League's NEA FY13 Grant Tips Now Available
Download Today: The League’s Tips for Orchestras Applying for NEA FY13 Grants
In addition to advocating
for federal support for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the
League of American Orchestras compiles and reports the agency’s yearly
grants to orchestras, advises orchestras of upcoming grant
opportunities, and provides unique tips for orchestras applying for NEA
support.
The NEA recently posted its FY13 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines.
To assist orchestras, specifically, with the application process, the
League attends the public sessions of NEA review panels, attends the
National Council on the Arts public meetings, and confers with NEA
program staff to outline helpful tips for preparing your application.
Our Tips for NEA Grant Applications (.pdf)
is updated each year to compile the links you’ll need, gather expert
advice from panelists and program staff, and call special attention to
important changes all applicants should know.
Find more details, contact information for NEA program specialists,
and valuable advice from NEA panelists in our customized Tips for
orchestra applicants!
Download the League's Tips for NEA Grant Applications (.pdf)
President Signs FY12 Funding Bill
Late last week, the President signed a consolidated bill to finalize
FY12 federal funding, including $145.979 million for the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and $24.593 million for the Arts in
Education (AIE) program at the U.S. Department of Education.
NEA
After a rollercoaster year, the FY12 NEA budget suffered a decrease of
$8.745 million compared to last year’s allocation. The House and Senate
proposed budgets ranging from $135 million to $155 million, ultimately
compromising to reach the same amount originally requested by the
President, a decrease for the agency to a level of $145.979 million.
In anticipation of a decrease this year, the NEA, which is halfway
through its FY12 grant cycle, has reduced the total amount of grant
disbursement, and further changes for FY13 grants and beyond are
expected to be announced shortly. Visit our NEA tips for orchestra applications for more information.
Thank you for your ongoing advocacy in support of the arts. The
extremely challenging federal budget climate will continue into 2012,
and your communication with Congress will be essential. Please continue
to stay tuned to League advocacy updates and alerts!
More FY12 NEA Grants to Orchestras Announced
The National Endowment for
the Arts (NEA) recently announced its first round of FY12 grants to
organizations in the Art Works category, and on December 6, the NEA
announced the grant recipients in the category of Challenge America
Fast-Track Review. Funding from the NEA provides vital support to
encourage and increase access to music in communities nationwide.
Challenge America Fast-Track grants of $10,000 each will support
orchestras in sixteen communities as they provide performances, open
rehearsals, high school workshops, master classes, special student
presentations, and work with local community partners to serve public
schools and assisted-living communities. Challenge America grants help
orchestras to bring the experience of the arts to underserved
populations limited by geography, demographics, economics, or
disability.
The remaining FY12 grants for Art Works (Part Two) will be announced in the spring of 2012.
The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to
orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field. Complete lists of
grant amounts and project descriptions for awards in all disciplines may
be found on the NEA web site.
View Orchestra Project Descriptions
FY13 NEA Grant Deadlines Announced; Updated Guidelines Expected in January
The NEA has set the deadlines for FY13 Grants for Arts Projects, the
Endowment's major support category for organizations. As a reminder, the
Access to Artistic Excellence and Learning in the Arts for Children and
Youth categories have been replaced with the funding category called
Art Works, with sub-categories of Creation, Engagement, Livability, and
Learning.
In January, the NEA will release guidelines for applying for FY13 Grants
and the League will provide updated guidance specific to orchestras on
our Tips for your application page.
Orchestras may also be interested in exploring opportunities for Our Town funding,
which supports creative placemaking projects in which communities
collaborate with their arts and design organizations and artists to
enhance community vibrancy in a variety of ways. Grants will range from
$25,000 to $150,000, with applications due Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Please visit the NEA website for complete guidelines about Our Town.
Stay Tuned for Updated Tips for Preparing Your FY13 NEA Grant Application
First NEA FY12 Grants to Orchestras Announced
Grants awarded to orchestras by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provide vital funding support for projects that encourage and increase access to music in communities nationwide. The first FY12 NEA grant awards in the agency’s new funding category, Art Works, were announced on November 17. In addition to supporting local projects directly, NEA funding stimulates crucial giving from other sources like private foundations, corporations, and individual contributors.
