Prevention Institute Urges OMB to Withdraw Proposed Federal Grantmaking Rule

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed sweeping changes to the federal financial assistance regulations that would fundamentally weaken how federal public health investments are implemented across the country. That’s why Prevention Institute joins many organizations across the public health and nonprofit sectors in urging OMB to withdraw the proposal. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience partnering with federal agencies, state and local governments, and community organizations, our comment explains why these changes would move federal grantmaking away from evidence, community need, and accountability and toward greater political discretion and uncertainty. The result would be weaker partnerships, diminished implementation capacity, reduced likelihood that resources are going to communities with the greatest need, and reduced ability to address some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges.

Public health challenges do not change when administrations change. Effective federal investments depend on sustained partnerships, evidence-informed decision-making, and long-term implementation capacity. We believe the proposed rule would significantly undermine those conditions.

The public comment period remains open through July 13. If your organization has not yet submitted comments, we encourage you to do so. This is an important opportunity to share your expertise, document the significant impacts of these proposed changes, and help build the public record. 

Submit your comments using the “Comment” button at https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001.

Our submitted comment is below for anyone interested in reviewing our analysis.