Navigating U.S. Federal Policy Change
Federal Policy Resources

In light of the shifting federal policy landscape, UWW is monitoring implications for the network and identifying resources for local United Ways impacted by Administration and Congressional actions. Below is a running list of supports and information on federal policy for local United Ways, which will be updated regularly. UWW is working closely with our partners across the nonprofit sector to track developments and provide the network with the most up-to-date information as we receive it.

If your United Way receives federal funding, consider the following:

Get in touch directly with your federal grant coordinator and any contracting officers to get an official assessment of your funding status, and meticulously document facts related to your current and anticipated federal grants.

Reach out to the offices of your federal elected officials (United States Representative, United States Senator) to educate and inform them on the benefits that your federally funded projects will provide to their constituents, especially in terms of jobs, the economy, and other positive impacts on their community.

Federal Updates as of May 2026

House Republicans had a closed-door meeting last week to discuss the possibility of a third reconciliation package. House GOP leadership is discussing achieving this “Reconciliation 3.0” deal before summer recess and using it as a centerpiece on affordability heading into the midterms. This will require both chambers first approving an identical budget resolution in the next few weeks in addition to the party-line spending bill on immigration enforcement currently moving through the Senate, which is expected to move later this week. The President’s goal is to sign this immigration reconciliation package (“Reconciliation 2.0”) into law by June 1.

 

Partner Webinar: From the Early Childhood Data Collaborative (ECDC) at Child Trends: Opportunities for States to Align Policy and Data to Drive Systems Change

May 19, 2026

2:00 PM ET

This session will feature a panel discussion and Q&A exploring how states are using data and research to better understand workforce and family needs, identify gaps in access to services, and take action to improve outcomes for young children, families, and the workforce. We are honored to bring together leaders from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Equity in Early Ed Systems Reform, and the RAPID Survey Project. Together, they will share insights on the critical role of data in strengthening early childhood systems, with particular attention to governance and policy development, workforce supports, and elevating family voices.

Register here

Partner Webinar: Nonprofit Vote: Rally the Sector

May 20, 2026

2:00 PM E T

The nonprofit sector has a crucial nonpartisan role in our democracy. Without trusted nonpartisan resources, voters are left to fend for themselves to find information like election deadlines, polling locations, and what choices are even on the ballot in a harshly divided and politicized climate. If we want a representative democracy by the people and for the people, our sector gets to rally our communities to show up when it counts! Register here

HELP Act Virtual Briefing

May 21, 2026

3:00 PM ET

Join us for a virtual briefing to learn about the HELP Act and how it would provide needed investments to support the 211 network so communities and Americans can access support in times of need. In this briefing, you will get an overview of the bill, update on current status and actions you can take to support the bill. Register here

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Webinar Grants 101: Preparing to Appy for a SAMHSA Grant
May 27, 2026

2 PM ET
Register here

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Webinar:

Grants 102: Best Practices for Writing a SAMHSA Grant Application
June 3, 2026

2 PM ET
Register here

Additional Quick Find Links

Federal to State Policy Resource Hub – United Way Online Resource page

Navigating Federal Landscape – United Way Online Resource page

Public Policy United Way Online Resource page

State Policy & Advocacy Resource Hub

211

21st Century Community Learning Centers

ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit

AmeriCorps

Child Care and Early Learning

Continuum of Care

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Full-Service Community Schools

Housing Assistance Programs

Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

WIC

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programs

Share How Your United Way is Being Impacted

Some local United Ways have begun to report impacts to their operations, funding, and/or programs. To help United Way Worldwide (UWW) understand and support the network’s rapidly emerging needs and challenges, we invite you to share how your United Way is being impacted using this form. If you have a question for UWW, please send it to Ask United Way. Thank you for your partnership as we navigate these changes as a united network.

Federal Government Resources

Office of Management and Budget 1.27.25 Letter on Federal Funding Temporary Pause 

Office of Management and Budget Q&A on Federal Funding Pause 

Office of Management and Budget Instructions for Federal Financial Assistance Program Analysis (Impacted Programs) Re: Federal Funding Temporary Pause

White House List of Executive Actions

Resources from United Way Worldwide