Art Works (Part One) grants totaling $1,252,500 will enable 39 distinct orchestra projects to support arts education through student composition training, ensemble learning, specialized coaching, and intensive workshops for inner-city musicians; foster lifelong learning through educational activities, mentorship programs, workshops, master classes, and musician professional development; create new work through commissions and artist residencies; and engage the public through concerts, orchestra tours, and music festivals in communities throughout the country.
Future FY12 grants will be announced for Art Works (Part Two) and Challenge America in the spring of 2012.
The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field. Complete lists of grant amounts and project descriptions for awards in all disciplines may be found on the NEA web site.
View Orchestra Project Descriptions
NEA Ceases Consortium Grants in FY13
Due to budgetary constraints, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will not be awarding consortium grants beginning with the FY13 application process. This means that applicants planning grant submissions to the NEA for FY13 should prepare with the understanding that they can make one and only one application from the NEA: either in the Art Works or Challenge America categories. Previously, organizations could apply up to two times - once on their own, and a second time in partnership with other organizations. The FY13 grant guidelines will be available in January 2012. Another change that will appear in the guidelines will be the incorporation of the Arts in Media into the Art Works category for Media Arts. The types of projects supported in the past in both categories will continue to be offered under Art Works. Media applications will also be subject to the one-application-per-year rule that applies to all applicants.
The sole exception to the one-application limit will be for parent organizations that have separately identifiable and independent components and are submitting a second application in connection with that component organization (i.e., an adult orchestra filing on behalf of an affiliated youth orchestra). Guidance on FY13 grants should be available in January, but to learn more about the current FY12 independent component policy for parent (and related) organizations, please visit the NEA's website.
As soon as the FY13 grant guidelines become available, the League will keep you apprised and update its webpage offering tips for preparing an NEA grant application.
July 29, 2011
Bipartisan Effort Protects NEA from Further Cuts!
Washington, D.C. - Bipartisanship in Washington? Yes! Just
yesterday, House Republicans and Democracts acted together to support
funding for the arts, defeating an amendment that would have further
reduced NEA funding.
WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
Several key bipartisan developments combined to influence the outcome of yesterday's vote. Thanks to YOUR ADVOCACY, extraordinary leadership by the Congressional Arts Caucus Co-chairs
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Todd Platts (R-PA), compelling remarks
in support of the NEA on the House floor by Interior Appropriations
Committee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID), and a White House veto threat opposing the already-lowered funding level, the NEA was spared further cuts yesterday.
HOW DID YOUR MEMBER VOTE?
The FY12 bill will soon move on to the Senate for consideration. Here are two things you can do to to help:
1. Check our 
House Voting Record to see how your Member of Congress voted, and send a follow-up message
to your Representative. We've created a voting record that charts the
FY11 and FY12 votes side-by-side so that you can see which members
changed their votes to support the arts. It is important that your
elected officials know you have paid attention to their vote.
2. Visit with your members of Congress during the upcoming recess
, and ask them to support NEA funding. The House FY12 spending bill,
unamended, already included a $20 million cut to NEA funding, bringing
total funding down to $135 million. The FY12 funding bill will be taken
up by the Senate after House consideration is complete. The League will
keep you posted on upcoming Senate action, but please start your
advocacy now.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY!
Pivotal NEA Vote - Contact Congress!
Don't Wait! Speak Up for the NEA Today
Washington, DC - As early as next Monday, the full U.S. House of
Representatives will vote on FY12 funding for the National Endowment for
the Arts. The House Appropriations Committee has proposed a $20 million
reduction in support for the arts, a 13% reduction from the current
funding level of $155 million. This is nearly twice the rate of overall spending cuts for other federal programs in the bill.
The NEA suffered a $12.5 million decrease last year, the cut currently
proposed by the House is disproportionate to overall spending
reductions, and amendments to even further reduce NEA spending may be
offered when this bill comes to a vote.
Use the link to our e-advocacy tool below to tell your Representative to protect the NEA from further spending cuts.
The League's advocacy campaign includes a sample letter to Congress and
talking points that illustrate the unique value of NEA support in
communities across the country.
CONTACT CONGRESS TODAY!
Urge the House to Protect the NEA!
Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. House Interior Appropriations
Subcommittee voted to cut National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding
by $20 million for FY12 from the current funding level of $155 million.
Last year the NEA suffered a $12.5 million decrease. Today’s proposal
more than doubles the $9 million reduction recommended by President
Obama this year. The Subcommittee’s nearly 13% cut is also
disproportionate to the 7% cut to the overall spending levels in the
entire Interior bill.
