On July 9th, Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® took part in a webinar hosted by The Conservation Capacity Project to review the changes proposed by the US Office of Management and Budget regarding litigation, regulations, and Executive Orders from the past 18 months affecting federal funding.
Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® is not currently the recipient of federal grant moneys directly, but does receive indirect funds through the Chesapeake Bay Trust. With the proposed changes, “pass-through entities” like Chesapeake Bay Trust would no longer allowed to sub-award federal grant monies except through a reimbursement model. Awards could also be rescinded over the vague possibility of “Reputational Damage” of the funders by the grantee organizations.
In an effort to provide accountability for federal funds, the changes violate the Paperwork Reduction Act, Regulatory Flexibility Act, and Executive Orders and take away Congress’s constitutional “power of the purse.” Combined, these changes will make it harder for organizations to receive funding, spend funds, and submit grant reporting. Additionally, removing the option for fixed awards as opposed to reimbursements is a barrier for entry for small organizations such as Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® who may not be able to expend grant funds prior to receiving a reimbursement.
At the time of writing, there are over 98,000 comments regarding this issue. Add yours today to help get that count into six digits.
Please submit your comment to help organizations like Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® maintain their ability to receive federal funding without causing undo stress to the organizations and staff.
Key Takeaways: These changes
- Reduce access to federal funds
- Violate First Amendment protections to speech
- Increase administrative burdens on non-profit entities
- Restrict Congress’s ability to direct funds
- Add barriers for organizations reinvest federal tax dollars into local communities.
For more details about the proposed changes: check out this link.
For commenting tips, guidelines, and a comment template: check out this link.
Use this link to submit your comment before the comment period closes at 11:59PM EST on July 13th.
Alternatively, use this link to make a donation so Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® can rely less on grant funds and still provide our outreach, monitoring, educational, and advocacy services to the Gunpowder Watersheds.
See below for key slides from Conservation Capacity Project’s presentation.
