Federal Relations advances the University of Minnesota’s interests at the federal level. We monitor the federal budget and major spending bills—as well as agencies that provide significant funding for U of M research—and nurture relationships with our members in Congress and our colleagues in higher education associations.
FY26 Federal Appropriations Process
The University of Minnesota’s federal appropriations process is coordinated through Government & Community Relations and the Research & Innovation Office, in collaboration with campus leadership and our federal lobbyists at Lewis-Burke Associates.
This September, we kicked off our process for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2026) by releasing our FY26 Federal Appropriations Process and Advocacy Timeline.
Appropriations requests selected during this process will go to members of Minnesota's congressional delegation, who are often willing to champion requests on behalf of the University of Minnesota that support increased funding for, and/or provide direction to, federally funded programs through annual appropriations bills. Learn more about the appropriations process from Lewis-Burke Associates.
We have created a FY26 Federal Appropriations Requests Submission Form that faculty, department heads, deans, and chancellors can use to submit their priorities for consideration. The information gathered is used to determine a request's readiness and viability, and to identify areas of research and education on campus aligned with current or anticipated federal agency priorities. We also work to align requests with the interests of our Congressional delegation and the University’s systemwide strategic plan. Submissions are due November 5.
On September 10, Government and Community Relations hosted a webinar to share more about the process, federal funding dynamics, and answer questions. Watch the webinar.
Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act
The Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act requires the University to report, on a quarterly basis, a good faith estimate of all expenditures on federal “lobbying activities” conducted on behalf of the University. University employees are responsible for reporting these activities to Government and Community Relations each quarter.
Lobbying activities may include traditional, direct contact with certain high-level federal officials for the purpose of influencing federal law, regulations, policies, grants, or contracts on behalf of the University. Learn more about the statutory definition of lobbying activities.
