A $16 Billion tunnel… A $1.2 Billion clean energy hub… Critical bridge repairs… All paused, rescinded, or cancelled? Or just threats for government shutdown negotiation leverage?

What one shocking thing do these projects have in common?

In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, host Patrice Davis, a former federal employee and grant expert, investigates the nearly $28 BILLION in federal grants suddenly frozen or terminated in Democratic-leaning districts.

We’re cutting through the "Flood the Zone" media strategy to expose the real-world impact of these cancellations. We’ll break down the grants, the jobs at stake, and the political power plays behind the headlines.

During this episode, you'll learn:

• The shocking breakdown of paused projects: $27.24 Billion in “Blue Districts” vs. $738 Million in “Red Districts.”

• A deep dive into the cancelled $16 Billion Hudson River Tunnel project—was it really cancelled or was it political posturing?

• The truth behind the paused Cape Cod Bridges and what their "functional obsolescence" means for millions.

• How the cancellation of the ARCHES clean hydrogen project threatens 200,000 jobs and a $10 billion private investment.

• Why our team call federal grants the "invisible infrastructure" and what these cuts mean for our future.

RESOURCES:

https://www.nj.com/news/2025/10/heres-what-happens-to-the-hudson-river-tunnel-project-linking-nj-and-nyc-now-that-trump-terminated-it.html

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/investing-america-biden-harris-administration-announces-11-billion-grants-and

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/14/us/trump-grants-democrat-districts-government-shutdown.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/18/gateway-tunnel-trump-infrastructure-project-ny-nj/86730690007/

https://rock929rocks.com/2025/10/23/massachusetts-leaders-issue-joint-statement-on-cape-cod-bridges/

https://dredgewire.com/trump-administration-pauses-11-billion-in-usace-projects-including-cape-cod-bridges-amid-shutdown/

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/white-house-cancels-nearly-8b-in-clean-energy-projects-in-blue-states

https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/H2Hubs%20Arches%20Booklet_Factsheet.pdf

https://keyt.com/news/california/2025/10/23/california-congressional-members-demand-restoration-of-billions-in-energy-grants/

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, and the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

Check out the Age Has No Limit podcast: https://bit.ly/40TpAv9

In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, I break down two critical documents that will likely impact every single federal grant applicant and recipient.

This is essential viewing for recipients of federal funding. Stay informed and protect your organization.

We provide a deep dive into:

-----The White House's Executive Order on Grant Oversight (Aug 7, 2025): How "agency priorities and the national interest" will now dictate funding announcements, scoring, and even allow grants to be terminated for convenience.

------The DOJ's Anti-Discrimination Guidance Memo (July 29, 2025): Why the Justice Department now considers many DEI programs "unlawful discrimination" and how this could lead to False Claims Act lawsuits and revoked funding.

Learn what these changes mean for:

• Indirect Cost Rates (NICRA)

• Application scoring rubrics

• "Defend the Spend" drawdown justifications

• Termination for convenience clauses

• Your existing grants and subawards

PAST EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

Ex-Federal Employee Shares His Story: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at HHS Downsizing: https://youtu.be/iw9McovA2aE

RESOURCES:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-establishes-civil-rights-fraud-initiative

https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1409486/dl

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/improving-oversight-of-federal-grantmaking/

https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/equity/

https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2025/08/doj-issues-additional-guidance-concerning-unlawful-discrimination-to-recipients-of-federal-funding/

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy. I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I'm a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies. Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

In this episode, I dive into the widespread terminations of federal workers across multiple agencies.

I explain how these layoffs, driven by Executive Order 14210 (signed by President Trump in 2025), aim to reduce the federal workforce through “efficiency and attrition.” I provide a detailed rundown of the agencies affected, including USAID, the Forest Service, EPA, CDC, IRS, and more, highlighting the staggering number of job losses and their potential ripple effects.

Using insight from my experience at the CDC, I then also connect these layoffs to the federal grant process, emphasizing how the reduction in federal employees could impact the development of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), application reviews, award distributions, and post-award monitoring.

I also ask viewers to consider the real-world impact on families and communities as federal workers lose their livelihoods.

If you're interested in understanding how federal workforce reductions could affect grant funding and government operations, this episode is a must-watch.

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more insights into federal grants and government efficiency initiatives.

#federalgrants #federalgovernment #federalagencies #doge #termination #layoffs #grants #grantfunds #grantfunding #governmentfunding #governmentgrants

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages. I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies. Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

In this eye-opening episode of Federal Grants Explained, I sit down with Brandon Copeland, a former Fiscal Operations Specialist at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). With five years of experience in the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Brandon oversaw multi-million-dollar federal grants under the Older Americans Act and provided national compliance training—until the landscape shifted dramatically under the new administration.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

✔ Behind-the-scenes at HHS – How federal grants are managed, monitored, and why recent downsizing is causing major disruptions.

✔ The REAL impact of workforce reductions – What happens when experienced federal employees leave en masse?

✔ Brandon’s shocking exit options – The three choices he was given when the new administration pushed employees out.

✔ The future of federal grant funding – How consolidation at HHS (from 82,000 to 62,000 employees) will affect grantees nationwide.

