The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a federal organization that distributes around $200 million in federal grants annually to theaters, museums and other cultural institutions, has revised its grant guidelines for 2026 and eliminated its Challenge America grant intended to extend arts access to "underserved communities."⁠ ⁠ The changes also mean that grant applications must not request funding for projects promoting DEI or “gender ideology,” and applicants must not operate DEI programs. The NEA is also encouraging 2026 projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.⁠ ⁠ In January, two Iowa organizations were recommended to receive $10,000 each from the last round of Challenge America grants to use for 2025 programming. The Fairfield Arts & Convention Center plans to use its funding to support performances by Rhythm India with associated youth engagement in March — but since the NEA's announcement on Feb. 9, the money has still not...