Nonprofit Arts Face 'Worst Year' Amid Federal Grant Rescissions
In a report for SF Classical Voice, senior editor Michael Zwiebach highlights that nonprofit arts organizations in the Bay Area are experiencing "the worst year for classical arts organizations," as noted by financial consultant Jericha Senyak. She attributes this situation to the rescission of federal grants, cuts in state and local funding, and difficulties with donors. In 2025, the federal government took the unprecedented step of rescinding grants. The aftermath of the COVID pandemic had already led to cutbacks that severely affected smaller organizations—96% operate with budgets below $2 million, and 92% under $500,000. A loss of $100,000 can result in the elimination of a staff position or production. Nevertheless, organizations like Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SFJAZZ, and SF Ballet are seeing increased attendance, underscoring the vulnerability of the nonprofit arts sector.
Key facts
- Jericha Senyak, a financial consultant for artists, says 2025-2026 is the worst year for classical arts organizations in her 15+ years of work.
- The federal government rescinded already-made grants to arts organizations in 2025.
- 96% of nonprofits in the US have budgets under $2 million; 92% under $500,000.
- Senyak has worked with the Kronos Quartet and Theatre Bay Area.
- She is advising 25 small arts groups in a six-month San Francisco Foundation-funded program.
- State and local funding cuts preceded the federal rescissions, including premature withdrawal of pandemic-era support.
- A wave of closures in 2023-2024 hit Bay Area theater groups.
- Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, SFJAZZ, and SF Ballet report increased attendance.
- Senyak: 'Art is ferment and there’s a reason that every totalitarian government comes after the artists...'
Entities
Artists
- Jericha Senyak
- Michael Zwiebach
Institutions
- SF Classical Voice
- Kronos Quartet
- Theatre Bay Area
- San Francisco Foundation
- Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
- SFJAZZ
- SF Ballet
Locations
- Bay Area
- San Francisco
- United States