The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote on the FY12
Interior Appropriations bill as early as next Tuesday. In advance, it is
extremely important that members of the Appropriations Committee hear
from constituents across the country supporting funding for the NEA.
If your Representative serves on the House Appropriations Committee (see
chart below), it is particularly critical that you ACT TODAY and ask
your Representative to protect funding for the NEA. You can verify who
your Representative is here.
Even if your Representative is not on the committee, please consider
sending a letter of support for the NEA. Throughout this summer, and
into the fall, Congress will continue the budget process and every vote
will count. Be sure your Representative knows the value of NEA funding
for your community!
CONTACT CONGRESS TODAY!
________________________________________
House Appropriations Committee Members
Republicans
Democrats
Second NEA FY11 Grants to Orchestras Announced
Washington, D.C. - Orchestras will implement 38 projects that
will provide educational and community activities, music lessons and
workshops, residency programs, professional development for teachers and
school administrators, tours, concerts, festivals, recording projects,
and premieres of new works with the support of $1,265,500 in grants
recently awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The
second round of FY11 NEA grant awards was announced on May 17 in the
major funding categories of Access to Artistic Excellence Part Two and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth.
In addition to these larger grant categories, Arts on Radio and
Television grants will support radio broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony.
The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to
orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field in the major grant
categories. Complete lists of grants to all organizations in all funding
areas may be found on the NEA web site.
View Orchestra Project Descriptions
The FY11 Budget Deal: What Does it Mean for the Arts?
Washington, D.C. - At the eleventh hour last Friday, Congressional leaders struck an FY11 budget compromise to avoid a government shutdown, which includes $155 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and $25.5 million for the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education. The agreement finalizes the rest of FY11 funding, and votes will take place in the House tomorrow, with Senate action to follow before week's end.
Thanks to your advocacy, Congress has restored a portion of the Arts in Education funding and protected the NEA from more drastic cuts.
NEA: In February, the House of Representatives voted to decrease funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by $43.1 million (nearly 26%) to a level of $124.4 million for FY11. The Senate did not pass this bill. The $155 million provided for the National Endowment for the Arts in the final funding bill is a $12.5 million cut from the current level of $167.5 million. While any cut to the agency is a set-back to the substantial progress made in re-building the NEA's budget after the deep 40% cut in the mid-90s, the $155 million allocation is higher than both the initial House bill ($124.4 million) and the President's current funding request ($146.3 million).
Please stay tuned! As soon as the final FY11 spending levels are passed, our attention must turn to building support for arts funding in the FY12 budget process.
Latest Spending Bill Eliminates Arts in Education Funds; NEA Budget Remains in Jeopardy
Tell Congress that eliminating arts education is a budget cut we simply can't afford. Arts in Education funds at the U.S. Department of Education were eliminated today when Congress passed a short-term spending bill that will keep the federal government open as final negotiations over all FY11 funding continue. The cuts in the short-term spending bill would eliminate Arts in Education funding for the entire 2011 fiscal year if Congress does not restore the fund in future FY11 bills. Today's short-term funding package omitted a number of smaller education programs - part of a "down payment" on further overall federal funding cuts to come.
It's not too late to rescue FY11 funding for Arts in Education and the National Endowment for the Arts! Your advocacy is essential as the House and Senate now use the next two weeks to continue setting their priorities for funding the federal government for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Contact Congress today to urge the following:
USE OUR EASY E-ADVOCACY TOOL TODAY! >>
House Narrowly Passes Amendment to Cut NEA Funding
Washington, D.C. - Your continued advocacy is needed in support
of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The House FY11 spending
bill already included a $22.5 million cut to NEA funding; yesterday the
House approved an amendment taking a second bite out of the NEA's budget
for a total decrease of $43.1 million, which represents more than a 25%
cut from current funding.
* The amendment, offered by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), to decrease NEA
funding by $20.6 million, was approved by a vote of 217-209.
* Two amendments, filed by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and Rep. Connie
Mack (R-FL) to completely eliminate NEA funding, were not ultimately
offered on the House floor.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS: If just five members of Congress had voted
differently, yesterday's amendment would have been defeated. The FY11
bill will soon move on to the Senate for consideration. Here are two
things you can do to to help:
1. Check our House Voting Record to see how your Member of Congress voted, and send a follow-up message
to your Representative. It is important that your elected officials
know you have paid attention to their vote, and we will need everyone's
support when the House soon takes up FY12 spending decisions.
