The League\u2019s team in Washington, D.C. is monitoring all of the latest policy developments, from key votes ahead that need your voice to newly-approved policies that will affect your orchestra\u2019s day-to-day operations. Find here our advocacy updates and latest calls to action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
January 21, 2026<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Congress Preserves NEA Funding as FY26 Grants Roll Out; Learn Essential Next Steps for Bow Owners; Visa Processing Changes and Challenges; How Will 2026 Charitable Giving Respond to Tax Policy Changes?\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
December 16, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Action: Your Voice Makes a Difference: Plan Ahead for 2026; Know Your Bow: What's New and Next; NEA Launches FY27 Grant Guidelines and Announces New Awards; Tax Policy Changes Spur Adjustments to Individual Giving\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
December 3, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n On Friday, December 5, the 185 global parties to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will vote on final approval of new international rules for the pernambuco wood used for bows for stringed instruments.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
November 21, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Action: Shutdown Ends, Advocacy and Federal Action Continues; Latest News on NEA Grants Process; Action Next Week on Worldwide Use of Bows; Major Programmatic Transfers from U.S. Department of Education; Individual Giving Adjusts as Tax Policies Change; Visa Processing Address Changes: Grace Period Ends Next Week\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
October 3, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Action: NEA Advocacy Continues Amid Government Shutdown; Visa Updates: Shutdown Impact Plus Major Processing Changes; Know Your Bow: CITES Policy Decisions Ahead; Ticket Fraud Policies Under FTC Review\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
September 2, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Action: Speaking Up for Music and Conservation; Support Arts in Education Week: September 14-20, 2025; Keeping Up Momentum on NEA Advocacy; Increased Visa Wait Time and Processing Issues\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 28, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: News! Congress Acts on Federal Funding for Arts and Culture; Action to Restore Public Media Funding; and Advancing Arts Education for All\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 14, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n This morning, the House Appropriations Committee released its recommendation for FY26 Interior funding, which includes drastic cuts of nearly 35% for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 8, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Congress Passes Comprehensive Tax Reform; NEA Grants and Updates; Ticketing Reform Under Consideration by DOJ and FTC; News for Bow Owners: Protected Species Policy; and New Edition of Form for Artist Visa Petitions, And New Fees to Come\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
June 18, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n Orchestras continue to speak up as Congress takes action on policies that will have a big impact on charitable giving and the nonprofit sector. The U.S. Senate has released its draft comprehensive tax reform package, modifying the version passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month as part of a massive budget reconciliation bill.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
June 6, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Travel Ban and Partial Restrictions Issued by Administration; Bipartisan House Letter Calls for Reinstatement of NEA Grants; Public Media Funding Faces Serious Threat in Rescission Request; Protecting Species, Supporting Music\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
May 27, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Flex Your Policy Muscle; News! Tax Reform and Charitable Giving; Share Your Experiences: NEA Grants; and Ticket Rules FAQ Issued by Federal Trade Commission\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
May 16, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n Orchestras and the wider nonprofit sector are speaking up as Congress considers tax policies that will have significant consequences for the future of charitable giving and nonprofits\u2019 capacity to deliver on mission.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
May 5, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In an unprecedented reversal of approved federal support for the arts, late on the evening of May 2, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sent notifications to many current grantees, terminating awards in progress, effective May 31, 2025. The agency also withdrew many offers of new FY25 grant awards that had been accepted by applicants, publicly announced by the NEA, and were awaiting final official notification to start receiving funding.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
April 7, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Urgent: Urge Congress to Support the Charitable Act; Ticket Fraud Policy Takes Center Stage; Advancing Arts Education for All; and Speaking Up for Federal Cultural Agencies Under Threat\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
April 4, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n Action is rapidly unfolding by the Administration, in the courts, and across Congress as the nation\u2019s arts and cultural agencies continue to be threatened with restrictions and dismantling. Join us in speaking up to protect our nation\u2019s investment in arts and culture.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
March 25, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Urgent: Keep Pace with the U.S. Visa Process; U.S. Department of Education Directed to Close; and Resources on NEA and Big-Picture Policy Landscape\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
March 17, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Congress Passes FY25 Funding; IMLS, Voice of America, and FMCS Targeted by Executive Order; Court Lifts Injunction on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Executive Orders; Supporting Music Education as Federal Debates Unfold; Check Out the League's Latest Resources\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
March 10, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has published further updates to the FY26 grant application process in response to recent legal action.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
