From our friends at Chorus America: 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. For Pacific Chorale, this could potentially impact NEA program support which we have competitively won almost annually since 2001.

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 Pacific Chorale, Orange County, and other nonprofit community work that benefits from federal funding.

👉 Submit a public comment here using National Council of Nonprofits' 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.