Critical OMB Proposal Could Devastate Arts Funding in New Jersey
The United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed regulations that would overhaul federal grant awards, effective October 1, 2026. The changes pose serious risks to New Jersey arts organizations, including:
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Political approval required: Senior political appointees must authorize all discretionary grants and can deny funding based on ideology or policy alignment
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Easy termination: Grants can be suspended or terminated at any time if deemed misaligned with federal priorities
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Tight timeline: Compliance deadline is October 1, 2026, with minimal time for planning
What's at Stake for New Jersey Arts
This proposal directly threatens the stability and independence of New Jersey's arts ecosystem. The regulations could affect funding from multiple federal sources that support our cultural institutions, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ distribution of federal funds, and broader funding streams supporting creative workers, education programs, and community cultural initiatives.
Take action now: It’s critically important that as many voices as possible are raised against this rule. The deadline for public comments is July 13.
- Contact New Jersey’s Senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and your Congressional Representative to ask for their help in protecting nonprofit grantees and the communities they serve.
- Sign on to a nationwide letter opposing the rule, spearheaded by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN).
- Submit your own comments against the proposal. See this guide from NCN for more information and tips to help you craft your personalized response.
