines have been posted on the NEA’s website. (updated)
• There are two new application deadlines, which are now March 11 and July 10, 2025.
• Organizations that have initiated an FY26 application will need to reapply under the new grant guidelines.
• The Challenge America grant opportunity is being canceled for FY2026 and prospective applicants are encouraged to apply to Grants for Arts Projects.  

The NEA will hold a free webinar about the updated guidelines on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 2:00pm. Registration is required and webinar recordings will be posted shortly after the presentations in the Applicant Resources section of the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects webpage along with answers to frequently asked questions. The League will keep orchestras posted as further information becomes available. Please see our January 30 advocacy update for news on other federal policy developments.