Federal Grants Under Review: What the New Executive Order Means
- Ink & Insights
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
On August 7, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order aimed at improving oversight of federal grantmaking. The purpose is to ensure federal funds are used efficiently, responsibly, and in alignment with national priorities.
Why the Federal Executive Order Matters
Federal grants fund a wide range of programs, from scientific research to community services. This order emphasizes:
Strengthening accountability and transparency
Reducing duplication across agencies
Streamlining application requirements
Ensuring measurable outcomes for funded projects
Key Changes for Agencies
Federal agencies are now required to:
Designate senior officials to oversee grant announcements and awards
Engage subject-matter experts in reviewing proposals
Coordinate across agencies to prevent overlapping funding
Monitor grant progress for consistency with agency priorities
Clarify terms and conditions in grant agreements, including provisions for termination if goals are not met
How This Affects You
Organizations seeking federal funding should be aware that:
Proposals need to align clearly with agency priorities
Agencies may require more detailed objectives and measurable outcomes
Grant applications could involve new review procedures and reporting requirements
Being informed of these changes can help strengthen your funding strategy
Looking Ahead
The Executive Order aims to make federal grantmaking more efficient, transparent, and effective. By emphasizing clear standards and accountability, agencies intend to fund programs that deliver measurable results while maintaining fairness in awarding grants.