Open Doors for Multicultural Families Faces Loss of Two Federal Grants Amid Shifting Federal Priorit

Kent, WA — Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF), a nationally recognized nonprofit serving multicultural individuals and their families,

announces the early termination of one long-standing federal grant and the non-renewal of another, both critical to its mission of providing culturally responsive

case management, programming, Special Education support and training services, and advocacy.

The first grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) program, has been a cornerstone of ODMF’s work for 14 years.

Although one year remained in the current grant cycle, the Department issued a notice of early termination, citing a shift in federal priorities:

“The Department has undertaken a review of grants and determined that the grant specified above provides funding for programs that reflect the prior Administration’s priorities and policy

preferences and conflict with those of the current Administration… The grant is therefore inconsistent with, and no longer effectuates, the best interest of the Federal Government and will not be continued.”

“Department staff identified that the Open Doors for Multicultural Family’s application for funding contains information indicating that the applicant has proposed project activities

that conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education. Specifically… ‘staff receive attitude-based training to improve the degree to which

we offer culturally-competent, anti-racist services...providing our staff with racial equity trainings on a regular (roughly quarterly) basis.’”

The second federal grant, which is also managed through the U.S. Department of Education, which established ODMF as a Parent Information and Training Program hub for the past

10 years, was not renewed for the upcoming cycle. The only explanation provided was:

“Consistent with 34 C.F.R. § 75.217(a), Department staff have individually examined your application for compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, the selection criteria, and any priorities

or other requirements that were published in the Federal Register and applied to the selection of applications. Additionally, the Department has considered all information contained in your application in

determining the selection order of applications. See 34 C.F.R. §75.217(d)(1). Based on this review, the Department is not recommending your application for selection, as the application has proposed project

activities that may conflict with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education.”

Despite receiving an average of 95 out of 100 possible points in all technical review areas, ODMF was not selected, and no further clarification was provided.

“We are deeply concerned that our commitment to culturally competent, anti-racist services may be the reason we were targeted,” said ODMF Executive Director Ginger Kwan.

“Our services are open to all, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, and we have always worked to serve those most marginalized by systems. These decisions not only impact our organization,

but they also jeopardize the well-being of thousands of families who rely on our support to navigate complex education and disability systems.”

ODMF has long been a trusted resource for families who face systemic barriers due to language, culture, and disability. The organization’s approach centers on equity, inclusion, and community empowerment,

values that have earned it national recognition and deep trust within the communities it serves.

The loss of these grants will significantly affect ODMF’s ability to provide free, accessible services to families across King and Pierce Counties. The organization is actively seeking alternative funding sources and

calls on community partners, philanthropic organizations, and elected officials to stand in solidarity during this critical time.

“We remain steadfast in our mission,” said Ginger. “We will not compromise our values, and we will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of our community.”