Resources & Action

On the evening of Monday, January 27, 2025, the new presidential administration announced a federal grant freeze, which would have had a significant impact on recipients of National Endowment for the Arts and other federal agency grants. Funding from the NEA sustains NEFA’s regional grants and services, while our international exchange program, Center Stage, is a partnership with the U.S. Dept of State. 

The following afternoon, a federal judge put a temporary block on the order. Two days after the initial announcement, the administration rescinded their order. While we are pleased, we are by no means complacent.  

It is challenging to stay informed when issues evolve so quickly. Here are a few resources to help you stay informed and take action when appropriate. 

Tracking Federal Actions

• Americans for the Arts’ Executive Order & Impacts and Executive Action Tracker 
• Council of Nonprofits’ Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits
• Grantmakers in the Arts’ Community Resources on the New Presidential Administration’s Actions 
• NASAA's Federal Updates

What can you do now

Get involved with your statewide arts advocacy organization:

• Arts4NH
• Connecticut Arts Alliance 
• Cultural Alliance of Maine
• MASSCreative 
• Vermont Arts Council 

And: don't forget to share your stories and concerns with your federal elected officials. It is essential that they are aware of your impact and how public funding is an important factor.

Additional resources will be added to our Advocacy page; if we are missing something you find helpful, please let us know.