Editor’s Note: This article has been adjusted to reflect accurate information regarding UW’s stance on the removal of the “Challenge America” grant.

The National Endowment for the Arts announced Feb. 6 the indefinite removal of the “Challenge America” grant nationwide for the fiscal year of 2026, according to the NEA website.

“Challenge America” is a diversity, equity and inclusion grant for disadvantaged communities and small programs, according to Grants.gov. The NEA federal funding for this program has been reallocated to programs honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S., according to a Washington Post article.

With the removal of “Challenge America,” the Grants for Arts Project is being promoted in its place, according to the NEA. The University of Wisconsin accepted grant applications for internal review for its February deadline and announced applications will not be accepted for its July deadline, according to UW Research.

It has not been determined if the removal of “Challenge America” will affect the university financially. UW is following the status of the changes, the art department said in a statement.

“We value arts and humanities on campus and continue to monitor developments,” the statement reads.