2. Contact your U.S. Senators and
ask them to restore NEA and Arts in Education funding. The FY11 funding
bill will be taken up shortly after the Senate returns from the
President's Day recess. We are calling on the Senate to restore funding
to the NEA and reinstate Arts in Education funding at the U.S.
Department of Education. The League will keep you posted on upcoming
Senate action, but please start your advocacy now.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY: Orchestras and their
supporters sent more than 1,200 messages to the U.S. House of
Representatives in support of arts funding, joining with countless
fellow arts advocates across the country to describe how the arts
strengthen the economy and improve civic life. Two amendments to
eliminate the NEA were dropped altogether. Thank you for taking time to
connect with your Representative and keep up the momentum as the U.S.
Senate acts next!
URGENT! Oppose Amendments to Slash NEA Funding!
Washington, D.C. - Please ACT NOW to urge your member of the U.S.
House of Representatives to oppose amendments that would slash National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding for the current FY11 fiscal year.
The broad federal spending bill under debate on the House floor right
now already includes a $22.5 million reduction in NEA funding. Two
amendments have been introduced that would decrease NEA funding even
further:
Oppose the amendment offered by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) that would
decrease NEA funding by an additional $20.6 million, for a total NEA cut
of $43.1 million.
Oppose the amendment offered by Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) that would eliminate FY11 NEA funding altogether.
Contact Your Representative Now Via our E-Advocacy Tool
Thanks to all who have already weighed in with Congress in response to
the recent League alerts. We need you to continue speaking up! For those
of you who have not yet acted, please make your voice heard now. The
League will keep you informed of the outcome of these votes and will let
you know how you can help with the next step - consideration by the
U.S. Senate.
Speak Up in Support of the NEA!
Washington, D.C. - As the U.S. House of Representatives votes on final FY11 spending bills early next week, amendments will likely be offered to substantially decrease and/or eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
The House Appropriations Committee is discussing a minimum $12.2
million decrease in NEA funding, as part of widespread cuts to
discretionary spending. This would reduce the current NEA operating
budget to $155.3 million. It is imperative that arts advocates speak up in opposition to further reductions in NEA funding levels when
the bill leaves committee and comes up for a vote on the House floor.
The FY11 NEA grantmaking process is mid-stream, so cuts would
immediately impact the grantmaking process. Tell your Representative
exactly what is at stake if this important funding were to be lost!
CLICK HERE TO PERSONALIZE AND SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS NOW!
The League will keep you up to date as NEA FY11 funding moves through
the House and onto the Senate for full consideration. Next up: the
President's FY12 budget will be released on Monday, which means your
advocacy will be needed to influence the outcome of not one, but two
years of NEA funding. Thank you!
NEA Launches New FY12 Grant Guidelines
Washington, D.C. - The latest grant application guidelines
released today by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) include
significant changes from prior years. For FY12, the Access to Artistic
Excellence and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth categories
have been replaced with a new funding category called Art Works, with
the sub-categories of Creation, Engagement, Livability, and Learning.
The NEA promotes creativity and public access to the arts in communities
across the country through direct grants to arts organizations, state
funding partnerships, and national initiatives. NEA grants awarded to
orchestras provide vital funding for projects that support and increase
access to music in communities nationwide.
View
the New FY12 NEA Guidelines
Free League Webinar: A New Approach to NEA Grants on January 24, 1pm
EST
Understanding the new NEA grant guidelines is essential to preparing a
successful application. To assist orchestras, the League is hosting a
live webinar with experts from the NEA. Join NEA Music and Opera
Director Wayne Brown and Arts Education Director Sarah Cunningham as
they walk orchestras through the guideline changes, and learn everything
you need to know about the new application requirements and reporting
procedures. The free webinar will take place January 24 at 1pm EST.
Register for the NEA Grants Webinar Today
Note NEA Grant Deadlines and Categories
The NEA has set the following deadlines for FY12 Grants for Arts
Projects applications, in the new major categories of support for
organizations:
As your orchestra considers the new grant structure and prepares for
upcoming deadlines, view the NEA's helpful online overview explaining
the changes to the grant categories.
View NEA FY12 Grant Category Overview
Sneak Peak at NEA Guideline Changes
The guidelines for preparing an FY12 grant application to the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will look significantly different when
released on January 13, 2011. The largest NEA grant-making categories,
Access to Artistic Excellence and Learning in the Arts for Children and
Youth, will be replaced with a new funding category called Art Works.
