November 2025 has been a mixed month for U.S. federal funding watchers. On one hand, legitimate opportunities remain open - especially in disaster recovery and economic development. On the other hand, the ongoing federal government shutdown is slowing or disrupting the timing of some federal grant activities, and misinformation about "easy" personal grants is circulating again. Below is a roundup to help you separate real opportunities from noise.
1. Federal Shutdown Still Casting a Shadow
The big backdrop to everything this month is the continuing federal government shutdown, which by November 5, 2025, had become the longest in U.S. history. A prolonged shutdown can delay reviews, drawdowns, or announcements for some grant programs - especially those that require active staff review or interagency coordination. If your organization is waiting on reimbursements or on a competitive FY 2025 award, build in extra margin.
Practical takeaway: stay in contact with your agency program officer, watch Grants.gov for updated close dates, and document any shutdown-related delays for your internal auditors.
2. EDA Disaster Supplemental Funding Is Open
One of the bright spots this month is at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The agency has a FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) open for communities that were hit by recent federally declared disasters. This is one of the more flexible federal funding streams because EDA often allows projects tied to economic recovery, critical infrastructure, and resilience. For local governments, tribes, and regional development organizations, this is likely the most actionable federal opportunity in early November.
Why it matters for asset- and equipment-heavy projects: disaster recovery money often triggers facility rebuilds, equipment upgrades, and modernization - all of which can create surplus or disposal needs on the grantee side, and procurement opportunities on the other side.
3. SNAP Benefit Adjustments: Not a Grant, But Still Funding News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced benefit changes to SNAP effective November 1, 2025. While this is technically a benefits/transfer-program adjustment and not a competitive grant, it does affect the funding environment for social-service nonprofits and local agencies that braid federal nutrition dollars with state or philanthropic grants. If you serve low-income communities, expect some program recalculations or client-facing questions this month.
4. Beware of the "$7,000 Government Grant" Claims
November also saw renewed online chatter about a supposed federal "$7,000 grant for everyone." Current reporting indicates that no such universal, no-strings federal grant program exists. This matters because scammers sometimes target nonprofits, small businesses, or individuals already looking for legitimate federal opportunities. The safest way to verify a program is still to start at Grants.gov or the relevant federal agency's official site.
What to tell your stakeholders or clients: "If it's not on Grants.gov or an official .gov/.mil site, we need to treat it as unverified."
5. What This Means for Organizations Right Now
Putting it all together:
- Plan for delays on some federal processes because of the shutdown. Keep your internal project and cash-flow timelines conservative.
- Pounce on still-open opportunities like the EDA disaster supplemental, which remains one of the clearest November-era federal avenues.
- Educate staff and clients about grant myths to keep them focused on real, competitive programs.
- Track program changes (like SNAP) because downstream partners may come to you for help or subcontracting as they adjust to new federal levels.
6. What to Watch for the Rest of November
Assuming the shutdown is resolved or partially eased, late-month updates could include re-opened or extended deadlines on Grants.gov, clarifications from agencies on FY 2025 priorities, and state-level passes of federal money (especially for disaster, infrastructure, and workforce). Keeping a weekly check on Grants.gov during November will give you the earliest view of new or re-posted opportunities.
In case you've missed those:
U.S. Government Grants Update - October 20, 2025 (and what to watch this week)
Published Monday, October 20, 2025. Focused strictly on developments today and what to watch through the rest of the week. [read more]
The landscape of U.S. government grants is shifting rapidly amid ongoing budget uncertainty and a continuing federal shutdown.
While some programs are being expanded or reinstated, others face major funding cuts, freezes, or administrative reform. Here is a summary of the most notable developments this month. [read more]
Federal Shutdown Sparks Widespread Grant Delays: Whats Happening and What Grant-Seeking Entities Must Know
Learn how the October 2025 U.S. federal government shutdown is delaying grant awards, reimbursements, and agency operations nationwide — and what organizations can do to prepare. [read more]
October 2025 U.S. Federal Grants Update: Shutdown Delays, Funding Reversals, and New Awards
Stay updated on the latest U.S. government grant news - shutdown delays, funding reversals, and new infrastructure awards announced in October 2025. [read more]
