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  • 1.  "Do not use these words" for 21st CCLC state DoE grants

    Posted Mon March 10, 2025 11:06
    Greetings.  I'm curious as to what you may be hearing about Dept of Ed grants, specifically 21st CCLC.  Specifically I'm referring to "the list of words to not use in federal grants".  As I'm about to jump into the 21st CCLC grants renewal process, and the whole point of the programming funded by these funds is providing direct services to historically underserved communities, I'd like to have my "lens" more finely tuned.  Are there rumblings about the Dept of Ed using a "filter to identify equity projects" I could know about that will help me direct my work?  
    If you have any advice or know of any webinars or specific websites or other resources or or or or that would help me at least start tackling this, I'd appreciate it, even if it just means pointing me in a general direction.  
    Thank you kindly, and have a wonderful day just like this little Birdie.


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    Will Spotts
    Senior Sponsored Projects Officer
    Eastern Michigan University
    Ypsilanti, MI
    (734) 487-9174
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  • 2.  RE: "Do not use these words" for 21st CCLC state DoE grants

    Posted Tue March 11, 2025 09:31
    Edited by Natalie Sweet Tue March 11, 2025 09:33

    As a general rule, we are helping PIs think about language across all agencies, not just the ones that have had lists associated with their decision-making. A recent session with the National Endowment for the Arts and our state humanities affiliate solidified our decision. We've actually been crafting our own language guide by starting with a LinkedIn Post from Matt Watkins from Public Affairs Consulting and Grant Writing shared last month. I'm adding his post below.

    Best,

    Natalie

    The Duffy Memo: What It Means for Federal Funding & How to Adapt

    Late last week, newly confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a directive reshaping how federal transportation grants will be awarded. The memo signals a dramatic shift in priorities under the Trump administration, moving away from equity and climate resilience and instead prioritizing economic expansion, traditional infrastructure, and-most notably-communities with higher birth and marriage rates.

    Key Takeaways from the Memo:
    ✔️ Communities with higher birth and marriage rates get priority
    ✔️ Vaccine and mask mandates banned for recipients of USDOT funds
    ✔️ State and local compliance with immigration enforcement required
    ✔️ DEI and climate-focused language stripped from funding criteria

    Regardless of our opinions on these changes, organizations that want federal funding must adapt. So, what does that look like for grant writing in this new landscape?

    Reframing Grant Applications to Stay Competitive

    Even as priorities shift, many core infrastructure needs remain. The key is in how projects are framed to align with the administration's new focus. Here's how to pivot:

    1️⃣ Economic & Family Growth Framing

    Before: "This project enhances access to public transit for underserved communities."
    ✅ Now: "This investment expands infrastructure to support growing families and strengthen local economies."

    Before: "Prioritizing equitable access ensures historically marginalized communities receive essential transportation improvements."
    ✅ Now: "Enhancing transportation networks supports working families, reduces commute times, and bolsters economic productivity."

    2️⃣ Workforce & Job Creation Narrative

    Before: "This project creates pathways to careers in clean energy and public transit."
    ✅ Now: "This investment supports high-wage, stable jobs and strengthens the workforce needed to expand economic opportunity."

    Before: "Our initiative focuses on recruiting a diverse workforce and advancing equity in transportation."
    ✅ Now: "This initiative fosters a resilient workforce and promotes economic self-sufficiency for American families."

    3️⃣ Rural & Traditional Infrastructure Emphasis

    Before: "This multimodal project increases public transit access and reduces emissions."
    ✅ Now: "This infrastructure expansion improves roadway safety, increases freight efficiency, and supports growing communities."

    Before: "Funding will prioritize climate-resilient transportation solutions."
    ✅ Now: "This investment ensures reliable infrastructure that meets the needs of expanding populations and regional economies."



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    Natalie Sweet
    Executive Director, Office of Research, Grants, and Sponsored Programs
    Lincoln Memorial University
    Harrogate, TN
    (423) 869-6607
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: "Do not use these words" for 21st CCLC state DoE grants

    Posted Thu March 13, 2025 09:04

    Hi Will,

    I am in the process of preparing new four-year new cycle applications for this call.  In SC, I submitted our renewals last month and have heard nothing about them not being competitive, even though we changed none of the language in the narrative.  Our new RFP for new 4-year cycle grants was recently released and did not seem to have any new restrictive language in it.  We are proceeding as normal and hope for the best!  Best of luck to you!

    Melinda



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    Melinda Fischer
    Manager of Office of Research Services and Grants Administrator
    Clemson University
    Clemson, SC
    (864) 710-5474
    melindf@...
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    Original Message


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