Staying Grounded: How to Track Executive Orders and Federal Grant Impacts Without Getting Lost in the News

The pace of new Executive Orders (EOs) has created a challenge for many grant professionals trying to stay informed. With headlines shifting daily and commentary-driven news dominating most platforms, understanding which executive actions truly impact federal grants—and which do not—has become increasingly difficult.

At our recent NGMA Annual Grant Training session, “Managing Up: Communicating with Stakeholders,” this challenge came up repeatedly. Grant professionals shared their frustrations about navigating the flood of information and asked a key question:

“Where can we find factual, reliable information about executive orders and their impact on grants—without the political spin or commentary?”

It’s a fair concern. Whether you’re briefing leadership, preparing reports for your board, or updating program teams, sticking to the facts is critical. But in a news environment designed to generate clicks, opinion often overshadows fact—making it harder to maintain neutrality and credibility.

Why It Matters for Grant Professionals

For those of us working in grants, being able to separate fact from opinion isn’t just good practice—it’s a core part of our professional responsibility. Executive orders can shift funding priorities, change compliance expectations, or influence program direction. But relying on commentary-heavy news sources can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, or worse—miscommunication with your stakeholders.

Getting caught up in opinion-driven headlines risks:

  • Creating unnecessary panic (or false security)
  • Misrepresenting facts to leadership and stakeholders
  • Poor program planning based on incomplete or biased information

The best way to protect your programs, your team, and your organization is to start with reliable information—then build your communications from there.

Where to Go for Facts – Credible, Neutral Sources

The good news? There are solid, fact-based sources available that minimize spin and focus on delivering straightforward information. Below are some of the sources we recommend—organized by type—for grant professionals who need to stay informed without commentary getting in the way:

Direct Government Sources (No Spin – Just the Facts)

These official sites publish executive orders, laws, and federal guidance—exactly as written, with no added interpretation:

  • Federal Register – The official home for executive orders, regulations, and rules.
  • Congress.gov – Up-to-date information on bills, hearings, and legislative actions.
  • WhiteHouse.gov – Direct access to executive branch announcements, orders, and policies.
  • Grants.gov – Federal grant opportunities and updates, straight from the source.
  • Awarding Agency Websites – Each agency’s website typically includes updates, guidance, and FAQs related to their grant programs.

When in doubt, these sites are your primary source for accuracy.

Non-Commentary News Outlets (Mostly Straight Reporting)

While no news outlet is perfect, these organizations are generally known for prioritizing facts over opinion:

These outlets provide a good balance of accessibility and accuracy without veering into commentary.

News Comparison and Bias-Checking Tools

If you want to see how different media outlets cover the same story—or double-check bias—these tools can help:

  • Ground News – Breaks down how left, center, and right outlets frame the same topic.
  • AllSides – Offers side-by-side comparisons of headlines from across the political spectrum.
  • FactCheck.org – Nonpartisan fact-checking focused on political claims and policy.

These tools are especially helpful when you’re preparing communications or need to present a balanced view to stakeholders.

BFS’s Recommended Approach – Stick to the Facts

At BFS, our team consistently turns to primary sources like C-SPAN, the Federal Register, and Congress.gov when tracking policy changes and executive orders. This allows us to form our own professional understanding—free from commentary or political framing.

For those looking for a quick but reliable approach, we recommend:

This combination helps you stay informed, focused, and neutral—exactly what grant professionals need in today’s complex environment.

Final Thoughts – Stay Focused, Stay Credible

Your credibility as a grant professional hinges on your ability to communicate facts—especially when policy changes may impact funding or compliance. Staying grounded in reliable sources not only protects your programs but also builds trust with your leadership, boards, and stakeholders.

The next time you’re faced with a flood of headlines or heated opinions, remember: facts first, always. It’s the best way to protect your organization—and the communities you serve.

Need help tracking executive orders or staying current on grant compliance?

Check out our DECODED® Executive Order Matrix—a tool created specifically for grant professionals like you.

© 2025 – Business & Financial Management Solutions, LLC dba BFS Strategic Partners

Staying Grounded: How to Track Executive Orders and Federal Grant Impacts Without Getting Lost in the News
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