City Unveils New Arts Grants Following Program Cuts Under Trump's Anti-DEI Policies

Background of the Funding Shift

Most nonprofits that had previously received funding through a city grant program in San Antonio are now receiving money back this month, but with some significant changes. The city ended a grant program designed to protect federal dollars, which led to many organizations losing promised funds. However, a new initiative has been introduced that mirrors the previous one.

Despite this new program, most of the awards are several thousand dollars less than what was previously provided. One organization, the Network for Young Artists, did not receive any funding at all. This shift in funding is due to new federal grant rules that prevent the use of race, gender, ethnicity, or national origin as criteria for awarding grants and contracts.

Federal Changes and Their Impact

President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders in January that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These changes influenced the city's approach to its funding initiatives. In late summer, San Antonio received new federal grant rules that required the city to adjust its practices.

The former Culturally Specific Grant Program provided grants of up to $150,000 to agencies that promoted underrepresented groups such as Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Middle Eastern communities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, this program was discontinued due to these new regulations.

The city faced potential loss of federal grant dollars across various departments if it didn't eliminate the program. This year alone, San Antonio relies on about $150 million in federal contributions for projects including childhood education, airport runway developments, and health services.

New Grant Program and Its Effects

The new Cultural Heritage Grant Program does not consider race, ethnicity, or culture in its grant-making process. It targets small or midsize, community-based arts and cultural organizations focused on promoting cultural heritage.

Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, which was originally set to receive $150,000, will now get $146,258 under the new program. Director Graciela Sanchez expressed disappointment over the reduced funding, stating that none of the organizations should have lost any money. She acknowledged the city's reasons but felt it was sad that they succumbed to external pressures.

The nonprofit is currently evaluating what cuts may be necessary due to the $4,000 gap. Fourteen out of 41 organizations were alerted about the funding opportunity, and ten of the 11 nonprofits that previously expected funding won grants approved by the City Council last week. Funds will be disbursed by the end of this month.

Variations in Funding Amounts

Performing arts group Teatro Audaz received the $21,550 it was promised under the former program, but nine other organizations received less than their original expectations. The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum saw a significant increase, receiving nearly $83,000 instead of $37,000.

San Anto Cultural Arts, Inc., which paints public murals and runs youth art classes, will get $61,433, which is about $1,500 less than previously promised. Development Manager Keli Rosa Cabunoc Romero mentioned that this funding loss is equivalent to all the paint in a small-scale mural. She is trying to find additional grants to fill the gap but is relieved the organization didn't lose tens of thousands of dollars.

San Anto had already scaled back its offerings for young artists after losing its original grant. Now, the organization is preparing to bring back at least some of the learning opportunities. "I'm really grateful," Cabunoc Romero said, expressing her relief.

She described the experience as "scary" to see the massive cuts in funding to arts organizations under the Trump administration. She believes the federal government should not have a say in how San Antonio distributes its awards.

"Our city knows what's best for our community, and no administration should be able to dictate that in terms of funding," Cabunoc Romero added.