USA Government Contracts Project

About this grant

Nearly one-third of nonprofit revenue comes from the government, a large portion of this from federal grants. However, nonprofits often spend considerable resources, including time, when going through the federal grant process. These resources could instead be used toward the mission of the organization. In addition, a number of nonprofits erroneously believe that federal grant recipients are barred from participation in public policy activities. This belief deprives the government of their expertise and leaves constituents without an advocacy voice. Making grant compliance clearer and educating nonprofits on grant rules and processes would greatly benefit nonprofits.Multiyear funding will support efforts to engage the nonprofit sector in streamlining the federal grants process to build a system that minimizes burden and maximizes accountability; build the capacity of the nonprofit sector to manage federal grants more effectively, particularly engaging in public policy matters; and develop a process that allows input from nonprofits to be communicated to the government. Focus Project operates as OMB Watch, a nonprofit research, educational and advocacy initiative that monitors executive branch activities affecting nonprofit, public interest and community groups.