Federal Grantmaking in Transition:
What Executive Order 14117 Means for Grants
and Financial Management Professionals
By Stacie L. Massey, MBA, CGFM




For the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

On August 7, 2025, the White House issued Executive Order 14117, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, which introduces sweeping reforms to how federal grants are awarded, reviewed, and monitored. This article outlines the key provisions of the order, explores its implications for grants and financial professionals, and highlights the critical role of professional associations such as the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) in navigating this transition.

Key Provisions of the Executive Order

The Executive Order directs federal agencies to take several concrete steps to improve the integrity and impact of grantmaking. Each agency must now appoint a senior official responsible for reviewing new discretionary grant announcements to ensure they align with the Administration’s national priorities. This added layer of oversight is intended to bring greater consistency and strategic focus to funding decisions. In addition, federal agencies are required to implement more rigorous and transparent review processes. While this promotes fairness and clarity for applicants, it may also result in delays or compressed timelines for funding announcements and awards.

Additional key provisions include directing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Uniform Guidance to simplify application requirements. This simplification is intended to improve access for under-resourced communities that have historically faced barriers to apply. Further provisions include requiring agencies to update grant agreements to include termination provisions, allowing funding to be discontinued if projects no longer align with federal goals. While this introduces flexibility for agencies, it also creates uncertainty for recipients. Another provision directs agencies to require specific authorization and justification for fund drawdowns, shifting the burden of accountability to the front end of the funding process. This change is intended to prevent misuse of funds before it occurs, rather than relying solely on post-award audits. 

Overall, this Executive Order signals increased scrutiny of programs perceived as ideologically driven or lacking in measurable impact. Grants professionals should be prepared to defend the relevance, rigor, and replicability of their proposed work.

Implications for Grants and Financial Management

These reforms are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment in federal grantmaking. For professionals in grants and financial oversight roles, the implications are wide-ranging.

Applicants can expect clearer guidelines and more predictable review processes, which will help them better understand funding priorities and compliance expectations. However, the increased scrutiny may also mean that applications and drawdown requests will be evaluated more rigorously, particularly in terms of alignment with national objectives and demonstrable outcomes.

While the revisions to the Uniform Guidance are intended to streamline the application process, the transition period may introduce delays as agencies adjust to new procedures. The inclusion of termination provisions in grant agreements introduces a new level of flexibility for federal agencies—but also requires recipients to remain agile and responsive to shifting federal priorities.

Importantly, the Executive Order encourages agencies to broaden their recipient pools, with a focus on including first-time applicants. This could increase competition but also opens the door to new partnerships and innovative approaches to program delivery.

Strategic Recommendations for Grant and Financial Professionals

To navigate this evolving landscape effectively, grants and financial professionals should adopt a proactive and strategic approach. It is critical to start preparing in advance of funding announcements. Maintaining a portfolio of grant-ready projects—complete with impact data, performance metrics, and potential partners—can significantly streamline the application process. It’s also essential to keep your SAM.gov registration current, renewing it well before expiration which can avoid any potential administrative delays.

When crafting funding proposals, ensure that your narratives are tightly aligned with both the specific funding opportunity and broader administration priorities. Use the scoring criteria provided in the notice to guide your content, and make sure your narrative clearly supports measurable outcomes and aligns to the budgeted activities. Proposals should be written in plain language, avoiding jargon and emphasizing clarity and accessibility—reflecting the federal government’s renewed focus on readability. It is critical to stay alert to changes in funding opportunity announcements, even for recurring programs. Treat each opportunity as new and carefully review the language and structure to ensure your application aligns with updated priorities. 

Indirect cost rates are another area to closely watch. Lower rates are increasingly preferred, and capped in many cases, so it is imperative to work with your grants or finance office to understand your current rate and explore options for strategically reducing the rate. Ensure directly allocable costs are not in your cost pool out of convenience. 

Accountability of performance outcomes is more important than ever. Applications should include measurable benchmarks for success and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices. Citing open science principles, replication studies, or third-party validations can strengthen your case and align with federal expectations. Post-award compliance will no longer rely solely on financial progress reporting. Financial and programmatic reporting systems must be strengthened to support real-time performance tracking. Federal agencies will expect more than just financial compliance-they will want to see evidence of impact. 

Finally, consider expanding your network of partners. The Executive Order encourages broader participation in federal grantmaking, which may increase competition but also presents opportunities for new partnerships and innovation. Collaborating with new or non-traditional organizations may enhance your performance outcomes and increase your competitiveness in a broader recipient pool.

The Value of Professional Engagement: NGMA and AGA

In today’s rapidly evolving grants and financial management landscape, staying connected to professional associations is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Two organizations stand out for their leadership, resources, and community: the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and the Association of Government Accountants (AGA).

Since 1978, NGMA has served as a cornerstone for grants professionals across all sectors—federal, state, local, tribal, nonprofit, higher education, and the private sector. NGMA provides full lifecycle grants management training, professional certification through the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) credential, and continuing education opportunities. Members benefit from access to the Grants Management Body of Knowledge (GMBoK), a robust calendar of webinars and sector meetings, and a vibrant community forum that fosters peer learning and support. NGMA is committed to promoting best practices and professional excellence in grants management, helping members stay ahead of regulatory changes and funding trends

Meanwhile, AGA, founded in 1950, is the leading association for government financial management professionals. With a mission to advance accountability, transparency, and performance in government, AGA empowers its members through training, certification, and leadership development. The Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential is a hallmark of professional excellence in public sector finance. AGA also plays a key role in shaping policy and promoting ethical standards through its code of ethics and strategic initiatives. Members gain access to a national network of professionals, thought leadership, and tools that support career growth and good government practices

Together, NGMA and AGA offer a powerful combination of expertise and community. Engaging with both organizations allows professionals to bridge the worlds of grants and financial management- ensuring compliance, maximizing impact, and advancing their careers. Whether you're navigating Uniform Guidance, managing indirect costs, or leading performance audits, these associations provide the knowledge, tools, and support to succeed.

Conclusion: A Joint Call to Action

This Executive Order represents more than a policy update—it’s a call to action for grants and financial professionals to lead with strategy, integrity, and adaptability. By aligning practices with the new federal framework, professionals can continue to secure critical funding, support community priorities, and contribute to a more transparent and effective federal grantmaking system. 

Connecting to both NGMA and AGA will empower you to stay ahead of policy shifts, share best practices, and uphold the highest standards in grants and financial management as the federal landscape evolves. Leveraging the collective knowledge and support of both organizations will ensure you can navigate these federal changes with confidence—ensuring that public funds are administered effectively, transparently, and in service of the greater good.

Stacie Massey is Deputy Director of Grants and Financial Reporting at the Ohio Office of Budget and Management. Stacie has over 25 years of public sector experience in previous roles at the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, Ohio Auditor of State, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Ohio Emergency Management Agency.