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THIS MONTH FROM
WITT O’BRIEN’S | AMBIPAR CENTER FOR GRANTS EXCELLENCE
September, 2025
Welcome to our September 2025 newsletter, where we bring you the latest developments in federal grant policy, including President Trump's new Executive Order on grant oversight and ongoing legal challenges affecting federal funding. This month we're covering critical updates that impact grant recipients nationwide and highlighting our partnership with the National League of Cities to support local infrastructure projects. See below for details!
What's New
President Trump has issued another Executive Order (EO) affecting grants, Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking.
This EO covers both pre- and post-award functions by federal agencies. In addition to the EO, a Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Stops Wasteful Grantmaking. This EO further aligns with the Administration’s other EOs and policies. Read our analysis from Matt Hanson, Managing Director on our Center for Grants Excellence
...and Legal Assistance.
U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a handful of Impoundment and Control Act (ICA) violations to the Trump Administration. GAO has approximately 45 more to review and issue a ruling. The ICA directs The White House to obligate funding that the Congress has appropriated unless the President requests the funding to be paused or rescinded.
In mid-August, an appellate court rules only GAO can sue over Trump funding freezes. This ruling greatly affects federal financial assistance recipients' ability to seek recourse to stated violations. Stay tuned as this case is far from over.
With less than a month left before the new Federal Fiscal Year starts on October 1, 2026, which requires a new budget from Congress, just about everyone has an opinion and beef with one side or the other.
The White House is advancing the use of “Pocket Rescissions.” In a late-August briefing, officials announced a “historic pocket rescission package” intended to cancel certain spending near the end of the fiscal year.
The White House is advancing the use of “Pocket Rescissions.” In a late-August briefing, officials announced a “historic pocket rescission package” intended to cancel certain spending near the end of the fiscal year.
Ambipar| Witt O'Brien's is Proud to Partner with the National League of Cities Local Infrastructure Hub
Whether you're just getting started or already managing a federal grant, the Local Infrastructure Hub’s bootcamps and workshops meet you where you are, with no cost and no prior grant experience required.
Our Grant Implementation, Compliance, and Management bootcamp is designed to help cities master critical skills, including procurement, federal compliance, and streamlined reporting. If your city has been awarded a federal infrastructure grant since 2022, this free, expert-led training will give you the confidence and tools to successfully deliver your projects.
New Resources Are Now Available
Comprehensive Guide to Federal Grants
Navigate the complex Federal grants landscape with our guide covering application strategies, compliance requirements, and best practices for successful grant management.
Join Our CPE Webinar Series
Join us for "Grant Management 101: What is a Grant?" - an introductory webinar designed to help participants understand the fundamentals of grants and grant management. This educational session is perfect for those new to grant management to strengthen their foundational knowledge in grant processes.
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