WASHINGTON, D.C. – A landmark step toward increased transparency in government funding, the Grant Transparency Act has officially been signed into law. Co-sponsored by Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), the bipartisan legislation aims to provide greater clarity to Americans applying for competitive grants, ensuring a fair and open selection process.
“Louisianians deserve to know how the government chooses competitive grant recipients,” said Sen. Kennedy. “This new law ensures that organizations and individuals have more information about how their applications are evaluated, empowering them to better understand and access crucial funding opportunities.”
What the Grant Transparency Act Does
The Grant Transparency Act mandates that federal agencies disclose detailed information about how competitive grant decisions are made. Specifically, it requires:
- Clear Selection Criteria: Agencies must include a detailed description of how applications will be evaluated in their Notices of Funding Opportunities.
- Weighted Scoring Transparency: If an agency uses a weighted scoring system, it must disclose how it applies to the grant process.
- Evaluation Methodology: Agencies must provide clarity on any additional methods used to assess applicants.
This initiative addresses long-standing concerns among grant applicants who have struggled to understand why their proposals were not selected, despite meeting eligibility and technical requirements.
Bipartisan Support
The legislation, introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), garnered strong bipartisan backing, with co-sponsors including Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).
“Grant applicants often don’t have enough information to know why they are not awarded a competitive grant despite meeting the criteria,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The Grant Transparency Act will shine a light on decision-making processes that have traditionally remained behind closed doors.”
Impact on Grant Seekers
The law is expected to benefit not only Louisiana residents but grant applicants across the United States. By providing detailed insight into the evaluation process, organizations and individuals will be better equipped to refine their applications and compete for funding effectively.
Looking Ahead
As federal agencies implement the new requirements, applicants will have access to a more standardized and transparent framework for understanding how funding decisions are made. This could lead to increased participation in grant programs and more equitable distribution of funds.
The Grant Transparency Act underscores a broader push for accountability and openness in government operations. As Sen. Kennedy remarked, “This law represents a significant step forward in ensuring that federal funding is distributed fairly and transparently, benefiting communities across the country.”