Grantmakers in the Arts

**GIA READER** The latest President's Blog, "The Law is On Our Side" encourages arts funders and organizations to embrace equity-focused practices with confidence, affirming that existing laws support such efforts. Drawing on insights from legal experts, it explains how civil rights and anti-discrimination laws not only allow but often require actions that promote racial equity. The piece dispels common legal myths that can hold organizations back and empowers leaders to take bold, justice-centered steps in their grantmaking. Ultimately, it positions the law as a powerful ally in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable arts sector. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3FigCk6

**NEWS FROM THE FIELD** Repost from Council on Foundations - Raise your voice against this harmful House proposal.  The Ways and Means Committee's tax legislation includes a provision increasing the excise tax on net investment income for private foundations. This proposal – which could raise that tax to as much as 10 percent – threatens the billions of dollars they provide to community nonprofits every year.   We know that means fewer dollars going to critical programs. It also means less flexibility for showing up in response to crises, as private philanthropy always does. And this story will play out in every community, in every state.  Tell your members of Congress to protect charitable giving – and the communities it serves – by opposing an increased excise tax for private foundations.  Take two minutes to show your support here: https://bit.ly/43gzFmS

**GIA PARTNER PROGRAM** Join us this Friday, May 16 on Zoom for a special edition of Office Hours with Americans for the Arts' Advocacy Team featuring Edwin Torres, President of Grantmakers in the Arts and Penn Hill Group. This biweekly webinar series dives into the latest public policies and current events shaping the arts—both in Washington, D.C. and across the country. This week's session opens with an engaging conversation between the advocacy team and Eddie Torres, offering timely insights into the evolving arts policy landscape. Come with your questions! As always, there will be plenty of time for live Q&A, giving you the chance to hear directly from policy experts and fellow advocates. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with national arts leaders. Register here: https://bit.ly/4jWH9Tp

**GIA WEBINAR** 🧭 Navigating Today's Funder Challenges: A Live, Expert Discussion 🧭 Meet our guest speaker, Matthew Charles Davis! Matt Davis is a former investigative journalist who survived death threats related to his work covering law enforcement corruption. He is an international leader in crisis communications, PR, and media strategy, and has shaped narratives for major organizations. Whether it’s talking points, press releases, or damage control, he’s the person you want on speed dial when the heat is on. D.O.N.E. - Department of Nonprofit Efficiency Learn more about Matt and register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/3GiHWz4

🗓️Save the Date🗓️ Mark your calendars for GIA's Annual Conference taking place October 19 - 22, 2025! Make sure you visit our conference website to stay up to date on forthcoming schedule information, lodging and travel updates, FAQs and more. We're looking forward to building solidarity, rooted in justice ⚖️ Conference Website: https://lnkd.in/gyrmgY7v

**SAVE THE DATE** Join Grantmakers in the Arts in Minnesota (Twin Cities) — the home of the Dakota and the Ojibwe/ Anishi­naabe people—at the convergence (Bdoté) of the Mississippi (Wakpá Tháŋka) and Minnesota Rivers for the 2025 GIA Annual Conference, Building Solidarity, Rooted in Justice! In a time of division and erasure, the arts remain a force for truth-telling, bridge-building, and solidarity. Minnesota—home to Indigenous sovereignty movements, Black liberation struggles, and immigrant cultural imprints—offers a profound lens into the complexities of belonging, resistance, and repair. This convening calls on funders, artists, and cultural leaders to "trouble" dominant narratives—holding multiple truths, investing in cultural movements, and challenging revisionist histories. Visit our conference website for hotel information, FAQs, forthcoming schedule details, and more: https://lnkd.in/gyrmgY7v #GIACON25 #BuildingSolidarityRootedInJustice #Minnesota #GIA #GrantmakersintheArts

**COMMUNITY EVENT** ✨ Move into deeper connection—wherever you are. ✨ In a time of deep uncertainty and devastating cuts to arts, culture, and community development, we need spaces for collective grounding more than ever. Join somatic practitioner Philip Meeker for a virtual gathering that invites reflection, restoration, and reconnection through the body. This space is especially for those working at the intersection of creativity, care, and community resilience. 🌀 Register now: https://bit.ly/3EJUUWg 📣 Please share widely—our movements are stronger when we move together.

**NEW REPORT** The 2024 "State of Art Museum Libraries" report by the Art Libraries Society of North America Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) highlights the evolving challenges and strategies within art museum libraries. Key issues addressed include the need for inclusive collection development, economic resilience amidst funding crises, and adaptation to the shifting arts publishing landscape. The report emphasizes the importance of developing collections that reflect diverse cultural expressions and languages, addressing historical underrepresentation of women and artists of color. It also discusses initiatives like the NEH-funded project at the Met's Watson Library, which aimed to enhance visibility and discoverability of BIPOC artists through comprehensive assessment and cataloging efforts. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/42LSIXo

**ORGANIZATION NEWS** 🚨 URGENT: The Future of the Arts Needs You🚨 The National Endowment for the Arts is facing devastating cuts - cancelled grants and a 50% staff reduction that threatens our nation’s creative infrastructure. Organizations that have received terminations or rescinded awards will discuss their situation in tomorrow's virtual gathering hosted by Americans for the Arts and Americans for the Arts Action Fund. Take Action Now: - Appeal the cuts - Contact your representatives - Share how the arts impact YOU - Join the Emergency Webinar (Wed, May 7, 4PM ET): https://bit.ly/4iTEmJc - Complete the 6-min Policy Impact Survey: https://bit.ly/3RNl8tM Learn more about how you and your organization can take immediate steps to protect the National Endowment for the Arts and register for tomorrow's webinar here: https://bit.ly/3GUUBIx Stand with us. Your voice matters. #ProtectTheNEA #ArtsAdvocacy #FundTheArts

**GIA WEBINAR** 🧭 Navigating Today's Funder Challenges: A Live, Expert Discussion 🧭 Meet our guest speaker, Michael Braithwaite! Michael is a cultural strategist who specializes in narrative transformation and organizational culture. With 20 years of experience, she helps organizations activate values and navigate complexity, even in high-risk or repressive environments. Certified in Hope-Based Communications, she draws on behavioral science and cultural analysis to shift how institutions see and shape the world. D.O.N.E. - Department of Nonprofit Efficiency Learn more about Michael and register for the webinar here: https://shorturl.at/sP9Nn