Federal Update
Two proposed federal rules—one concerning the census and the other the Head Start program for children and families—are drawing attention from our sister philanthropy-serving organizations, which are encouraging funders to stay informed and consider actions aligned with their missions.
Census Proposed Rule
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions.
If adopted, the rule would make two structural changes not previously implemented in a decennial census:
- Exclude certain temporary-status noncitizens and undocumented residents from the congressional apportionment base, and
- Prohibit questions about race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation on the decennial census questionnaire.
The Census Bureau is accepting public comments through October 13, 2026. Comments become part of the official public record. Before issuing a final rule, the agency must consider relevant comments and respond to significant issues raised during the comment period. The rulemaking record may also be reviewed by a court if the final rule is challenged. For 501(c)(3) organizations, submitting comments supporting or opposing a proposed administrative rule generally is not considered lobbying under federal tax law because administrative rulemaking is not considered legislation.
Here is additional information from the Census Funders Collaborative (CFC) on the census rule. They oppose the rule and are encouraging funders to send comments and ask for an extension of the date for comments. These materials include a draft template for writing: 1) a letter asking for an extension of the date for comments, and 2) a letter opposing the rule. You can submit comments by October 13 electronically via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/USBC-2026-0628-0001.
VFN will be submitting a request for an extension of the date for comments to the usual 90-day timeline, to allow our members to submit comments should they wish to.
Head Start Proposed Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a rule, Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs (RIN 0970-AD30; Docket ID ACF-2026-0595), that would change several requirements governing Head Start programs. The Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (ECFC) has raised concerns about the potential effects of these changes on participating children, families, and providers.
ECFC also places the proposed rule within the context of other recent developments affecting Head Start, including a 2025 internal budget document that proposed eliminating the program’s federal funding, a proposal that was later dropped, and subsequent disruptions in grant payments to some programs. Based on these developments, ECFC views the rule as part of a broader shift in the federal government’s approach to Head Start.
HHS’s proposed rule would rescind and replace most of the current Head Start Program Performance Standards. The proposed changes would affect staffing, program operations, family engagement, health and developmental services, and other aspects of program delivery. HHS estimates that the changes would reduce annual costs by approximately $2.2 billion under its primary scenario, with the largest estimated reductions associated with staffing, service delivery, and administrative requirements.
The public comment period closes October 6, 2026. ECFC is submitting comments and encourages other funders to sign-on to the comments. Read the comments and learn more about how you can act.
Foundations on the Hill 2027
The dates have been set for next year’s Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Foundations on the Hill is the only public policy and advocacy conference convening hundreds of leaders and advocates from across the philanthropic ecosystem to learn, connect, and engage with federal legislators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Please save March 1 – 4, 2027, and join VFN as it participates in this annual event.
Virginia Updates
Discussions at VFN’s Regional Funder Gatherings this fall have highlighted several key policy issues, including the impact of data centers, and the impacts of federal policy on our communities and residents.
Data Center Accountability Framework
Last Friday, Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled Virginia’s new Data Center Accountability Framework. The Governor’s Framework is a detailed plan for the Commonwealth to give communities transparent information and a voice in local approval, protect Virginians from higher energy bills, and enforce the strongest environmental standards for data centers in the nation. The Governor also signed Executive Order 22 to immediately implement many of the core pieces of her Data Center Accountability Framework and create Virginia’s new AI Task Force to address growing concerns and risks posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence — including workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Heading into the 2027 legislative session, the General Assembly will be discussing these standards and other actions.
VFN will request that a representative from philanthropy be at the table in the development of a community engagement toolkit. These issues will also likely be part of the conversations with the General Assembly at Advocacy Day 2027.
Early Voting Begins in Virginia for the November 3 Federal Election
Early voting began last Friday, September 18 and continues until Saturday, October 31. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming federal elections is October 23 and is also the date to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you or register for an absentee ballot. All members of Congress and one of our Senators are on the ballot this fall. In addition, there are three proposed amendments to our state Constitution.
