This week brings some of the biggest federal grants news we’ve seen in years...and it could have a major impact on your funding strategies.
Major Grants.gov Shakeup 🚨
Earlier this week on social media, we shared a major development that has left many in the grants world stunned:
DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has now taken control of Grants.gov, and federal agencies’ access to the system was removed without their knowledge or approval.
This shift could have serious impacts on the federal discretionary grant process. Here’s what to expect:
More reviews of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to ensure alignment with Executive Orders.
Removals of funding opportunities, even those that already went through OMB approval and review.
Delays in the grant-making process.
Turf wars between agencies and DOGE, even with previously approved NOFOs.
It’s a big shakeup, and one we’ll be watching closely.
Now more than ever, it’s essential to stay alert and stay connected.
Across the board, federal grant funding is being slashed, delayed, or restructured:
Major Funding Cuts: Programs tied to healthcare, research, humanities, and infrastructure are seeing sudden reductions or cancellations.
Targeted Terminations: Agencies like NIH and NEH are terminating existing grants, cutting off support for both scientific and cultural initiatives.
State Budget Strains: Medicaid and other joint federal-state programs are facing new funding gaps, leaving states scrambling to fill holes.
Administrative Shakeups: New agency leadership and Executive Order reviews are changing how grants are reviewed, approved, and distributed.
Ripple Effects: Local economies, nonprofit programs, and public sector initiatives are already reporting project delays, layoffs, and funding gaps.
The grant landscape is shifting faster than many applicants and recipients can adapt. Now is the time to monitor agency updates directly, stress-test your funding strategy, and prepare for a more volatile grants environment in 2025.
FAQ of the Week 💬
Q: Should I delay submitting grant applications due to the Grants.gov disruption?
A: No. While the situation is evolving, it’s advisable to continue preparing and submitting applications as planned. However, anticipate potential delays in processing—and make sure to monitor agency sites and alerts directly for changes.
A Quick Note on Submission Options
In light of the current uncertainty with Grants.gov, it’s important to remember that many federal agencies offer alternative ways to submit applications. Always check the agency’s website to confirm available submission portals and instructions. Relying solely on Grants.gov could cause delays or missed opportunities if disruptions continue.
Set up direct funding alerts from your top federal agencies. With Grants.gov disruption and broader funding cuts, it’s riskier than ever to rely on a single portal. Supplement Grants.gov by signing up for agency-specific alerts, checking agency press rooms, and subscribing to funding bulletins.
Upcoming Trainings
In today’s volatile grant environment, strong compliance skills aren’t optional—they’re essential. With disruptions at Grants.gov, growing funding cuts, and higher risks of early terminations, now is the time to make sure your team is ready for whatever comes next.
Here’s what’s coming up from MyFedTrainer to help you stay prepared:
May 6–8, 2025 Quarterly Live Course: Grant Management Boot Camp Three days of expert-led instruction, hands-on tools, and live Q&A to build a rock-solid grant compliance foundation. 🔗 Register Here »
May 22, 2025 May Compliance Webinar: What Should You Do if Your Award Is Terminated? With more organizations facing grant terminations and funding cuts, this live session tackles one of the most urgent questions in grant management today. Learn the critical steps to take after a termination—and how to protect your funding and programs. 🔗 Register Here »
Stay #GrantReady with MyFedTrainer!
We’ll continue monitoring these major changes and sharing practical strategies to help you stay informed, compliant, and competitive—no matter what 2025 throws your way.
Questions or need help navigating the latest shifts? Reach out anytime at Support@MyFedTrainer.com.
Hi Reader, There’s a lot of noise in federal grants right now, from talk of indirect cost caps to sweeping budget proposals. This week, we’re helping you cut through the headlines so you can make smart, informed decisions in an ever-shifting funding landscape. Should You Pursue a NICRA in 2025? You’ve probably seen the headlines: NIH’s 15% cap on indirect costs. Now DOE and NSF are following suit. Add to that the recent rescission of indirect-cost-heavy awards at institutions like Harvard and...
Hi Reader, When grant disruptions hit—whether a temporary funding freeze, a stop work order, or a full termination—your communication plan determines whether things stay calm or spiral into confusion. This week, we’re breaking down how to guide your team and your subrecipients through times of uncertainty with clarity, consistency, and confidence. Here’s what you need to know: Communicate early and internally: Program staff, finance, and leadership should be aligned on what’s happening and...
Hi Reader, May is here, and so are two important opportunities to strengthen your grant management skills. This month, we’re tackling two major challenges facing federal grant recipients in 2025: Staying ahead of compliance risks with Grant Management Bootcamp Preparing for the growing reality of early grant terminations Here’s what you need to know, and how MyFedTrainer can help you stay #GrantReady. Grant Management Bootcamp: Real-World Compliance Strategies for 2025 Federal grant...