The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) visited Detroit this summer as part of a broader visit to Southeast Michigan. The visit included a conversation between Omari Rush and NEA chairman Mary Anne Carter, as well as a grants workshop. Here is a quick rundown of the key takeaways and what they mean for your organization.
The Arts Endowment is open and awarding funding. Despite rumors, the agency is not shutting down and continues to award grants on its normal cycle. Members considering stepping back from federal funding should know that the door is still open.
Prepare early. SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations are required to apply and can take weeks to complete. Because SAM.gov no longer offers customer service by phone, begin well before the February and July GAP deadlines to avoid missing a cycle because of technical delays.
You can apply for both a GAP grant and a Research Award. These are separate funding opportunities, not an either-or choice. Organizations conducting project work and those positioned to contribute to the field’s research base can pursue both during the same cycle.
Individuals cannot apply directly, but eligible organizations may apply for projects involving them. Eligible nonprofits and government agencies may apply for GAP funding for projects involving individual artists. The organization must help plan and deliver the project, not act solely as a fiscal sponsor.
DEI language is not an automatic disqualifier. Changes to federal guidance have made some organizations hesitant to apply. Program staff confirmed that there is no blanket exclusion tied to this language and directed attendees to the NEA’s compliance assurances page for guidance. Because eligibility can vary by circumstance, organizations with specific concerns should check directly with the Arts Endowment.
Arts and health, as well as arts and youth, are strong areas of emphasis. Visit the Arts Endowment’s website for the full list of priority areas.
Consider volunteering as a panelist. It is a low-lift way to see how applications are reviewed and scored, which can strengthen your own submissions in the future. Sign up at arts.gov/sign-up.
Useful Contact Information:
Arts Endowment staff are responsive to questions, so organizations should feel encouraged to contact them directly for guidance.
- Christopher Moore, grants management specialist
- Office of Grants Management: grants@arts.gov
- General Research Award questions: research@arts.gov
- www.arts.gov/grants
Omari Rush in conversation with National Endowment for the Arts chairman Mary Anne Carter.