Responding to the Federal Funding Freeze

On January 27, the federal Office of Management and Budget released a memo calling for a temporary pause of all grants and loans from federal agencies. The memo ordered federal agencies to review activities for compliance with recent executive orders, including those that target Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, foreign aid, environmental efforts, and transgender identity. However, the freeze was blocked by a federal judge and then rescinded within the following two days.

Though the funding freeze was stopped before it took effect, it caused widespread confusion and disruption for public programs and nonprofits that rely directly or indirectly on federal funding. This includes arts organizations supported by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) or by state arts agencies and regranting organizations that receive NEA funding. Many are concerned that this freeze foreshadows further attempts to consolidate executive power and target programming that serves marginalized communities.

To safeguard continued support for the arts and other publicly-funded programs, it is essential to document the impact of funding disruptions, engage with Congressional representatives, and collaborate with wider nonprofit advocacy efforts.

For all dance workers:

• Contact your representatives in Congress. Emphasize how federal funding positively impacts your community, and urge them to oppose executive actions that threaten the livelihood of our field.
• Stay updated and informed. Review Americans for the Arts' FAQs and the National Council on Nonprofits' explainer summarizing recent executive actions and their potential impacts. Both of these documents will be updated regularly as new information emerges.

For leaders of nonprofit dance organizations:

• Share how the funding freeze has impacted your work in surveys from the National Council on Nonprofits, Mass Creative, and New Yorkers for Culture & Arts.
• Attend the United Way of New York State’s Statewide Nonprofit Call on Tuesday, February 4, 12:00p.m. ET, to discuss a sector-wide response.
• Sign on to the National Council of Nonprofits’ letter to Congress, stressing the importance of nonprofits to their constituents and communities.