✔ From federal grants to wellness advocacy – Before joining HHS, Brandon founded Khepera Wellness. Learn about Brandon’s journey to found Khepera Wellness, a groundbreaking yoga movement.

CONNECT WITH BRANDON COPELAND:

kheperawellness.yoga

Instagram: @kheperawellness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BrandonCopeland

PAST EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

Elon Musk’s DOGE Team and Federal Systems: https://youtu.be/WWP98w0M7z4

Major Changes Impacting Grantees and Agencies Under Trump: https://youtu.be/bnodA25XIUc

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.7 out of 5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages. I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies. Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

Check out the Age Has No Limit podcast: https://bit.ly/40TpAv9

In this urgent episode of Federal Grants Explained, I dive into the issues at FEMA—from staffing cuts and grant freezes to the political firestorm over disaster relief funds.

With recent flash floods devastating Central Texas, we break down:

➡️ FEMA’s Shrinking Workforce – How buyouts, firings, and budget cuts are impacting disaster response

➡️ The Truth Behind the Migrant Hotel Funding Rumor – Separating fact from political spin

➡️ Grants on the Chopping Block – Why programs like BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure) were slashed

➡️ Texas Flood Fallout – Did staffing gaps at NOAA’s National Weather Service delay warnings?

➡️ What’s Next for Federal Disaster Aid? – Will states be left to fend for themselves?

I stitch together the bigger picture—no sound bites, just clarity. Stick around till the end for a sneak peek at NOAA’s looming cuts and how they could weaken weather forecasting.

#FEMA #DisasterRelief #FederalGrants

DONATE TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE 2025 CENTRAL TEXAS FLOODS:

https://www.communityfoundation.net/

https://wck.org/

https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/central-and-south-texas.html?srsltid=AfmBOorXZ5iiM1T32xWPSNnn__TGqfFNy6O6a7QQVDn3aN6wjdAnOsrc

PAST EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

Elon Musk’s DOGE Team and Federal Systems: https://youtu.be/WWP98w0M7z4

Major Changes Impacting Grantees and Agencies Under Trump: https://youtu.be/bnodA25XIUc

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience. Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 350 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.7/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants. I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages.

I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies. Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

In case you didn't know, the U.S. Department of Education is undergoing MASSIVE changes—grants are being slashed, lawsuits are piling up, and federal workforce reductions could disrupt billions in funding.

In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, I break down:

---- Which grants were CUT (like $600M in teacher training & mental health programs)

---- Which grants SURVIVED (Title I, IDEA, and new charter school funding)

---- The legal BATTLES (and what happens next)

---- How these changes impact schools, nonprofits, and universities

---- My insider take as a former federal employee & grant consultant

📊 I also reveal FY2025, FY2024 and FY2023 grant data (who’s getting the most funding?) and explain why programs like TRIO Upward Bound and Equity Assistance Centers are being axed.

🔔 STAY TILL THE END for my predictions on how this could reshape education funding nationwide.

📌 Want more? Subscribe & hit the bell so you don’t miss my deep dives into HUD, NIH, and other agencies.

#FederalGrants #EducationFunding #GrantWriting #Grants #Teachers #governmentfunding #students #k12education

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages.

I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies.

Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5 stars by over 891 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

Check out the Age Has No Limit podcast: https://bit.ly/40TpAv9

We’re diving into the biggest changes affecting federal grantees and awarding agencies—from canceled grants and DEI-related scope adjustments to capped indirect costs and increased scrutiny on spending.

🔹Budget Process Breakdown - We’ll clarify key terms like the White House budget request vs. Congressional appropriations—including a step-by-step chart (courtesy of the National Priorities Project) on how funding should work.

🔹 Harvard’s Grant Eligibility Revoked? The saga continues as the U.S. Department of Education declares Harvard ineligible for new federal research grants—plus, the president weighs in on revoking their nonprofit status.

🔹 DEI Initiatives Under Fire - Many grantees are being forced to remove DEI-related work or face grant cancellations.

🔹 Indirect Cost Caps & "Defend the Spend" - New financial restrictions mean grantees must justify every dollar—how will this impact your organization?

🔹 Agency Shake-Ups & Workforce Reductions Delays in NOFOs - Slower awards—what does this mean for future funding?

🔹 Stick Around Till the End for my analysis on how these changes could shape the future of federal grants—and the country.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is informational only—based on publicly available data—and not advisory.

👇 WATCH NOW & STAY INFORMED!

#FederalGrants #GrantFunding #DEI #NonprofitNews #GovernmentGrants #GrantConsultant #BudgetCuts #HarvardUniversity #GrantsManagement

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5 - 4.7 out of 5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants. I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages.

I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies.

Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5-4.7 out of 5 stars by over 800 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

In this eye-opening episode, I break down the Trump administration’s unprecedented termination of federal grants to universities. Here’s what you’ll learn:

🔍 Columbia University’s $400M Close Call: Discover why four federal agencies threatened to terminate Columbia’s grants over allegations of failing to address antisemitism, the strict compliance demands imposed, and the shocking resignation of its interim president.

