On April 4, 2024, OMB announced updates to its Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (“Uniform Grants Guidance”), which sets the agency requirements for grants and other forms of federal financial assistance. These updates, made with the support of IRA section 70005, will significantly impact grants and loans provided by agencies pursuant to the IRA through streamlining and clarifying requirements for federal funding. The updates aim to improve grant accessibility and transparency by reducing unnecessary compliance costs, removing barriers to entry, and ensuring assistance reaches intended communities. Changes include a directive that agencies make grant announcements as clear and concise as possible to engage affected communities including nonprofit organizations, labor unions, and Tribal governments. To inform this revision, which is the most substantial in the Uniform Grants Guidance’s lifetime, OMB received input from over 3,200 public comments and 50+ federal agencies, states, local governments, Tribal organizations, nonprofits, colleges and universities, and companies. According to OMB’s implementation memorandum, agencies must implement the revisions by October 1, 2024.
Opportunities for Participation and Additional Resources:
- Press Release: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2024/04/04/the-biden-harris-administration-finalizes-guidance-to-make-grants-more-accessible-and-transparent-for-families-communities-and-small-businesses/
- Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance