Urgent NEA Update: Time for Action

We’re writing today with an important and time-sensitive update: the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has canceled a number of its grant awards—a deeply troubling move in what appears to be a broader pattern of federal disinvestment in the arts.

Americans for the Arts has responded swiftly and strategically, and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts stands with them in full partnership as we navigate this moment together. Below, you’ll find links to resources, and immediate steps you can take.

Whether your organization has been directly impacted or you’re standing in solidarity with peers across the country, this is a moment that calls for action, unity, and resolve. The NEA plays an essential role in every Congressional district—including right here in Minnesota—supporting local jobs, creative expression, community vitality, and access to the arts for all. These cancellations jeopardize the infrastructure we’ve worked so hard to build.

What You Can Do Right Now:

1. If you received an NEA cancellation notice: Please read the instructions below and submit your appeal immediately. Appeals preserve your standing and help us show the full scale of impact. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
2. Join the National Webinar: Americans for the Arts will host a live webinar this Wednesday, May 7 at 4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT to walk you through what’s happening, how to respond, and how to stay connected to collective advocacy efforts. Register Now!
3. Use the Advocacy Tools: Contact your elected officials, complete the National Pulse Survey, and share your story. These are powerful tools to strengthen our case and keep public support for the arts top of mind in Washington. Find them here.
4. Share with your network: Forward this information to your boards, funders, partner organizations, and fellow advocates across Minnesota. The more voices we raise, the stronger our collective impact.

At MCA, we’re in close coordination with our national partners and ready to support our member organizations through this uncertain moment. We’ve been here before—and we know how to respond. Together, we will stand up for the NEA, for our local arts ecosystems, and for the cultural life of every community in Minnesota.

Resources from our friends at Americans for the Arts (AFTA)

Even if you’re unsure about the outcome, we encourage you to submit the appeal. This is new ground for all of us, and every submission adds to the larger picture—helping to inform advocacy efforts, guide legal understanding, and shape potential policy solutions. Please don’t navigate this process alone—reach out if you need help.

How to Submit Your Appeal to the NEA:

If your organization has been affected by the recent NEA grant cancellations, we strongly urge you to submit an appeal by the official deadline, which was in the email grantees received from the NEA. Note that depending on your grant category, deadlines vary with some as early as Friday, May 9.

This step is critical for several reasons:

• Filing an appeal preserves your standing and ensures your organization is counted in any future coordinated action.
• It sends a clear signal to federal agencies and lawmakers about the scale and seriousness of this disruption.
• It helps us build a unified field response, allowing our collective voice to reflect the full scope of the damage.

Additional Resource Links:

• Holland & Knight: What Recipients Need to Know if a Federal Grant Is Terminated by the Government
• National Council of Nonprofits: A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated
• To support your appeal, our friends at the Film Festival Alliance and Modern Language Association have developed step-by-step guidance and templates to get you started. 

Connect with Elected Officials:

Share your story. Personalized outreach is critical at this moment. Remind them of the irreplaceable value of the arts in your community.

CONNECT WITH YOUR LEGISLATOR

Complete AFTA Survey on Arts Organizations:

If you are an arts and culture organization, please complete the survey by EOD Friday, May 16. The survey will only take six minutes to complete.

COMPLETE AFTA SURVEY