The Stability and Equity in Arts Grantmaking Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance the stability and equity of grantmaking processes at the Commission on the Arts and Humanities, particularly for the General Operation Support (GOS) grant program. The bill addresses the significant funding reductions experienced by many grantees between Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, which contradicted the Commission's previous guidance on maintaining award amounts. To ensure fair distribution of funds, the legislation establishes that GOS award amounts will be proportionally tied to an organization's annual expenses, while also implementing a cap on maximum awards for larger organizations and a floor for smaller ones.
Additionally, the bill introduces new eligibility criteria for grant recipients to prioritize local arts organizations over large national institutions, ensuring that grants are awarded to those with a primary focus on the arts and humanities within the District. It mandates that eligible organizations must have an active Board of Directors, conduct the majority of their activities in the District, and meet specific financial thresholds. The legislation also outlines a competitive process for supplemental funding, taking into account various factors such as programming quality and diversity in governance. Overall, the bill seeks to enshrine equitable practices into law, providing a more stable funding environment for arts organizations in the District.