NEA's Secret December Huddles: Arts Grants Get the Once-Over

2026-04846 — Arts Advisory Panel Meetings

The National Endowment for the Arts is holding a virtual meeting on April 23, 2026, to review applications for the NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert. This meeting affects artists and organizations seeking financial support and will be closed to the public. It’s a key step in deciding who gets funding to celebrate jazz legends, with no direct cost to attendees.

2026-01894 — 30-Day Notice for the “Application for International and Domestic Indemnification”; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

The National Endowment for the Arts wants your thoughts on a new form called the Application for International and Domestic Indemnification. This form helps protect artists and organizations when they work on projects at home or abroad. You’ve got 30 days to share your comments, and this won’t cost you money but could make things smoother for everyone involved!

2026-00496 — National Council on the Arts 218th Meeting

The National Council on the Arts is holding its 218th meeting on January 22, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m., open to the public via videoconference. This meeting affects artists, arts organizations, and the public interested in arts funding and policies. They’ll discuss agency business, with some private talks if needed, but no new funding changes were announced.

2026-00203 — Arts Advisory Panel Meetings

The National Endowment for the Arts is holding three online meetings in February 2026 to review and decide on funding for jazz artists and city design projects. These meetings are closed to the public because they involve private discussions about grant applications. Artists, city planners, and organizations applying for support should note these dates as they impact who gets funding and when decisions are made.

2025-22532 — National Council on the Arts 218th Meeting

The National Council on the Arts is holding its 218th meeting on January 8, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m., and everyone can join online! They’ll chat about important arts topics, with some private talks if needed. This meeting affects artists, arts groups, and the public, keeping everyone in the loop about arts funding and plans.

2025-21608 — 60-Day Notice for the “Application for International and Domestic Indemnification”; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

The National Endowment for the Arts wants your thoughts on renewing their form for international and domestic indemnification—basically, a way to handle risks and protect folks involved in arts projects. If you or your group deals with this form, now’s the time to speak up! You’ve got 60 days to send in comments, and this effort aims to keep paperwork easy and clear without costing extra time or money.

Previous: 2025-19843 — Applications for New Awards; Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education-Special Projects (FIPSE-SP)

The Department of Education is offering new grants for 2025 to colleges and nonprofits to fund cool projects that improve higher education. This year, they’re focusing on using AI in schools, encouraging respectful campus talks, fixing accreditation, and boosting short-term programs. Applications open November 12 and close December 3, so don’t miss your chance to grab some funding and make a difference!

Next: 2025-19847 — Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board just announced the team that will review how well their top executives perform starting October 1, 2025. This group, made up of experts from DNFSB and other agencies, will decide on performance ratings, bonuses, and pay raises for senior leaders. If you’re a senior executive here, this means your work will be carefully reviewed by this new board.