GPA issues Statement, Letter to Congress Blasting Funding Cuts

The growing frustration within the grants community in response to Trump administration actions to halt federal financial assistance and the overall federal government footprint is continuing to boil over. Such bitterness reached a fever pitch in a recent statement and letter to Congress issued by the Grant Professionals Association (GPA).

Within the April 10 statement, GPA Chief Executive Officer Mike Chamberlain explains that grant professionals “have experienced the devastating impacts and challenges” resulting from recent presidential executive orders. “The repeal, delay and cancellation of hundreds of grant opportunities have resulted in job losses and negative business impacts, jeopardizing the livelihoods of our members and those they serve,” he said. “Continued ambiguity around federal grants and halting of grant funding has led organizations that our members support to discontinue vital programming, lay off employees, default on contract obligations or even shut down. This assault on our profession and those we serve is unacceptable.”

The statement goes on to say that the “attack” on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is “appalling,” adding that “the existence of ‘DEI word lists’ severely limits our ability to convey the needs of those we serve, making it impossible to secure funding for these groups.” One of GPA’s guiding principles is DEI, which is reflected in the GPA Code of Ethics, the work of the GPA Board, staff, committees, chapters and other volunteers.

Even though GPA is an apolitical, non-partisan, membership-based organization that does not engage in public policy development or lobbying efforts, the statement notes that “there is a lot we can do within our legal boundaries.” Therefore, it sent an open letter urging Congress to prioritize the protection of grant funding in their legislative agendas.

The letter to Congress stressed grants “play an indispensable role in supporting vital programs that provide essential services, strengthen communities, drive innovation, promote economic opportunity and protect livelihoods.” The association pointed out that grant funding is critical to effectively serving and addressing varied national and global needs, and that “the sudden discontinuation and unavailability of federal grants undermine initiatives that rely heavily on grant funding.”

“Pausing, changing or canceling grant agreements/contracts outside of established processes undermines the financial viability of those who have hired staff, signed leases, made purchases in good faith and committed to providing services to their communities based on federal contracts,” it said.

The letter also noted the level of oversight that is applied to federal grant funds. “It is important to recognize that grant funds are not ‘free money.’" GPA emphasized. “They come with stringent rules and regulations that govern how they are used. These rules safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that grant funds are used for their intended purposes. Grantees must adhere to these rules and are held accountable for their use of grant funds as a part of their grant agreements.”

Grant applicants and recipients are essentially now looking at administrative actions and wondering “what next?” Is anyone from the White House actually listening to their concerns? That’s to be determined, but after we’ve seen already, don’t get your hopes up, particularly after hearing news this week that staffers at the Department of Government Efficency (DOGE) have taken control of Grants.gov, according to unnamed sources referenced by the The Washington Post. DOGE employees will now have the power to review and make decisions regarding the awarding of federal grants, which likely will limit resources for activities not endorsed by the Trump administration.

Again we ask, what next? 

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