Summer Wrap-Up: Arts Education and Federal Policy Updates

August 26, 2026

In This Issue

• Celebrate Arts in Education Week, September 13-19
• Policy Action Continues on Proposed Grant Restrictions
• IRS to Propose Changes to Form 990
• Latest Tariff Proposals Apply to Musical Instruments
• Essential Tips for Artist Visa Applications

Celebrate Arts in Education Week, September 13-19

National Arts in Education Week takes place September 13 to 19, offering an extra opportunity to support and advocate for school-based music education for all students. Orchestras partner with their communities and use multiple tools and strategies to mobilize their platforms and networks–collectively taking action to increase access to arts learning.

Help us amplify your voice! If your orchestra posts during National Arts in Education Week, please remember to tag the League and include #AIEWeek so we can support school-based music education together!

Policy Action Continues on Proposed Grant Restrictions

Before heading back to their home states for the August recess, the U.S. Senate approved a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the federal government open and funded through December 11. The package includes a key bipartisan provision temporarily blocking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from finalizing proposed sweeping changes to overhaul federal grantmaking that will transform how federally funded projects are solicited, managed, and reported. The CR heads to the House for a vote and then would require the President’s signature to prevent a lapse in funding when the current fiscal year ends on September 30. The League partnered with coalition colleagues to analyze and comment on the OMB proposals, which, if approved, would go into effect with awards made or amended on or after October 1, 2026 for most federal funding streams. In addition to the potential Congressional intervention, the new OMB rules are likely to be the subject of court action. The League will continue to keep orchestras informed through updates to our NEA Grants Overview. 

IRS to Propose Changes to Form 990

The Internal Revenue Service is expected to propose changes to the Form 990 that nonprofits file each year as the agency advances its regulatory priorities for the coming months. After the proposed changes are published in the Federal Register in draft form, there will be an opportunity for public comment. Annual Form 990 filings are a key element of nonprofit compliance and also serve as an important publicly-available resource on nonprofit operations. The League will keep orchestras informed about next steps, and our partners at the National Council of Nonprofits are standing by to analyze the proposal and share tips to help the sector weigh in before new requirements are finalized.

Latest Tariff Proposals Apply to Musical Instruments

As widely covered in media reports, the Administration is proposing a 25% tariff on brass-wind instruments, parts, and accessories, which could substantially raise the costs of musical instrument purchases, including those essential for delivering music education programs. The U.S. Department of Commerce is required to invite public comments on this proposal before the new tariff policies are finalized.

The League has partnered with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) to help advocates speak up through two steps of action. NAfME provides background information for music education advocates on how to submit comments before the August 27 deadline. An advocacy campaign is also available to help advocates weigh in with members of Congress, as attention from Congress can also be influential in next steps taken by the Administration.

Essential Tips for Artist Visa Applications

Earlier this month, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an immediate policy change that gives its officers authority to deny visa applications that lack sufficient evidence, rather than first issuing a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny, which allow petitioners to respond with additional material before a denial is issued.

The League’s artist visa resources can help ensure that applications for O and P visas for guest artists are complete, and our news alerts highlight longstanding best practices and reminders of recent policy changes.