Government Affairs Update: OMB Grant Rules, FY2027 Arts Funding, Artist Visas, Summer Recess Advocacy, and Ticketing Fraud Resources

The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us. 

Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.

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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.

Proposed Federal Grant Rule Could Reshape Federal Grantmaking

As reported earlier this month, the Office of Management and Budget has proposed one of the most significant changes to the federal grantmaking process in decades. If finalized, the rule would affect nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding across the government, including grants awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The proposal would allow political appointees to review grant recommendations for alignment with presidential priorities, reduce the role of independent peer reviewers, and expand the government's authority to terminate active grants. Nonprofit organizations across the country have expressed concern that these changes could make grant funding less predictable, increase administrative and compliance costs, and make long term planning more difficult for organizations that rely on federal support.

For choral organizations, the proposal could create additional uncertainty around grant administration while increasing the resources needed to maintain compliance. National nonprofit organizations are actively reviewing the proposal and encouraging broad participation during the public comment period, which closes on July 13, 2026.

Take Action: Consider submitting a public comment by July 13th describing how these proposed changes could affect your choral organization and the communities you serve. 

👉 Submit a public comment here using NCN's comment guide which includes talking points, instructions, and more information.  

👉 Email your member of Congress and urge them to help protect nonprofit grantees and the communities they serve. 

Stay tuned for more information and resources as Chorus America works closely with coalition partners to weigh in on this important development.

Congress Continues Work on Fiscal Year 2027 Arts Funding

The fiscal year 2027 appropriations process continues, and final funding decisions for the National Endowment for the Arts and federal arts education programs remain under negotiation.

The House Appropriations Committee approved legislation that would reduce National Endowment for the Arts funding to $135 million dollars, approximately 35 percent below the current funding level. Interestingly, the House Committee recommended to increase the share of appropriated funds allocated from the NEA’s funding to the state and regional arts agencies.  National arts advocates, in coalition with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), are asking for the NEA’s state agency allocation to remain level with prior years. As NASAA states, the current NEA to state agency calculation has, “provided stability, equity and nationwide reach for decades, ensuring that federal arts investments benefit every state and jurisdiction while preserving the NEA’s ability to fulfill its broader mission.” 

The Senate has not yet released its funding proposal, leaving significant opportunities for advocacy before Congress reaches a final agreement.

Chorus America continues to work with national advocacy partners to urge Congress to support federal investment in the arts and arts education and maintain the current 40% allocation to the state and regional agencies.

House Report Supports Timely Artist Visa Processing

In positive news, the House Appropriations Committee included report language encouraging U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to meet its statutory obligation to process O and P visa petitions for performing artists within 14 days.  As you may have experienced, the artist visa processing times are taking up to a year in some cases, making it very difficult to plan and hire extraordinary foreign guest artists.

Although report language is not legally binding, it reflects continued bipartisan congressional support for timely visa processing. Reliable processing remains important for choirs that engage international guest artists and participate in cultural exchange.

Invite Members of Congress to Experience Your Choir

Members of Congress will spend much of July and August in their home states and districts, making the summer recess an ideal time to build relationships with elected officials.

Consider inviting your elected officials to attend a rehearsal, concert, educational program, or community event. These visits help policymakers see firsthand how choral organizations strengthen communities, bring joy and healing, and so much more.

Take Action: Reach out to your congressional offices now, as August schedules often fill quickly.

👉 Find contact information for all elected officials, here.

New Resource Helps Audiences Respond to Ticket Resale Fraud

Fix the Tix and Fan Alliance have launched a new online resource to help consumers respond to deceptive ticket resale practices.

The resource provides guidance on avoiding ticket scams, requesting refunds when appropriate, reporting fraudulent activity, and contacting consumer protection agencies. It may be a useful resource for choruses whose audiences encounter misleading resale listings.

👉 Explore the new resource, here.

Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.