Grants awarded to artists and arts organizations by the NEA, and support provided to artists and arts organizations through NEA funds administered by state and regional arts agencies, provide critical funding for projects that increase access to the arts in communities nationwide. NEA funding directly supports local projects and also spurs giving from other sources like private foundations, corporations, and individual contributors. The NEA is a critical component in the network of public, private, corporate, and philanthropic support that makes the work of many of America's artists possible. Federal funding for the arts is key to leveraging additional sources of funding.

The NEA contributes to the prosperity and economic diversification of communities nationwide: a strong arts sector is an economic asset that stimulates business activity and tourism, improves lifelong learning opportunities, and sparks community vitality.

Every congressional district receives an NEA grant, and 40% of NEA funding supports the work of our nation's state arts agencies. Increasing the federal investment in the agency's budget ensures this grant distribution continues and that more communities thrive with the benefits of the arts.