These are already difficult times for grant makers, grant writers, and grantees. There are fewer resources available to fill larger needs, and as the non-profit sector grapples with an already difficult environment, the federal government is proposing new rules that will make the job even more difficult.
The rules for grantmaking at the Federal Level are covered in the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, and are commonly known as the Uniform Guidance. According to the Congressional Research Service in a document dated December 17, 2025, “The Uniform Guidance covers a range of issues pertaining to federal financial assistance including definitions, methods for determining allowable costs under federal grant awards, and procedures for procurement using federal grant awards. Given the scope of federal grants—in FY2024, the federal government administered over 1,100 funded federal grant programs.”
The current Administration is proposing rule changes to the Uniform Guidance, giving the Executive Branch unlimited discretion over federal grants and allowing federal agencies to determine discretionary awards based on partisanship. The proposed rules also threaten important Congressionally funded programs that address longstanding racial and social disparities (Source: Michael Corey, Human Services Chamber).
The National Council of Nonprofits has gone on record opposing these changes and will submit a letter to the Office of Management and Budget calling on it to reverse course and rescind the proposed changes.
Members of the public have until July 13 to submit a public comment denouncing this new rule. Comments may be submitted here: https://loom.ly/AzZbrhA
More information is available on the following websites:
Oppose Sweeping Changes to Federal Grantmaking | National Council of Nonprofits
Chart of Proposed Changes to the OMB Uniform Guidance | National Council of Nonprofits
Help Oppose Sweeping Changes to Federal Grantmaking | Human Service Chamber of Franklin County
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