Improving access to federal grants through the Streamlining Federal Grants Act
Key Takeaways
Complicated processes to apply for federal grants often cause underserved communities to miss out on crucial funding opportunities. Senate Bill S. 2286, the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, simplifies federal grant application processes to increase access to federal funding opportunities.
Here’s more about the bill:
- The bipartisan Streamlining Federal Grants Act was introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
- The Act directs the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies on how they can simplify and streamline their grant application process.
- By improving the process to apply for federal grants, the burden on the applying organization would be eased, resulting in more efficient distribution of federal grants to communities with the highest need.
If enacted, the bill would make sweeping changes to the federal grants process, including giving local organizations a more prominent voice in improving grant administration processes.
The bill would:
- Require that non-federal entities, including county governments, have a regular and ongoing part in the consultation process of each agency’s efforts to streamline grant funding processes.
- Establish a Grants Council under the supervision of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
- Require that funding notices use plain language, list availability, contact information, training and assistance related to applying for grants, administration and reporting requirements and provide short general summaries.
Counties support the Streamlining Federal Grants Act and other efforts to increase the accessibility of funding to county governments.
Here’s why:
- Counties often face challenges in applying for complex federal grants due to resource constraints.
- A simplified federal grant administration process enables easier access to federal resources for our nation’s counties.
- This bill would reduce barriers to entry by improving interagency coordination, supporting under-resourced counties in the application and reporting process and reauthorizing federal grant reform legislation.
Congress passes “full-year” Continuing Resolution through September 30, 2025
On March 14, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 to further extend appropriations and avert a government shutdown through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 on September 30.
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Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features budget reconciliation, FY 2025 funding deadline and more.
NACo sends letter to congressional leadership urging SALT deduction reform
The letter urges Congress to raise the cap on the SALT Deduction, to provide relief to American families facing double taxation and reverse an unfair double standard
NACo endorsed advanced refunding bill introduced in the U.S. House
NACo endorsed this bill and supports counties’ ability to issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds, which can save taxpayers millions of dollars.
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 8
Join NACo for week eight of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
Saving Millions: How Counties Are Cutting Employee Health Plan Rx Costs with the NACo Public Promise PBM Coalition, a NACo Public Promise Insurance Webinar
Join us for an educational webinar on how NACo’s Public Promise Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Coalition is helping counties save millions on employee health plan prescription drug costs. Learn more about how Mecklenburg County, N.C. is projected to save $7-8 million by joining the NACo PBM coalition. This offering, through NACo’s Public Promise Insurance, in partnership with CVS Caremark, provides counties with powerful cost-savings and multi-year pricing guarantees to combat rising Rx costs.
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 9
Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 10
Join NACo for week ten of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.
The Current State of Student Debt and Forgiveness (NACo's Partnership with Savi Simplifies Student Debt Relief), a Public Promise Insurance Webinar
A webinar for HR and county leadership looking for ways to engage county employees
Did you know that over 9 million public service workers, including full-time county employees, are eligible for student debt forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program? Yet, fewer than 2% have received relief, and only 15% have submitted the required forms to access this benefit
The real question is: Are they aware of it? Are they maximizing their student debt forgiveness?
Please join us as we speak with student debt forgiveness expert Tony Raffa, who will clear up much of the confusion over:
Executive orders and what they mean for employees
Changes in the Department of Education and its impact
Current student debt relief programs and who is eligible
Common issues with applying for and receiving student debt forgiveness
A new tool is available to help your employees calculate their potential student debt relief and cut through the red tape when applying
Show how the tool helps employees save an average of $2,244 a year, freeing up space for them to hit their financial goals
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here and about Public Promise Insurance here.
For more information check out the event page!
NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 11
Join NACo for week eleven of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.