League of American Orchestras Advocacy Update; SBA Launches New Paycheck Protection Program Loan Process; League COVID-19 Relief Resources and Webinar; NEA Releases FY22 Guidelines for Grants for Arts Projects; New Year, New Congress
New and extended forms of federal COVID-19 relief are on the way in a year-end package of FY21 federal funding and coronavirus assistance of unprecedented scope, to be signed into law this week.
Orchestras continue to speak up in partnership with the League and the broader arts and nonprofit sectors, and the many months of connecting with Congress are truly making a difference. Please don’t stop now!
2020: Short-term priorities; 2021: Watch this space, but get an early start!; Your Advocacy Toolkit
Dear Friends, This has been an extraordinary, stressful, and transformative time in the life of the country, bringing relief for many and disappointment for others. At the League of American Orchestras we hope for a future that is rooted in decency, respect, and humanity…
As Election Nears, COVID-19 Relief Talks Pause, Resume, and Refocus; SBA Releases Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Updates; Universal Charitable Deduction and the Latest Giving Trends; New Visa Fee and Forms on Pause, but Congress Approves PPS Hike
Orchestras that engage international guest artists should be aware that the new forms and fees that were to go into effect October 2 have been paused due to a nationwide preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Petitioners should continue to use the current version of the Form I-129 (dated 01/27/20) and $460 filing fee for O and P visas for the time being.
Building on years of advocacy by orchestras in partnership with the broader nonprofit sector, a new universal charitable deduction was created under the CARES Act in March, allowing the growing number of taxpayers who do not itemize their returns to receive a tax deduction of up to $300 per tax return for cash charitable donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations during calendar year 2020.
Continue Speaking Up for COVID-19 Arts Relief!; Visa Petition Fee Increases Next Week; Arts in Education Week, All Year Long; Nonprofits CAN Encourage Voter Engagement
While last week officially marked National Arts in Education Week, dedicated advocates know that school-based music education requires advocacy throughout the year. COVID-19 is disrupting how, where, and what students are learning in unprecedented ways, but the value of arts education remains high: Arts Education Is Essential.