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.
NACo submits comments on OMB's Proposed Rewrite of the Uniform Guidance
NACo submitted comments to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on its proposed rewrite of 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants.
Comments due July 13 for new OMB rule touching all counties
Counties everywhere are facing fundamental changes in the intergovernmental relationship how the federal government administers grants. Comments on a proposed OMB rule are dule by 11:59 ET July 13.
Counties Must Act Now: Submit Comments on OMB’s Proposed Overhaul of Federal Grant Rules
On June 17, NACo joined NLC, USCM, ICMA, NCSL, CSG, GFOA, NADO, AMPO, and NARC in requesting OMB Director Russell Vought for a 45 day extension for public comments to OMB’s proposed revisions to Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), Part 200, Subtitle A, commonly referred to as Uniform Guidance for federal grants.
Banking program makes for county ‘peace of mind,’ smooth audit process
Bank failures in the news in 2023 gave Suffolk County, N.Y. an incentive to upgrade its own bank program and create a more streamlined collateral reporting process.
OMB proposes major change to federal grant administration
Counties have until July 13 offer comment on a wide-reaching regulation affecting federal grants to counties. A NACo webinar goes into detail about the changes counties need to note as they budget for federal awards.
Supreme Court Review for Local Governments: 2025-2026
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the Supreme Court’s important decisions of the term impacting local governments.
Grassroots Advocacy Series: In-District Advocacy During Congressional Recess
This session will walk through NACo’s new recess advocacy guide and provide step-by-step guidance on engaging members of Congress while they are in their districts.
Leading Without Blame: How Psychological Safety Strengthens County Cyber Resilience
The most damaging breaches in county government rarely begin with a sophisticated exploit. They begin with a person — someone who is stressed, overloaded, or afraid to raise a hand. For counties defending elections, courts, emergency services, and water systems, with lean teams and tight budgets, the way leaders build culture and trust is one of the highest-leverage security controls they own.
This panel brings county leaders together to explore how psychological safety, authentic leadership, and a culture of belief — not box-checking — drive real cyber resilience. Panelists will share candid, on-the-ground perspectives on moving from performative compliance to operational commitment, treating people as the strongest control rather than the weakest link, and using AI to sharpen human judgment rather than replace it.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, August 13
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
Funding Your Future: Mapping County Technology to Grant Opportunities
Ready to turn your communications modernization plans into funded reality? This webinar provides a practical roadmap for aligning technology initiatives with available grant funding in justice reform, rural health, mental health, and public safety.
We will share firsthand experience navigating the funding landscape and successfully securing support for technology investments and break down specific funding sources and demonstrates how to position Zoom solutions within grant applications.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, August 27
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.