Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Federal Grant Applications Clears Committee
March 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Arthur Griffin
The Streamlining Federal Grants Act of 2026 (S. 3709), a bipartisan bill that would overhaul how federal grants are announced, applied for, and managed, has cleared the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and now heads to the full Senate floor.
What the Bill Would Change
Introduced on January 28 by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Cornyn (R-TX), the legislation addresses longstanding complaints about the complexity of federal grant applications. Key provisions include:
- Plain-language funding notices: Agencies would be required to write clearer, more accessible descriptions of funding opportunities.
- Common data standards: The bill mandates consistent reporting formats across all federal grant programs, reducing the administrative burden of managing multiple awards.
- A government-wide Grants Council: A new interagency body would coordinate grant reforms and develop uniform policies.
- Technical assistance mandates: Agencies would expand training and support for applicants, particularly those from smaller or rural organizations.
Each federal agency would also appoint a senior official responsible for overseeing grant process improvements and reducing administrative barriers.
Why Small Organizations Stand to Benefit Most
The bill targets a persistent equity gap in federal funding. "Complicated application processes cause smaller, more rural, and under-resourced communities to miss out on critical opportunities," Senator Peters said. Organizations without dedicated grants staff — including small nonprofits, rural municipalities, and community colleges — often lack the capacity to navigate bureaucratic requirements that larger institutions handle routinely.
The National Association of Counties has endorsed the legislation, noting that counties frequently struggle with inconsistent federal application processes. A House companion bill is expected in the coming weeks.
Grant seekers can track the legislation's progress and find practical tips for federal applications on the Granted blog.