Pablo José Hernández, Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, has introduced the Strategic Federal Funds Plan to improve access to federal funding for municipalities and nonprofit organizations on the island. The plan aims to position the District Office as the main resource center for guidance and information about federal funds.
“The objective of this plan is that no municipality or organization is left out of federal funding opportunities due to lack of information, technical capacity, or organized access to processes,” Hernández said. “The goal is for the municipalities and organizations in the country to be able to compete for federal funds with more information, more preparation, and more order. This plan gives us the structure to achieve it in 2026 and do even better in 2027.”
The initiative designates 2026 as a year focused on education and institutional strengthening. It will prioritize building technical skills, organizing an inventory of projects, and standardizing relationships between municipalities, nonprofits, and the District Office in coordination with relevant federal agencies.
Key components include an educational program offering 12 to 16 annual webinars on proposal development and grant management. The District Office will serve as the official entry point for federal information by providing a resource hub and monthly newsletter with updates. Access will also be decentralized through regional forums targeting municipalities and nonprofits across different senatorial districts. A continuous project inventory will be maintained using standardized forms and internal management tools.
These efforts address challenges such as limited access to timely information from federal agencies and gaps in technical or regulatory preparedness among local entities. For its pilot year in 2026, the office aims to reach over 35 municipalities, involve 60 nonprofit organizations, keep track of at least 80 projects, and respond to 75% of inquiries within 72 hours.
A new interactive digital map available at hernandez.house.gov details federal investments by municipality and highlights projects throughout Puerto Rico.
The strategy clarifies that while the Resident Commissioner’s Office provides guidance, education, and coordination with federal agencies, it does not write proposals or prepare budgets for third parties nor does it participate in awarding funds—complying strictly with Congressional ethical standards.
