Proposed Federal Grant Rule Changes (2 CFR Part 200)

Description

This call was to discuss proposed changes to federal grant rules that could significantly affect how Friends group receives and manages federal funding.

The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published sweeping proposed revisions to 2 CFR Part 200 (the rules that govern all federal grants) on May 29, 2026. If finalized, these changes take effect October 1, 2026. The public comment window closes July 13, 2026.

This meeting walked through what is changing, what it means for our programs, and what actions we can take together before the deadlines.

Meeting Agenda

• Welcome and introductions
• Overview of the proposed 2 CFR Part 200 revisions: what is changing, the effective date, and the public comment deadline
• Changes that affect our Friends groups most: grant cancellation authority, elimination of lump-sum grants, political appointee review, restricted costs, and E-Verify requirements
• Impact on our refuge programs: water infrastructure, habitat restoration, environmental education, migratory bird research, and event planning
• Action items and key deadlines: submitting a public comment by July 13, enrolling in E-Verify, auditing current grants, contingency planning, and FY2027 proposal guidance
• How to submit a public comment: walkthrough of the regulations.gov process and coalition opportunities
• Open discussion and questions
• Next steps and closing: follow-up task assignments and resource sharing

Pre-Reading & Preparation

• 2 CFR 200 Pre-reading Primer (download)
  Understanding Proposed Federal Grant Rule Changes: What They Mean for You and Your Refuge
  This is the main handout for the meeting. Skim the section headings and the “Quick Reference” table at the back. Pay special attention to the “7 Changes That Affect Your Group Most” section.
  Estimated reading time: 15–20 minutes
• Think About Your Own Programs
  Before the meeting, consider:
  •  Which of your group’s programs receive federal grant funding, directly or through a state agency?
  •  Do any of your current grants involve multi-year capital projects or research partnerships?
  •  Are there international research collaborators involved in any refuge programs you support?
  •  Does your group currently use E-Verify for hiring?
  No preparation is required — just thinking through these questions will help the discussion.

Slides and other materials (7.7.26)

• Slides
• AI Summary
• Chat Q&A
• National Council of Nonprofits’ sign-on letter
• Senator Collins letter to the Office of Management and Budget re: 2 CFR 200 changes