National Endowment for the Arts

Photo Credit: The Myrna Loy

Congress votes to fund the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, despite Trump’s efforts to shutter both.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a budget proposal that includes funding for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), granting approximately $207 million for each. The move comes in the wake of President Trump’s calls to axe both agencies and a list of others, amid closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Congress’ bill also comes alongside an announcement from the NEA of its awarding more than $16 million in funding to nonprofit organizations across the country as part of its first round of grant-making this year.

Among the grants awarded by the NEA thus far in 2026 include: $30,000 to Idaho’s Boise Art Museum to support art-making workshops for older adults; $18,000 to Cedar Summerstock Theatre in Saint Ansgar, Iowa, to support multiple musical theater productions highlighting different stories and characters from throughout American history; and $30,000 to The Myrna Loy in Helena, Montana, to support a multidisciplinary series of musical performances, film screenings, and community events.

Each of these applications was recommended for funding at the October 2025 meeting of the National Council on the Arts, focusing on projects honoring the nation’s anniversary. The NEA’s council will consider a broader portfolio of applications submitted last year at a meeting in early 2026, while more will be considered at a council meeting in the spring.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts while celebrating our nation’s history,” said NEA’s Mary Anne Carter, who was reappointed as chairperson last month. “As we approach our country’s 250th anniversary, this is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.”

Last spring, the NEH announced its intention to adhere to new guidelines set by President Trump when he took office for his second term. Specifically, these stipulate the removal of “support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives and activities.”

To that end, the NEH said grants would be “awarded to projects that do not promote extreme ideologies based upon race or gender, and that help to instill an understanding of the founding principles and ideals that make America an exceptional country.”