Please see the League's detailed description of changes to the grant
process, and take note of the following FY12 deadlines:
The NEA has posted a helpful overview of the changes in store for FY12.
Take a look and consider what these changes might mean for your
orchestra's grant opportunities.
View NEA's Presentation Outlining the FY12 Grant Process
Dworkin Nominated to National Council on the Arts
On December 8, 2010 President Obama announced his intent to nominate
Aaron Dworkin to be appointed as a Member of the National Council on the
Arts, an advisory body to the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr.
Dworkin, who is President and Founder of the Sphinx
Organization, was a member of the Obama National Arts Policy
Committee and was named a MacArthur fellow in 2005.
Learn
More about the National Council of the Arts
Grants awarded to
orchestras by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provide vital
funding support for projects that support and increase access to music
in communities nationwide. The first FY11 NEA grant awards were
announced on November 23 through the Challenge America: Fast Track
Review and Access to Artistic Excellence grant categories. In addition
to supporting local projects directly, NEA funding stimulates crucial
giving from other sources like private foundations, corporations, and
individual contributors.
Orchestras in thirteen communities will provide performances,
pre-concert lectures, workshops, enrichment programs, and master classes
with the support of $10,000 grants recently awarded by the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Challenge America grants will help
orchestras bring the experience of the arts to underserved populations
limited by geography, demographics, economics, or disability.
Access to Artistic Excellence (Part One) grants totaling $1,560,000 will
allow 37 distinct orchestra projects to provide educational activities,
concerts, festivals, master classes, radio broadcasts, orchestra tours,
professional development, and residencies in communities across the
country.
Future FY11 grants will be announced in the categories of Learning in
the Arts for Children & Youth and Access to Artistic Excellence Part
Two.
The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to
orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field. Complete lists of
grant amounts and project descriptions for awards in all disciplines may
be found on the NEA web site.
View Orchestra Project Descriptions
FY12 NEA Grant Application Deadlines
The NEA will announce deadlines for FY12 Grants for Arts Projects, the
Endowment's major support category for organizations in early-mid
January. The Access to Artistic Excellence and Learning in the Arts
for Children and Youth categories have been replaced with a new
funding category called Art Works, with the sub categories of
Creation, Engagement, Livability, and Learning.
While the full slate of deadlines has yet to be announced, the NEA has
announced that the Learning deadlines (previously taking place in June)
will now be March 10, 2011 for community-based projects, and August 11,
2011 for school-based projects. The deadline for Challenge America
Fast-Track Review Grants will be May 26, 2011
Read More About the Changing Funding
Categories for FY12
NEA Announces Changes for FY12 Grant Process
The guidelines for preparing an FY12 grant application to the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will look significantly different
when released this coming January. Last week, the NEA provided
highlights of some of the changes applicants can expect.
The largest NEA grant-making categories, Access to Artistic
Excellence and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth,
will be replaced with a new funding category called Art Works,
supporting four subcategories:
All types of projects supported in the past under Access to Artistic
Excellence will continue to be eligible under the Art Works
framework.
Two additional eligibility changes will apply: Any applicant applying
for an official Consortium project in Art Works must apply for an
“innovative” project. If a grantee has received a Challenge America
Fast-Track grant for the past three consecutive years, it is not
eligible to apply to the Fast-Track category this year but may
apply to other NEA funding opportunities including the new Art Works
categories.
The League has posted a more detailed description of changes to the FY12 NEA grant process
and will keep you posted regarding further developments!
NEA FY11 Guidelines Now Available
The National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) FY11 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines are now available on the NEA website.
To assist orchestras with the application process, the League has again
outlined helpful tips for preparing your application, including new
information about the Grants.gov process. Orchestras may also contact
an NEA specialist to talk through the application.
Read the League's Tips for NEA Grant Applications
Rosen Addresses NEA Research Forum
League President and CEO Jesse Rosen was one of three respondents
invited to speak at a December 10 forum hosted by the National
Endowment for the Arts - and simulcast live online – regarding the 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts.
More than 40 representatives from national and regional arts
organizations discussed the nation's largest and most representative
study of adults' arts participation habits. The report charts declining
attendance rates for ballet, classical music, jazz, and theatre, and
increasing participation in the arts through new media. Rosen said,
“Our own research confirms that something big is changing in the way
Americans participate in all types of activities. That is why
orchestras across the country are embracing innovative strategies for
bringing classical music to a broader cross-section of the American
public."