March 7, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n 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 \u201cgender ideology.\u201d 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.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
February 28, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n As reported in the\u00a0League's Advocacy Update\u00a0earlier this week,\u00a0on Friday, February 21, a federal judge issued a\u00a0preliminary injunction (PDF)\u00a0blocking implementation of two executive orders (EO 14151, and\u00a0EO 14173) attempting to terminate or change federal grants and contracts for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
February 24, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n 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\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
February 12, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n As reported late last week, the National Endowment for the Arts has posted revised grant guidelines and deadlines for FY2026 Grants for Arts Projects.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
February 6, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n 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.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
January 30, 2025<\/p>\n \n
\n 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\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
December 17, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n 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\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
November 25, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n 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\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
October 23, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n In a culmination of years of advocacy, earlier this month the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Deputy Secretary issued a letter\u00a0to state education officials reinforcing the ways federal funding can be used to support arts education within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 25, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n After supportive remarks by Interior Subcommittee Chair Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME) on behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the House defeated a pair of amendments offered by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK).\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 19, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n After swift subcommittee and committee passage, the full House of Representatives is expected to consider Interior funding next week, which includes the annual budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 1, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
May 17, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Fixing Ticketing: Your Continued Advocacy is Needed, New! Essential Tips for Travel with Musical Instruments, Latest NEA Grant Awards and Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap Released in Senate, and New Overtime Rules and Resources\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
February 8, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Final Visa Rule Sets New Fees, Effective April 1, 2024,and Ticketing Action Continues in Congress and at FTC\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
January 26, 2024<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: NEA to Hold Summit on Arts and Culture; NEA Grants Support Orchestral Collaborations, Celebrations, Student and Community Programming, and More; Upcoming NEA Grant Due Dates\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
December 13, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Ticketing Legislation Advances in U.S. House and Senate; Congressional Letter Urges U.S. Secretary of Education to Improve Access to Arts Education; Prepare for FY25 NEA Grant Applications; Traveling with Ivory: Canada Announces New Permit Rules; Visa Petitions to Texas Service Center\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
November 30, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n Please take a moment to urge your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to cosign a letter organized by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) and Chellie Pingree (ME) to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging the Department to take action to track and improve the status of arts education in our schools.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
November 3, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted against amendments to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) during consideration of the FY24 Interior appropriations bill. The amendment to defund the NEA failed by a vote of 292 to 129, demonstrating bipartisan support for direct federal funding for the arts and culture.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
October 6, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n With just hours left on the clock last weekend, the U.S. Congress managed to pass a 45-day continuing resolution that prevented a shutdown of the federal government. However, the upheaval in the leadership of the House majority makes for an uncertain path toward finding a funding compromise before the threat of a shutdown looms once again.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
September 26, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: Deadline Looms for Federal Funding Agreement; Polling Data Shows Strong Support for Universal Charitable Deduction; U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Updated Overtime Rules; Take Action! Strengthening Federal Arts Education Policy; SBA Continues Shuttered Venue Grant Closeout; IRS Issues ERTC Moratorium\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
July 20, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: House Proposes Cuts for Arts and Culture; Good News: Visa Fee Decision Delayed to 2024; New Energy Program: Renew America\u2019s Nonprofits; August Plans: Engage Your Policymakers!\n\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
Advocacy<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
June 2, 2023<\/p>\n \n
\n In This Issue: League and International Partners Release "Know Your Bow" Pernambuco Guide; NEA Announces Second Round Grants for Arts Projects Recipients; Speak Up to Support the Charitable Act!; Shuttered Venue Grants Near Close-Out Phase; New Ticketing Rules Proposed at Federal Level\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n