NEA Cuts, Resources, and Advocacy
The recent termination of NEA grants has left many in our community reeling, scrambling to replace vital funding, and facing hard questions about sustainability and survival.
We created a resource guide to share the latest news, resources, and advocacy tools. Whether you're figuring out next steps for your organization or simply trying to stay informed, we hope this resource is useful.
And as always, you're not alone in this.
Resources and Updates
Theatre Communications Group shared an email update on NEA Funding and linked to Guidance for NEA Grantees Facing Termination or Withdrawal of Funds.
On Friday, May 16, they sent an Advocacy Update email that includes information about several harmful provisions in the proposed tax reconciliation bill and updates from another round of NEA grant terminations and expedited closeouts.
The National Council of Nonprofits created A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated. It provides initial steps that nonprofits should engage in when they learn that their federal grant or contract has been terminated by a federal agency.
The Americans for the Arts offers an overall guide to protecting the NEA. They have a breaking news timeline to keep track of legislative actions. They also published "Executive Actions & Their Impact on the Arts: A Comprehensive Guide," which offers an up-to-date analysis of recent federal executive actions affecting the arts sector.
Legal Resources and Guides
Holland & Knight created What Recipients Need to Know if a Federal Grant Is Terminated by the Government. This resource outlines key legal and procedural steps for organizations facing federal grant terminations, including recent changes to federal regulations and court rulings that limit options for appeal. It offers practical advice on reviewing termination notices, assessing legal recourse, and managing risks during the grant closeout process.
Lawyers Alliance for New York created a guide, How Will a NY Nonprofit Organization Be Affected if its 501(c)(3) Status is Revoked? This legal alert explains the potential consequences for New York nonprofit organizations if their federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is revoked. It outlines tax implications, funding eligibility, options for appeal, and strategies like fiscal sponsorship to maintain operations and public support.
Sharing Your Information
Annie Dorsen set up a spreadsheet to provide information about the scale and scope of the funding losses to the arts field. View the spreadsheet here.
If your organization lost NEA funding and you would like to share it in this resource, please use this Google Form.
Americans for the Arts created the 2025 Policy Impact Survey to assess the impact of recent executive orders and federal policy changes.
The Latest News Articles
The article "Unkindest Cuts: How Theatres Are Managing the Loss of NEA Funds" from American Theatre examines the immediate and long-term effects of the abrupt termination of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants on U.S. theaters. Based on interviews with over 40 artistic leaders, it highlights the financial and operational challenges theaters face, especially smaller and regional companies, as they navigate the sudden loss of federal support.
Kirstyn Brendlen reports in Brooklyn Paper about how the NEA’s abrupt rescinding of grants is impacting arts organizations in Brooklyn.
Advocacy
A small but important step you can take is to call your representatives and encourage them to support the NEA.
Representatives share that these calls do make a difference. We encourage you to call your representatives even if their political party and public statements align with supporting the NEA.
It helps their office know what issues are most important to their constituents and evaluate what issues to expend political capital on. If your representative has spoken about the NEA, your call can focus on thanking them for their support.
Below are a few guides to help:
5Calls – Save the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The 5 Calls resource on National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) cuts provides constituents with information and tools to oppose recent funding withdrawals and the proposed elimination of the NEA by the Trump administration. It offers a call script and contact details to help users advocate for the preservation of arts funding in their communities.
Performing Arts Alliance – Urge Congress to Support the NEA
The campaign provides constituents with tools to contact their elected officials and advocate for the preservation of NEA funding, emphasizing the importance of the arts in communities nationwide.
Please note: IndieSpace does not and cannot offer legal advice. This is a compilation of resources that may benefit our community. Please consult with your legal counsel if needed.