NEA and Arts Education Funding Increase
Congress has set the FY2010 funding levels for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education, including increases in funding for both accounts.
An increase of $12.5 million for the NEA brings the agency's funding level to a total of $167.5 million. The newest grant application guidelines will be announced in January. In the meantime, the first round of awards to orchestras for FY10 are available on the League website.
First FY10 NEA Grants to Orchestras Announced
Grants awarded to orchestras by the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) provide critical funding for
projects that increase access to music in communities nationwide. The
first FY10 NEA grant awards were announced on December 8 through the
Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast Track Review and
Access to Artistic Excellence grant categories. NEA funding both
directly supports local projects and also spurs critical giving from
other sources like private foundations, corporations, and individual
contributors.
Orchestras in 14 communities will provide
performances, workshops, festivals and master classes with the support
of $10,000 grants recently awarded by the National Endowment for the
Arts (NEA). Challenge America grants will help orchestras bring the
experience of the arts to underserved populations limited by geography,
demographics, economics, or disability.
Access to Artistic
Excellence (Part One) grants totaling $1,471,500 will allow 52 distinct
orchestra projects to provide educational activities, concerts,
premieres, festivals, podcasts, radio broadcasts, orchestra tours,
professional development, and residencies in communities across the
country.
Future FY10 grants will be announced in the categories
of Learning in the Arts for Children & Youth and Access to Artistic
Excellence Part Two.
The League has compiled the project
descriptions for grants to orchestras and grants related to the
orchestra field. Complete lists of grant amounts and project
descriptions for awards in all disciplines may be found on the NEA web
site.
View Orchestra Project Descriptions
Support an Increase for the NEA!
Washington, D.C. - You are receiving this targeted email because
your orchestra is located in the state of a member of Congress who is
influential in determining the funding allocation for the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Please share this message with others
stakeholders in your orchestra.
Congress is nearing its final decision on FY10 funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts! The House has recommended a $15 million
increase for the NEA, while the Senate endorses $6.3 million over
current funding. As
the House and Senate meet to determine the final amount allocated to
the NEA, please communicate to your members of Congress about the
importance and value of NEA funding, and request approval of the
House-supported funding level of $170 million for the NEA in FY10.
Read the full story
Landesman Confirmed as NEA Chair
Rocco Landesman has begun his role as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts with a call for robust support for arts education and a commitment to the role of the arts in civic renewal. Elizabeth "Deba" Leach has been named as a senior advisor for arts education, and Joan Shigekawa, formerly of the Rockefeller Foundation, will serve as Senior Deputy Chair.
Congress has yet to set next year's NEA funding levels. So far, the House has approved a $15 million increase, while the Senate appropriations committee and President Obama have recommended a $6.3 million increase. Before the bill can advance to the White House to be signed, the two chambers will need to reach consensus on a final appropriations amount. Communities across the country benefits from NEA grants to orchestras. It's not too late to contact your Senators to urge support for increased NEA funding.
NEA Support Saves Jobs
Washington, D.C. - Federal grants to 65 orchestras will preserve jobs in communities nationwide, thanks to orchestra awards totaling $2.65 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, announced yesterday by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
"America's orchestras fuel local economies, attract new business
development, spark the imaginations of young people, and, through the
power of music, unite individuals and cultures in times of challenge as
well as celebration," said League of American Orchestras President and
CEO Jesse Rosen. "These stimulus funds will enable orchestras to
continue making meaningful contributions to community cultural life
while helping to stabilize their local economies."
Orchestras across the United States will use federal funds to preserve
full and part-time administrative and artistic positions that were in
jeopardy of being eliminated due to the struggling economy. A complete
list of direct NEA grants to orchestras is listed below.
The NEA acted swiftly upon Congressional and Presidential approval of
$50 million in economic stimulus funding in late February. It is one of
the first federal agencies to disseminate stimulus funding in support
of local economies.
The arts industry generates millions of jobs and is an essential
contributor to the economic and cultural vitality of the United States.
In response to the stimulus grant opportunity, more than 2,400
applications from arts organizations nationwide poured into the NEA
seeking non-matching, one-time grants of $25,000 or $50,000 for
projects that focus on job preservation. While the need for support far
exceeds available federal resources, 631 arts organizations nationwide
received NEA stimulus grants.
