The Power of “Us”!
August 12, 2026by Victor S. Valentine, CEO of NHSA
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
For more than 100 years, the National Human Services Assembly (NHSA) has played an important role in representing and advancing nonprofit human service organizations by supporting good governance, sound public policy, and the collaborative action necessary to advance both. That tradition continues today as NHSA stands alongside nonprofit organizations, public-sector partners, researchers, educational institutions, and communities in response to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed overhaul of federal grantmaking regulations. By the close of the public-comment period on July 13, NHSA was among the over 496,000 comments submitted—a powerful demonstration of public engagement regarding rules that could significantly affect how federal grants are awarded, administered, modified, and terminated.
The work, however, is not finished. OMB must review and respond to the issues raised through the public-comment process before issuing a final rule. NHSA is proud to have joined those urging OMB to reconsider changes that could significantly and negatively affect nonprofit and public-sector partners and their ability to provide critical human services. We thank the leaders, organizations, partners, and constituents who stepped up to be counted. This extraordinary response demonstrates the strength and commitment of a sector determined to ensure that our neighbors continue to have access to the services, resources, and community connections they need to thrive. As we move cautiously forward, NHSA will continue to seek opportunities to foster and support collective action as our network undoubtedly understands that together, “…we can do so much”.