The Grant Professionals Association, of which all partners of Shorepoints Grants Professionals are proud members has released the below statement regarding the ongoing disregard for Federal Regulations and established precedents for Federal Funding for vulnerable populations:
“On July 15, 2025, numerous notifications of funding opportunities for grants from multiple federal agencies were announced, with application due dates of July 29, 2025, which is a notification period of 14 days. This has been markedly or disproportionately true of grant programs funding much-needed services to support our most vulnerable populations and communities – youth,
families, people with chronic health conditions, etc. The Code of Federal Regulations clearly states that agencies “should make all funding opportunities available for application for at least 60 calendar days.” It continues, “However, no funding opportunity should be available for less than 30 calendar
days unless the Federal agency determines that exigent circumstances justify this.”
(https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.204)
These unacceptable delays in providing notice of funding opportunities for a variety of grant programs place an undue burden on organizations applying for these grants. It also places additional stress on federal grant application systems and processes, as grant applications submitted during
this truncated window may lead to even more disruption to the federal grants system. This process is further exacerbated by the reduction in program staff available to apply standard review processes appropriately and allow sufficient time to review each application. We may see fewer proposals
submitted overall, misleading others to believe that there is less community need––and subsequently no need for grant funding, though this would not be accurate. As the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) has previously stated, the grant application process is rigorous and competitive, ensuring that federal funds are allocated to the most impactful programs. This process evaluates the merits of proposed programs and applicants’ capacities to implement
them successfully. By carefully reviewing grant applications, federal agencies can maximize their return on investment and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Providing sufficient lead time for grant seekers is paramount, as it directly impacts their ability to develop comprehensive, well-researched, and strategically aligned applications. A rushed application process, stemming from truncated deadlines, often results in less impactful proposals, which do not fully articulate innovative solutions, nor critical needs that potential grantees address. This, in turn, compromises the quality of programs funded and diminishes the overall impact of federal investments. GPA remains committed to fostering an efficient and equitable grantmaking landscape. The recent
delays in federal funding announcements and the subsequent abbreviated application windows are not only out of compliance with federal regulations, but are detrimental to the integrity and effectiveness of the grant application process. We call on all stakeholders—federal agencies, grant-seeking organizations, and policymakers—to collaborate in upholding best practices that promote transparency, accessibility, and ultimately, intended positive impacts for the communities we serve.”
We stand with our profession and those marginalized groups we serve in demanding transparency, and accessibility with regard to Federal Funding for those communities we serve.
Shore Points Grant Professionals 