Social Current Supports Federal Bill to Improve Grant Application Process

On July 17, the Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2023 was introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas). This bill would help enhance the efficiency and performance of federal grants and cooperative agreements. It proposes the establishment of a Grants Council composed of grantmaking federal agencies, which would guide reforming complex and outdated procedures.

Leaders from across the social sector shared statements of support for the bill in a press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. Among the quotes endorsing the bill was this one from Social Current President and CEO Jody Levison-Johnson:

“I am thrilled to see the introduction of the Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2023 in the Senate, which reflects in part the Relief4Charities policy asks to strengthen and support the nonprofit sector. This legislation will greatly improve access to federal grants for underserved communities and streamline the application process.”

Social Current and the National Council of Nonprofits highlight the legislation’s provisions that benefit charitable nonprofits in this one-pager. Those provisions include:

• Addressing bureaucratic obstacles
• Mandating consultation with non-federal entities (including nonprofits)
• Simplifying funding opportunity notices
• Elevating training and assistance for potential grant applicants.

Social Current is monitoring the progress of the Streamlining Federal Grant Act of 2023 and will share updates in our Policy and Advocacy Radar newsletter. Subscribe online.

Social Current Leadership on Grant Reform

Social Current has been active in advocating for federal grant reform and educating our network about the issue. Earlier this summer, we hosted a policy briefing about the issue, which can be viewed on demand.

Blair Abelle-Kiser, senior director of government affairs at Social Current, discussed how we can set the nonprofit sector up for financial success through government contracting and grant reform. The conversation was inspired by the op-ed, “Government contract reform is a must for social sector nonprofits,” authored by Social Current President and CEO Jody Levison-Johnson in New York Nonprofit Media in February 2023. While there is still advocacy work to be done, this bipartisan bill is a significant step forward.

Upcoming Opportunity: Igniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day

SPARK 2023 will feature the Igniting Advocacy Training and Hill Day. Build foundational skills and learn about advanced advocacy strategies during the two-day training. Then, put what you’ve learned into action when meeting with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. We will take care of the logistics so you can focus on having meaningful interactions with key decision makers. Learn more about SPARK 2023, Oct. 16-17 in Bethesda, Maryland, and Hill Day, Oct. 18. Register by Sept. 18 to save with the early bird rate.