Government Affairs Update: Charitable Giving Act, Americans For the Arts Survey, and Update on the NEH

April 30, 2025
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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.

Congress has returned to focus on tax cuts and budget talks, while DOGE continues cost-cutting across agencies. Chorus America and our coalition partners are monitoring all developments and will share accurate information, as it becomes available. 

The Charitable Giving Act Gains More Bipartisan Support

In recent news, Representatives Tom Cole (R-OK) and Glen Thompson (R-PA) have just signed on in support of the Charitable Giving Act of 2025 (“the Act”), which if passed into law, would increase charitable donations by $40 billion a year.*  The Act has been introduced in both the House and Senate with support from both sides of the aisle.  Chorus America has joined the Charitable Giving Coalition to work with the larger nonprofit sector to promote the Charitable Giving Act in 2025. 

*Read the latest research, highlighting the impact of the Act, here.  Read the Charitable Giving Coalition’s One-Pager on the Act, here. 

 

Americans for the Arts Launches New Survey – Deadline May 9th 

Americans for the Arts is launching a new National Pulse Survey to better understand how recent policy developments—at the federal and state levels—are affecting the health of the arts and culture sector.   

Take the Survey Now  

Survey results will provide:   

  • a nationwide insight into the consequences of federal and state policy changes across all art forms and communities, 

  • a free, public-facing dashboard so users can explore results by geography, organization type, artistic discipline, and 

  • a Spanish-language version. 

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Updates – The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) 

In the past week, the NEH released statements outlining the agency’s priorities and its compliance measures with the Administration’s Executive Orders.  These new statements, linked below, follow the elimination of agency staff, programs, and grants in the past month under DOGE guidance.  

Read:  Update on NEH Funding Priorities and Executive Orders 

Read:  NEH Announces New Opportunity – National Garden of American Heroes 

In response to the cuts at the federal agency, the Mellon Foundation will provide $15 million in emergency support to state humanities councils as announced here. 

Amy Fitterer Headshot

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.