Government

Resources to Help You Deliver More Impact

Running programs in the public and nonprofit sector is harder than ever—budgets are tight, compliance requirements are strict, and staff are stretched thin. The FORWARD Resource Hub brings you the knowledge and tools you need to navigate these challenges with confidence.

Budget Season for Government Leaders: What to Get Right Before Funding Is Finalized
Budget season is here. Learn what government program administrators need to address before budgets are finalized, from HR1 compliance to AI governance.

HR1 in Plain Language: What State, County and City Leaders Need to Know Now
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) was signed into law on July 4, 2025. Since then, federal agencies have been issuing implementation guidance in waves, state legislatures are convening emergency sessions to address budget exposure, and county administrators are quietly trying to figure out what it all means for their teams and the residents they serve.

Government Efficiency in 2026: HR1’s Impact on City & County Program Operations
HR1 increases SNAP administrative cost share, Medicaid work requirements, and six-month redeterminations. Learn how HR1 reshapes city and county operations in 2026—and what leaders should do now.

2025 Year-End Impact Report: How Governments and Nonprofits Delivered Programs When It Mattered Most
A 2025 year-end impact report examining how governments and nonprofits delivered relief, housing, and equity programs with speed, trust, and accountability.

Modern Program Administration: Key Considerations for 2026
Modern program administration in 2026 is about delivering public and nonprofit programs that are faster to launch, easier to access, compliant by design, and transparent in outcomes—despite tighter budgets and rising accountability demands.

How the City of Long Beach Expanded Pathways to Homeownership for First-Generation Buyers
The City of Long Beach, CA partnered with FORWARD to design and administer a streamlined First-Time Homebuyer Program that helped 76 low- and moderate-income households purchase their first home.

20 Proven Metrics That Strengthen Funder Confidence
A replicable model for school foundations and nonprofits supporting families in crisis.

How to Streamline Eligibility Determination for Faster, Fairer, and More Accurate Program Delivery
Learn how governments and nonprofits can simplify eligibility determination to reduce staff burden, accelerate program delivery, and improve accuracy and accountability.

How to Optimize Forms to Increase Access and Equity in Public Programs
Learn how governments and nonprofits can design inclusive, multilingual, mobile-friendly forms that improve access, reduce staff burden, and build trust with communities.

Building Community Trust and Delivering $7M in Support to Survivors of Domestic Violence with Los Angeles County
Program Overview The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) partnered with FORWARD to launch the Empower_u Fund, a groundbreaking NaCo award-winning program that provides direct financial aid and wraparound services to survivors of domestic violence. LA County Empower_u Program administered by FORWARD won the 2025 NaCo Achievement Award.

How Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Standardized Grantee Reporting with FORWARD
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) sought to launch a state-wide housing stabilization program to support low-income immigrant and refugee households. Facing challenges in implementation and community engagement, DSHS turned to FORWARD for a comprehensive solution.

How Multnomah County Simplified Online Application for Benefits by 80% With FORWARD
FORWARD’s innovative solution streamlined Multnomah County’s benefits application process, reducing complexity and increasing accessibility for residents.

St. Louis Enhances Program Participation by 37% with FORWARD’s Multi-Program Solution
St. Louis, Missouri, with a population of 300,000 residents, including a 45% African American population and 24% low-income households, faces significant equity and economic challenges. With FORWARD’s enterprise solution, the city streamlined operations, expanded access to services, and delivered programs more effectively.

How Harris County Streamlined Technical Assistance Provider Management and Tracking with FORWARD
Harris County, Texas, faced significant economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic among its small business community. The Harris Hub Small Business Support Accelerator Grant Program, administered by FORWARD, provides customized technical assistance and financial grants to small businesses.

How Maria, a Mother and Breast Cancer Survivor, Accessed Vital Resources with the Multnomah Common Application
Maria, a busy mother and breast cancer survivor, benefited from the Multnomah Common Application to apply for various support programs with ease.

Maximizing Public Program Impact With a Limited Workforce
Local government leaders face ongoing challenges in delivering essential programs with constrained budgets and limited staff.

Investing in Community Wellness: Lessons from Our Conversation with Dr. Monica Soni, CMO at Covered California
A discussion on healthcare policy innovation and investment featuring Dr. Monica Soni and Aja Brown during a webinar.

How Atlanta Is Preserving Legacy Homeownership Through Equitable Policy and Community Trust
A discussion on the Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund Program in Atlanta aimed at preventing displacement of long-standing residents.

How to Launch an Anti-Displacement Housing Relief Program
A city-led initiative designed to protect legacy homeowners amidst rising property taxes and urban development.

Budgeting for Smarter Systems and Stronger Communities
A guide for local government leaders and nonprofit executives on managing challenges in tightening budgets and growing community needs.

How the City of Milpitas Streamlined Housing and Business Relief Program Administration Across Departments with FORWARD
The City of Milpitas, in Silicon Valley, faced challenges due to rising living costs and collaborated with FORWARD to support small businesses and residents in need.

Enhance Public Assistance Access: Strategies to Transform Eligibility and Enrollment
A view into how Multnomah County approaches public assistance applications, focusing on the resident's experience.