Orchestras that did not receive direct NEA stimulus grants may be eligible to apply for support from state and regional arts agencies that have received NEA stimulus funding. The NEA has also announced the list of local arts agencies
receiving stimulus funds, some of which will be making them available
for re-granting purposes. The League will continue to keep you posted
on this and other federal funding opportunities.
The League has compiled a list of orchestras and grants related to the
orchestra field, below. Complete lists of grants to all organizations
may be found on the NEA web site.
View Economic Recovery Grants to Orchestras
MARCH 13, 2009
NEA Announces 2nd Round FY09 Grants
Orchestras in 50 communities will provide educational activities,
workshops, master classes, and concerts with the support of $1,411,500
in grants recently awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA). The second round of FY09 NEA grant awards was announced on April
30 in the major funding categories of Access to Artistic Excellence Part Two and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth.
In addition to these larger grant categories, funding through Save
America's Treasures will enable the Rosenthal Archives Collection to
advance preservation and conservation efforts documenting the history
of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Arts on Radio and Television
grants will support radio broadcasts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,
the New York Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony.
The League has compiled the project descriptions
for grants to orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field in
the major grant categories. Complete lists of grants to all
organizations in all funding areas may be found on the NEA web site.
Read the Full Story
MARCH 3, 2009
NEA Access Deadline Extended!
Washington, D.C. - Orchestras now have an extra week to submit applications for the Access to Artistic Excellence, Part One. Due to technical issues
with the Grants.gov website beyond the agency's control, the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will accept Access, Part I application
materials through March 19, 2009.
Review the League's Tips for NEA Grant Applications
Congress Approves FY09 Increase for NEA and Arts Education
President Obama signed a catch-all spending bill passed by Congress
this week, which allocates $155 million for the NEA, an increase of
$10.3 million from last year's funding level. Thank you for contacting
Congress in support of the NEA! Advocacy efforts by orchestras in 2008
were closely coordinated with national efforts by the entire arts
community, resulting in continued advances in NEA funding.
Learn More about Federal Funding Opportunities
NEA Stimulus Grants
Orchestras that have received a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant within the past four years may be eligible to apply for funding from the NEA to help stabilize local economies. The NEA has just announced grant guidelines and an application deadline of April 2, 2009 for arts organizations applying for NEA funding provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These critical funds will be available as non-matching one-time grants of $25,000 or $50,000 for projects that focus on the preservation of jobs in the arts.
Learn More About the FY09 NEA Stimulus Grants
NEA FY10 Guidelines Now Available
The National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) FY10 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines are now available on the NEA website. To assist orchestras with the application process, the League outlines helpful tips for preparing your application, including an overview of guideline changes. Orchestras may also contact an NEA specialist to talk through the application.
Read the League's Tips for NEA Grant Applications
First FY09 NEA Grants Announced
With the support of grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), orchestras will provide performances, workshops, festivals, and master classes to their communities. Challenge America Fast-Track Review grants to orchestras totaling $140,000 and Access to Artistic Excellence, Part One grants to orchestras totaling $1,430,500 were awarded on December 4. The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field.
House Appropriations Recommends NEA Increase for FY09
On June 11, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee recommended a $15.3 million increase in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in FY09. If approved by the full House and Senate, NEA funding would total $160 million. However, Congress is deadlocked over how to move ahead with funding for nearly all federal programs. Spending will likely be set at last year's level until a new Congress and President arrive in Washington next year.
Learn More About the FY09 NEA Funding
Upcoming NEA Grant Deadlines
Two opportunities remain for orchestras to apply for FY09 NEA Grants. The deadline for Part Two of the Access to Artistic Excellence program is August 11, 2008. Applications to the Arts on Radio and Television category are due September 5, 2008.
Review the League's Grant Application Tips
Additional NEA FY08 Grants Announced
Orchestras in 50 communities will provide educational activities, workshops, master classes, and concerts with the support of $1,210,300 in grants recently awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The second round of FY08 NEA grant awards was announced on May 1 in the major funding categories of Access to Artistic Excellence Part Two, and Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth.
