Federal Grants Explained

What does it take to protect an island nation's environment when the threats keep coming? In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, Grants Explained Around the World, I speak with Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) — one of Jamaica's leading environmental NGOs. Founded in 1991 by a group of citizens who saw a gap no one else was filling, JET has become a voice...

The Office of Management and Budget dropped its proposed revisions to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) on May 29, 2026 — and federal grant professionals need to pay attention before the public comment period closes on July 13. In this episode, I break down the proposed changes without the political noise, walking you through what UG is, why it's being revised, and what the proposed rule actually...

Welcome to a brand-new era of Federal Grants Explained. In this premiere episode of our "Grants Explained Around the World" series, host Patrice Davis (CEO of GrantWin Consulting) takes a brief detour from the US federal grant system and heads to Jamaica—an upper-middle-income Caribbean powerhouse in culture and business. Jamaica isn't just reggae, beaches, and Usain Bolt — it's home to a sophisti...

Has your organization spent $1M+ in federal grant funds this year? Then a Single Audit applies to you—whether you're ready or not. In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, I provide an overview of single audits, why auditors care about your internal controls and documentation, and some of the most common findings that trigger corrective action plans. PREFER TO WATCH THE EPISODE? Use this link:...

A nonprofit leader convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bribery and federal programs bribery. The primary co-conspirator convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, bribery, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. USDA grant funds used to buy vehicles, electronics, international travel, and ev...

What is the status of the landmark $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law? In this episode of Federal Grants Explained, I take a deep dive into the BIL—background, the 60,000 projects to be funded, Biden Administration rollout of the funding, grants canceled in 2025, and more. In this episode I break down: **** The massive promise of $550 billion in NEW investments for transportation, clean e...

In this revealing episode of Federal Grants Explained, we sit down with Aisha Bussey and Alicia Brown from The Capital Good Fund to uncover the shocking story behind the organization's cancelled $156 million Solar for All grant from the EPA. After weeks of 80-hour work weeks, their team secured a landmark grant to bring solar power to thousands of low-income households. Then, without warning, it w...

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...

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 nat...

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, highlightin...

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...

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 – Se...

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...

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 Projec...

IIn 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 o...

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 fed...

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 S...

The sudden proposed freeze of federal grant funding caused widespread panic around the country. Go behind-the-scenes with me as a federal grant expert and former federal employee as I shed light on what's happening to federal financial assistance (including grants). I'll provide a chronological breakdown of the proposed pause, provide insight on why the announced pause was so alarming to many peop...