Encourage Legislators to Increase Arts Funding

Congress is out of session this week and next, which has created a bit of a pause in Washington. When lawmakers return, they were expected to begin work in earnest on the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills. That time line is now uncertain.

Ongoing disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security have slowed the broader appropriations process. Until that issue is resolved, it is likely that work on FY2027 spending bills, including funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will be delayed.

For those of us in the arts community, however, this is not a moment to wait.

At NASAA, we are continuing to make the strongest possible case to appropriators that the NEA should be supported and fully funded. Last year, Congress acted on a bipartisan basis to maintain funding for the agency, despite calls from the Trump administration to eliminate it entirely. That outcome did not happen by accident. It reflected consistent engagement from the field and clear communication about the value of the federal-state partnership.

We expect similar proposals this year, and we are confident that there are strong allies in Congress who will again stand up for the NEA. But they will need support from all of us.

Now is an excellent time to reach out to your members of Congress.

If you have not already done so, consider connecting with your senators and representatives to thank them for their support last year and encourage them to continue backing the NEA in FY2027. These early conversations matter. They help ensure that, when appropriations decisions are being made, members and their staff have a clear understanding of what is at stake.

The Cultural Advocacy Group, of which NASAA is a member, is collectively requesting a modest increase in funding for the NEA from $207 million to $213 million.

As you make that case, it is important to acknowledge the broader fiscal environment. Members of Congress are operating under real constraints and difficult trade-offs. Recognizing that reality strengthens—not weakens—our position.

At the same time, it is critical to remind policymakers of how NEA funding works. Forty percent of all NEA grant dollars flow directly to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations through the federal-state partnership. That structure ensures that federal investments reach communities in every part of the country, supporting local priorities and delivering tangible benefits at the state and regional levels.

Be specific about what that means in your state. Highlight the programs and services your agency is able to deliver because of NEA support. Whether it is expanding access to arts education, supporting rural communities or strengthening local economies, these are the outcomes that resonate the most with policymakers. NASAA’s new Strategic Arts Messaging advocacy paper helps you attune your case to the current policy climate.

The appropriations process may be delayed, but the window to educate and engage Congress is open right now. Taking the time to connect with your delegation in the coming weeks will put them in a stronger position to support the NEA when it matters most.