Turning Points--by Watershed Legal Counsel

Why environmental nonprofits should comment like the record matters On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget, joined by federal award-making agencies across the federal government, proposed significant revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance —the government-wide framework that governs federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of federal financial assistance.  The deadline for submitting comments is July 13, 2026. The proposal is framed as a transparency, accountability, and oversight measure, but its practical effect would be to make federal funding less predictable by giving agencies broader discretion to screen, condition, suspend, or terminate awards based on shifting agency priorities, broadly stated “national interest” concerns, and new restrictions tied to DEI, immigration, and other administration policy priorities. For nonprofits, local governments, universities, and other recipients and subrecipients of federal funds, this is no...

The first cool mornings of September, the shift in the light, and the sound of school buses on the road all signal that fall is here. Trees start to turn, migratory birds gather, and gardens wind down. In nature, fall is a season of transition and preparation—and the same can be true for nonprofits. This year, social media has given that idea a new spin with something called “The Great Lock-In.” It’s a Gen Z trend about focusing hard from September through December—locking in on goals to finish the year strong. Environmental nonprofits don’t need TikTok accounts to participate. But the idea of a fall lock-in is right on point: dedicating time and energy now to shore up the policies, training, and practices that will sustain your mission through winter and into the next growing season. Here are a few things worth “locking in” this fall: 1. Review Your Core Policies Take a fresh look at the backbone documents that keep your organization strong: Bylaws – Do they reflect your current boar...