Today, I am writing this urgent update about the challenges we are facing due to recent threat of federal funding cuts.

As you know, United Arts has always been dedicated to supporting the creative sector and public schools through the arts across all of Wake County. Federal support has been an important part of sustaining our programs and expanding our reach, particularly on behalf of historically underserved communities or as I believe, those that need access to the arts the most.

Following an executive order filed by the President, the National Endowment for the Arts is part of a long list of agencies that are being required to file a report on all scheduled payments, so that political appointees can review each grant award to ensure they aligned with recent executive orders and the administration’s position on “foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal”.

This is very concerning for United Arts, as our recently awarded $50,000 grant from the NEA for our 26-27 Spotlight Grants program is currently “under review”.

What does this mean for us? The threat of this money disappearing from our community is high. United Arts for the past three years has granted $150,000 annually into the community for:

1. Programs that serve historically underrepresented communities and are led by members of that community.
2. Projects that utilize the arts to spark social change across Wake County.

Over the past three years, what has this meant for Wake County? Here are some examples of programs that have been funded through our Spotlight program:

• Operation ART, a community arts program produced by The Joel Fund aiming to provide an expressive outlet for emotional wellbeing in the lives of veterans and their families.
• Art classes at Healing Transitions for people in our community experiencing homelessness and addiction led by the team at Artspace
• The North Carolina Korean Heritage Festival produced by InWave at the State Fair Grounds
• A poetry showcase highlighting Black Southern poets produced by Griot and Grey Owl.

The odds of our NEA grant being rejected in the review process is high. To continue to provide this grant opportunity in 2026 for our community we need to raise an extra $50,000 before June of this year.

Without additional financial support, we may be forced to cut or significantly reduce this program, which will limit access to funding for programs that, in my opinion, need it the most.

Hopefully, the generosity of donors like you will help the community bridge this funding gap to allow United Arts to continue making a meaningful difference in every crevice of Wake County. Your support will ensure that we can maintain our grant programs that are critical support to nonprofits across Wake County.

Please consider making a donation to help us navigate these challenging times. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact.

You can donate online HERE or contact our VP of Development, Lee Pike @ [email protected] to discuss other ways you can help.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we can overcome this challenge and continue to serve our community.

With gratitude,

Jenn McEwen
President & CEO