Policy & Advocacy Update: Federal Rule Proposals, Virginia Data Centers, and Opportunities to Engage
A blog post by Robin Mockenhaupt, VFN’s Director of Policy & Advocacy
Federal Update
Two proposed federal rules—one concerning the census and the other the Head Start program for children and families—are drawing attention from our sister philanthropy-serving organizations, which are encouraging funders to stay informed and consider actions aligned with their missions.
Census Proposed Rule
On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions.
If adopted, the rule would make two structural changes not previously implemented in a decennial census:
The Census Bureau is accepting public comments through October 13, 2026. Comments become part of the official public record. Before issuing a final rule, the agency must consider relevant comments and respond to significant issues raised during the comment period. The rulemaking record may also be reviewed by a court if the final rule is challenged. For 501(c)(3) organizations, submitting comments supporting or opposing a proposed administrative rule generally is not considered lobbying under federal tax law because administrative rulemaking is not considered legislation.
Here is additional information from the Census Funders Collaborative (CFC) on the census rule. They oppose the rule and are encouraging funders to send comments and ask for an extension of the date for comments. These materials include a draft template for writing: 1) a letter asking for an extension of the date for comments, and 2) a letter opposing the rule. You can submit comments by October 13 electronically via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/USBC-2026-0628-0001.
VFN will be submitting a request for an extension of the date for comments to the usual 90-day timeline, to allow our members to submit comments should they wish to.
Head Start Proposed Rule
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a rule, Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs (RIN 0970-AD30; Docket ID ACF-2026-0595), that would change several requirements governing Head Start programs. The Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (ECFC) has raised concerns about the potential effects of these changes on participating children, families, and providers.
ECFC also places the proposed rule within the context of other recent developments affecting Head Start, including a 2025 internal budget document that proposed eliminating the program’s federal funding, a proposal that was later dropped, and subsequent disruptions in grant payments to some programs. Based on these developments, ECFC views the rule as part of a broader shift in the federal government’s approach to Head Start.
HHS’s proposed rule would rescind and replace most of the current Head Start Program Performance Standards. The proposed changes would affect staffing, program operations, family engagement, health and developmental services, and other aspects of program delivery. HHS estimates that the changes would reduce annual costs by approximately $2.2 billion under its primary scenario, with the largest estimated reductions associated with staffing, service delivery, and administrative requirements.
The public comment period closes October 6, 2026. ECFC is submitting comments and encourages other funders to sign-on to the comments. Read the comments and learn more about how you can act.
Foundations on the Hill 2027
The dates have been set for next year’s Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Foundations on the Hill is the only public policy and advocacy conference convening hundreds of leaders and advocates from across the philanthropic ecosystem to learn, connect, and engage with federal legislators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Please save March 1 – 4, 2027, and join VFN as it participates in this annual event.
Virginia Updates
Discussions at VFN’s Regional Funder Gatherings this fall have highlighted several key policy issues, including the impact of data centers, and the impacts of federal policy on our communities and residents.
Data Center Accountability Framework
Last Friday, Governor Abigail Spanberger unveiled Virginia’s new Data Center Accountability Framework. The Governor’s Framework is a detailed plan for the Commonwealth to give communities transparent information and a voice in local approval, protect Virginians from higher energy bills, and enforce the strongest environmental standards for data centers in the nation. The Governor also signed Executive Order 22 to immediately implement many of the core pieces of her Data Center Accountability Framework and create Virginia’s new AI Task Force to address growing concerns and risks posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence — including workforce displacement, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Heading into the 2027 legislative session, the General Assembly will be discussing these standards and other actions.
VFN will request that a representative from philanthropy be at the table in the development of a community engagement toolkit. These issues will also likely be part of the conversations with the General Assembly at Advocacy Day 2027.
Early Voting Begins in Virginia for the November 3 Federal Election
Early voting began last Friday, September 18 and continues until Saturday, October 31. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming federal elections is October 23 and is also the date to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you or register for an absentee ballot. All members of Congress and one of our Senators are on the ballot this fall. In addition, there are three proposed amendments to our state Constitution.