In addition to these larger grant categories, funding through Save America's Treasures will enable two orchestras to advance preservation and conservation efforts, American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Artistic Genius grants will support two chamber orchestras in bringing unique performances and workshops to their communities, and Arts on Radio and Television grants will support radio broadcasts by four orchestras. The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field
Congress to Consider NEA Funding
On the heels of last year’s $20.3 million increase in funding for the
National Endowment for the Arts, Congress is set to consider the next
funding level for the agency. NEA funding supports the work of orchestras
in communities nationwide through direct grants, state allocations, and
national initiatives. On April 1, the U.S. House of Representatives
will kick off the NEA appropriations process with a hearing on the
nation’s largest annual funder of the arts. The League has submitted
testimony for the record on behalf of orchestras, calling for an
increase in the NEA’s funding from $144.7 million to $176 million,
which would restore the agency’s budget to its 1992 level.
This year will bring a shorter-than-usual work period for Congress as
it races to adjourn for the elections. Please stay tuned for League
alerts notifying orchestras of targeted NEA advocacy opportunities.
Read League NEA Testimony
NEA FY09 Guidelines Now Available
The National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) FY09 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines are now available on the NEA website.
To assist orchestras with the application process, the League attends
the public sessions of NEA review panels throughout the year and
outlines helpful tips for preparing your application, including an
overview of guideline changes. Orchestras may also contact an NEA specialist
to talk through the application.
Read the League's Tips for NEA Grant Applications
NEA funding will grow by $20.3 million in FY08, the largest single
increase for the agency in more than 30 years. In a very lean budget
year, Congress approved this major restoration of NEA funds, bringing
the total support for the agency to $144.7 million. Thank you for
letting Congress know the value of NEA support for orchestras
and the communities they serve. Advocacy efforts by orchestras in 2007
were closely coordinated with national efforts by the entire arts
community, spurring this major advancement in NEA funding. Following
are highlights from this year's efforts:
The NEA funding increase was included in a catch-all spending bill that
combined 11 annual federal funding measures. Congressional Arts Caucus
co-chairs Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Chris Shays (R-CT) rallied House
colleagues in support of the NEA, and Interior Appropriations Committee
Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) championed NEA funding as a priority issue.
Today's advancement of NEA funds reflects years of advocacy since the
agency's budget was severely cut in 1995. Orchestras will continue to
seek full restoration of NEA funding in 2008. Stay tuned!
See How NEA Grants to Orchestras Serve Communities
With the support of grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), orchestras will provide performances, workshops, master classes, and various community engagement programs to their communities. Challenge America Fast Track Review grants to orchestras totaling $110,000 were awarded on November 15, and Access to Artistic Excellence, Part One grants to orchestras totaling $1,502,000 were awarded on December 4. The League has compiled the project descriptions for grants to orchestras and grants related to the orchestra field.
Read the full story
Potential historic increases in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Arts Education are in jeopardy as Congress and the White House face off over total spending for the current fiscal year. On November 13, the President vetoed the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill, which included unprecedented support for arts education funding and would have fully funded long-awaited research on the status of arts education in our nation's schools. Only one of the 12 federal FY08 spending measures - the Defense bill - has been signed into law. Congress may craft a catch-all spending bill in December, but holding on to the gains in arts funding will be tough as Washington policymakers whittle away at all proposed increases in domestic spending.
See the Progress on Arts Education
A major restoration of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding moved one step closer to enactment yesterday as the House approved a $35 million increase—the largest single increase in NEA history. Thank you for letting Congress know the value of NEA support for orchestras and the communities they serve. Advocacy efforts by orchestras and the broader arts community contributed to this major advancement in NEA funding, and further advocacy will be crucial as the NEA's bill undergoes final consideration by the full Senate and key congressional leaders.
Yesterday, the two highest-ranking members of the House subcommittee responsible for funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) heard testimony from Phoenix Symphony violist Karen Bea, who said, "It is time to increase federal support for the vitality of the arts in communities nationwide. The NEA has never fully recovered from a 40% budget cut in 1996."
In a hearing called by the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee, Bea was one of just two public witnesses invited to testify regarding federal arts funding. Actress Kerry Washington also provided eloquent testimony describing how the nonprofit performing arts led her to a successful commercial career. Bea’s testimony highlighted the public value of NEA funding, specifically describing the Phoenix Symphony’s NEA-supported One Nation project, a partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Ranking Member Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), complemented the testimony. Chairman Dicks indicated his ongoing support for the NEA while Rep. Tiahrt recognized the value of NEA grants and his appreciation for a recent Kansas residency by the National Symphony Orchestra.
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