🎯 60 Universities on the Watchlist: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford for issues ranging from race-based scholarships to Title VI violations. Find out which institutions face funding freezes—and why.

💥 Maine’s Standoff: A special deep-dive into the clash between Maine’s governor and the federal government over Title IX and transgender athlete policies. Could political retaliation be costing the state millions in critical grants?

📉 Impact on Jobs & Research: Learn which universities have already laid off thousands of employees and how canceled grants threaten groundbreaking projects (think AI, marine biodiversity, and more).

I also ask several burning questions at the end of the episode. Would love know your thoughts.

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university. I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages. I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

Check out the Age Has No Limit podcast: https://bit.ly/40TpAv9

WHAT I COVER:

In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, I dive into the controversial access Elon Musk and his DOGE team have gained to U.S. federal government payment systems. From the Treasury Department to FEMA, the DOGE team’s actions have raised serious questions about security, transparency, and the potential misuse of sensitive data. I break down key concerns, including:

• Who controls federal payment systems?

• Why forensic auditors weren’t involved in fraud investigations.

• The $80 million FEMA claw back and its implications for federal grants.

• The legal and ethical concerns of DOGE accessing sensitive systems without proper clearances.

I also explore how these actions could impact federal grantees, including nonprofits and local governments, and what it means for the future of federal funding. With court orders, lawsuits, and audits underway, this is a critical moment for accountability in federal spending.

Tune in to understand the risks, the unknowns, and why this story matters to everyone who relies on federal grants. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into federal grants and funding under the current administration!

#doge #musk #treasurydepartment #federalgrants #fraud #usaid, #federalgovernment #fema #grantfunds #grantfunding #federalagency #federal

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience. Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university. I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits. I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants. I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages. I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies. Our firm developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/

Access Our Top Training About Federal Grants: https://bit.ly/40ENNFh

Highlights from our 2024 Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvg2jTmW4k

Book Me As Your Next Speaker: https://grantsworks.com/speaker/

For this episode, I dive into the massive restructuring of USAID (United States Agency for International Development).

In just two weeks, the agency has gone from over 10,000 employees to about 611. It has been folded into the State Department, its website has disappeared save for a few archive pages, and masking tape has been used to cover its name on its DC headquarters.

Former Senator and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the Acting Administrator and many of its grants are in question.

I’ll break down:

1. A brief history of USAID

2. Its original mission

3. The reasons behind the current administration’s decision to restructure

4. What the future holds for the agency

Two additional videos are included--one featuring Kelly Fraser, a federal grant pro who has managed USAID grants and knows several former USAID employees and/or contractors. The second video looks at US government data on federal grants to USAID.

#usaid #federalgrants #grantfunds #trump #elonmusk #governmentfunding #federalgovernment

RESOURCES:

Kaiser Family Foundation: https://www.kff.org/quick-take/what-is-happening-to-usaid/

BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd9p8g405no

Just Security: https://www.justsecurity.org/107267/can-president-dissolve-usaid-by-executive-order/

USAID Archives: https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/who-we-are/usaid-history

Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/feb/8/house-republicans-introduce-bill-erase-usaid/

Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/feb/7/trump-says-revoked-biden-security-clearance/

Federal News Network: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/reorganization/2025/02/usaid-staffers-are-instructed-to-stay-out-of-the-agencys-washington-headquarters/

ABOUT ME:

I’m the founder and CEO of Grants Works and the lead trainer for Grants Works Academy and I have over 18 years of federal grants experience.

Before starting the firm, I obtained and managed multimillion dollar federal and other government grants for nonprofits and managed grants as a research program manager at a top research university.

I was also a public health analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where I reviewed research grant continuation applications, collaborated with grantees, and coordinated reverse site visits.

I’m one of approximately 313 Certified Grants Management Specialists (CGMS) in the US, a member of the Thompson Grants Expert Panel, the creator of a 4.5/5 star rated federal grant management training series for a federal agency, and a former fiscal consultant on monitoring visits of state agency recipients of federal grants.

I’ve also spoken about federal grants on several podcasts and stages. I’m a mom of three who enjoys international fiction and foreign films, and I’m a world travel enthusiast.

ABOUT GRANTS WORKS:

Grants Works is a federal grant consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA that provides pre- and post-award services to support our clients as they find, obtain, manage and comply with federal grants.

For over five years, we have provided a range of services for our nonprofit, university, for profit, and local government clients.

Our staff has a combined 80 years of experience, and we have obtained and managed federal grants from the perspectives of a recipient, subrecipient, and passthrough entity from over 20 federal and other government agencies.

Our firm also developed a federal grant management training series for a federal agency that is consistently rated 4.5/5 stars by over 700 participants.

We support all types of organizations but have a special interest in helping nonprofit organizations navigate the federal grant funding landscape.

Grants Works’ mission is to help nonprofits find, obtain, manage, and keep federal grants that positively impact people and communities.

LINKS:

Consulting Firm: https://grantsworks.com/

Case Studies: https://grantsworks.com/case-studies/

Academy: https://www.grantsworksacademy.com/