“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

This has been a challenging year for the members of CASE’s Federal Funding Task Force. Every fall since 2016 (and as a Council for Resource Development initiative prior to that), the group of around 50 members gathers in Washington, D.C., to meet with over a dozen federal agency program officers to, as stated in the CASE Federal Funding Report on Education, “discuss grant programs relevant to institutions of higher education, confirm anticipated funding levels and program priorities … and research comparison data on funds applied for, and grants awarded in, previous funding cycles.”  

In 2024, many months prior to their visit, Nov. 3–7 was chosen as FFTF week — yes, Election Day week. Everyone knew that famous Tuesday might be busy, but no one guessed that many downtown stores would be boarded up in case of riots and some federal offices would decide at the last minute to close or have employees work remotely. 

The heroic FFTF remained focused. Some days and times switched for in-person meetings with program officers, and a few officers requested to pivot to remote meetings, but the FFTF members got their job done. They reviewed higher ed grant programs, discussed each program’s priorities and funding levels, and served as impressive liaisons as they advocated on behalf of higher education institutions. For hours each afternoon and into the evening, under the direction of FFTF Co-Chairs Michelle Alexander, Vernon College (Texas, U.S.), and Rachel Johnson, Santa Barbara Community College (California, U.S.), they met in the second-floor conference room at CASE’s D.C. office to closely review the information they had gathered and to summarize the key points. These meetings mark the birth of the CASE Federal Funding Report for Education, which is typically ready by early spring. 

But you know what happened with the federal government at the end of January. Executive orders were announced, then rescinded, and there seemed to be hourly changes and revelations for federal agencies. Our FFTF members, who we consider some of the best grants professionals in the country, were back on their campuses, working with their campus leaders to make sense of it all. They still are.

Yet the 2024 Federal Funding Report for Education is done. Michelle, Rachel, the FFTF team captains, and members managed to somehow keep this work a priority during incredibly stressful times. Thanks to them, updates on hundreds of federal funding opportunities are now ready for you! CASE members can access the 2024 CASE Federal Funding Report on Education here.  

No one is sure what federal funding will look like throughout 2025 and beyond, but we’re planning for another FFTF to visit D.C. from Nov. 2–5. For more information about how to apply for FFTF membership, click here.

I know all of you, like the FFTF members, are doing your best to adapt to the changes we’re facing in 2025. To avoid losing federal funding, you’re working with donors to reword scholarship requirements. You’re also adapting to new policies that eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programming while continuing to provide access with opportunity for those in your communities who need it the most. I know you’re facing much more than that, and I hope CASE Washington updates and advocacy work help you stay informed. 

Some of you are embracing the changes, but as I travel around the country, I’m meeting more who are struggling. Remind yourself about the important contributions of your community colleges. Take a moment to meet with a scholarship recipient and remember why you do what you do. Your work, just like the FFTF members’ work, is heroic, and, hopefully, recognizing that will help you stay focused and productive.