Simplifying federal grants is crucial for cities because it ensures that communities of all sizes — especially small and rural ones — can access the funding they need to thrive. This is why the National League of Cities (NLC) has joined forces with the National Council of Nonprofits, the National Association of Counties and the International City/County Management Association to urge Congress to move forward with the Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2023 (H.R. 5934 / S. 2286).
This bipartisan legislation aims to simplify how federal grants are administered by:
- Reducing Complexity and Expanding Access: One of the biggest challenges cities and towns face when applying for federal grants is the overwhelming complexity of applications. Agencies often require applicants to sift through dozens of pages of technical language just to determine their eligibility. For smaller cities or those with limited staff, this creates significant barriers. The Streamlining Federal Grants Act addresses this issue by requiring grant notices to be clear, concise and accessible. This will help ensure that cities — regardless of size — are no longer left behind in the grant process.
- Improving Training and Assistance for Applicants: Federal grant programs offer significant funding opportunities, but many communities miss out because they lack the experience or knowledge to navigate the system. This legislation emphasizes the need for federal agencies to provide training and technical assistance to potential applicants. By doing so, it ensures that small and rural cities, as well as community organizations, have the tools they need to successfully compete for and secure federal funding.
- Identifying Barriers to Participation: A key part of this legislation is the creation of a report to identify why some communities and nonprofits choose not to apply for federal grants. Understanding these barriers will help federal agencies develop solutions that make the grant process more inclusive. This feature ensures the legislation isn’t just about simplifying paperwork — it’s about expanding opportunities for those historically excluded from federal funding.
Why This Matters
For local governments, every grant dollar can mean improved public services, better infrastructure and enhanced quality of life for residents. Yet, without accessible grant processes, many smaller cities cannot unlock these benefits. Supporting the Streamlining Federal Grants Act aligns with NLC’s mission to ensure all cities, towns and villages — regardless of size — can tap into federal resources that drive progress.
This bill has already made strides in the Senate but has been stuck in the House Oversight and Accountability Committee for over a year. The National League of Cities urges Congress to act swiftly on this non-controversial, bipartisan bill before the end of the current session. By simplifying the federal grants process, this legislation will pave the way for lasting impacts in communities that need it most.
NLC is committed to advocating for policies like the Streamlining Federal Grants Act (PDF) that empower local governments to lead effectively and deliver real results to their residents. We encourage members of Congress to support this bill and help create a more equitable federal grant system.
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