In January 2026, court filings revealed that the Trump administration’s HHS directed Head Start grant applicants to remove nearly 200 words tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion from federal applications — including terms like Black, Women, and Disability. Applications using this language were reportedly returned with warnings that funding could be denied. Keep reading for the full list…
The directive sparked immediate concern because many of these terms are explicitly required by the Head Start Act, which mandates services for specific populations. On January 7, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked HHS from enforcing the ban, protecting providers serving nearly 750,000 low-income children and families nationwide while the lawsuit proceeds.
This moment underscores a critical truth: grant funding is deeply shaped by policy, language, and preparation. Knowing how to navigate shifting rules isn’t optional — it’s essential.
That’s why the Get Grant Ready Summit by @pinkprintfirm, founded by @iamstormibanks (whose firm has helped clients win $23M+ in grants), exists.
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