Community Economic Development Projects

The Community Economic Development Projects funding opportunity is administered by the Administration for Children and Families through its Office of Community Services. The program operates under Section 680(a)(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act and is announced as opportunity number HHS-2025-ACF-OCS-EE-0118. This federal initiative aims to invest in community development corporations with the intent to expand employment and business opportunities in areas experiencing persistent poverty and high unemployment. Applications are due by September 8, 2025, with an anticipated project start date of September 30, 2025. The purpose of this program is to create new high-quality, permanent, full-time jobs for individuals with low incomes while addressing barriers to employment and revitalizing communities. Eligible projects may include the start-up or expansion of participating businesses, the development of facilities through construction, or investments such as loans and equity support to identified businesses. At least 75 percent of jobs created under the program must be filled by individuals with low income, defined as households with income levels at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The program encourages wraparound services such as childcare, transportation, and financial literacy education to support long-term employment stability. Funding for this opportunity is estimated at $15.2 million, with approximately 15 awards expected. The award floor is $100,000 and the ceiling is $800,000. Projects not involving construction will be funded for a three-year period, while those involving construction will receive four-year funding. No matching funds are required, although applicants may propose additional cost-sharing at their own discretion. Award amounts and availability are contingent on congressional appropriations. Eligibility is restricted to qualified community development corporations, which must be private nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The organization’s founding documents must demonstrate a principal purpose of planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development projects. Additionally, its board of directors must represent community residents, business leaders, and civic leaders. Faith-based organizations, tribal entities, and Alaska Native organizations that meet these requirements may apply. Individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities are ineligible. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov unless an exemption for paper submission has been approved. Required components include a project narrative, budget narrative, attachments demonstrating eligibility, organizational capacity documents, letters of support, evidence of site control for construction projects, and third-party agreements. The combined length of the narrative and attachments is limited to 200 pages. Applications must clearly identify whether the proposed project is a three-year non-construction initiative or a four-year construction initiative. Evaluation will be based on multiple criteria, including demonstration of community need, clarity of objectives, feasibility of approach, business viability, quality of jobs to be created, provision of barrier-reduction support services, contribution to community revitalization, and organizational capacity. Additional points may be awarded to projects supporting domestic energy resources, partnerships with workforce development programs, or service in geographically underserved communities such as rural or persistent-poverty counties. Funding decisions will also consider geographic distribution and the applicant’s past performance. The primary contacts for this opportunity include Chanel Jackson, who serves as the program contact, and Tim Chappelle, the grants management contact. Both can be reached at OCSregistrar@icf.com. Applicants are encouraged to register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov well in advance of the deadline to ensure eligibility for timely submission. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award electronically, which will detail the funding amount, requirements, and terms of the award.