Federal Community Development Grants

The Small Business Act (Act) provides for entrepreneurial training, business development assistance, counseling, and management assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by eligible veterans. Additionally, SBA is authorized to make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements for the establishment and implementation of outreach programs to serve the veteran community.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to strengthen community policing practices in Uzbekistan. The Government of Uzbekistan has continued its broad reform efforts that began in earnest in 2017, including efforts to modernize the countrys security services. Despite reforms, public trust in security forces remains low, and allegations of corruption, unresponsiveness, and abuse persist. Civil society, which plays an important role in mobilizing citizenry to advocate for better community conditions, remains fragmented and generally lacks support and social capital to push for systemic change. This project will both strengthen Uzbek civil society organizations as they engage in community-based advocacy while also helping local government actors, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs, develop protocols and procedures to be more transparent, responsive, and communicative in their relations with local communities. Goals of the project Enhance Civil Society Capacity for Community-Based Advocacy Strengthen Government Accountability and Transparency in Local Communities Foster Collaboration and Partnership Between Civil Society and Government Actors

The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs (U.S.OPA) announces an open competition for a grant through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The U.S. Public Diplomacy FY24 Palestinian Peacebuilding program is designed to partner with Palestinian, American, and International non-profit/non-governmental organizations to implement activities which advance the applicants goals and the U.S.OPA mission, including but not limited to Advancing a comprehensive and lasting peace through a negotiated two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the development of a vibrant, representative, and responsive Palestinian civil society, private sector and governing institutions. This must include substantive engagement with American people, institutions, ideas, and ideals in order to improve American-Palestinian relations and create greater opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership and cooperation. Priority Region: Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza or a combination of two or three of them. Program Objectives: All proposed projects must aim to advance the U.S.OPA-PD mission goals stated above, contain a substantive American element, and achieve at least one of the following specific objectives: Young Palestinians between the ages of 14-35 increase their knowledge of peacebuilding, nonviolent activism, social change, negotiation, debate skills, conflict resolution, and civic education; Young Palestinians between the ages of 14-35 imagine alternatives to occupation, violence, despair, or apathy; Training and capacity building for civil society leaders to continue working with youth on nonviolent activism and peacebuilding; Creating discussion groups among youth about the two-state solution, its history, and imagining and discussing options for solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Training for social media influencers about the two-state solution and identifying and discussing the most common concerns of Palestinian youth when it comes to this topic. Each proposal must have a substantial monitoring and evaluation component that will contribute to research in the field of peacebuilding to make data-based decisions that make an impact on the ground. We will give special consideration to proposals which incorporate the following elements as techniques or tools for meeting the strategic goals identified above: Cooperation in project implementation between two civil society organizations Alumni of U.S. government programs and exchanges, this could include building upon previous programs or launching new initiatives with alumni from past projects Grassroots elements that support underserved communities. This project proposal does not need to have an Israeli element or a component of bringing Israelis and Palestinians together, but it must be building the conditions and laying the groundwork for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Please describe your theory of change and how you believe your project serves this goal as part of your proposal. The work plan should identify clear problems related to the strategic goals described herein, and propose feasible solutions based on a concrete and coherent methodology to address the problems identified. We encourage proposals that show creative solutions. Participants and Audiences: Palestinians in East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza

The Agency will make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) to provide associations Technical Assistance and/or training with respect to essential community facilities programs. The Technical Assistance and/or training will assist communities, Indian Tribes, and Nonprofit Corporations to identify and plan for community facility needs that exist in their area. Once those needs have been identified, the Grantee can assist in identifying public and private resources to finance those identified community facility needs.

This funding opportunity provides federal financial support to state and tribal governments for projects that reduce flood damage in communities affected by recent flood disasters.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop, organize, and oversee the 2025 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit, pending the availability of funds. The four-day Summit (exclusive of arrival and departure dates) in 2025 will gather over 150 YSEALI exchange program alumni from across ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. The award recipient is expected to design a youth-focused, high-energy, and dynamic Summit that will provide the next generation of Southeast Asian leaders the opportunity to build networks, discuss ideas, and develop solutions to contemporary challenges. The YSEALI Summit in Malaysia will be conducted in English. The content of the program should touch on each of the four pillars of YSEALI and include leadership, mentorship, and teamwork training. The Summit will enable participants to see how YSEALI members have become leaders in Southeast Asian communities through community service, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and education. The Summit should feature panels and presentations by prior YSEALI participants from each country who have become changemakers in their fields. The Summit should feature sessions giving participants the opportunity to work together to develop possible solutions to current environmental, social, political, and economic challenges in the region. Participants should learn innovative approaches to promote relations among ASEAN countries and with the United States through presentation, case studies and simulations. The Summit will also provide leadership and other soft skills training on topics such as advocacy, negotiation, and personal branding, which are core soft skills YSEALI alumni need to become successful leaders. Participants will also have a chance to join cultural activities, and other site visits that support the Summits theme. The Summit will include a mix of informational sessions, discussions and challenges, and break-out sessions on different topics and group presentations, as well as site and cultural visits.

This announcement is modified. Under section Step 4 Criteria: Bonus Points Project located in a geographically underserved community, the state of Idaho was listed in error as not having an active CED job creation project. After further review, it is acknowledged that the state of Idaho has an active CED project. Therefore, the state of Idaho is removed from the bonus points list. Applicants who submit applications from those states will not be considered for the additional points based on State or territory without an active CED grant. However, they can be considered for bonus points under being persistent poverty county or Native American community. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will solicit applications to award approximately $1.5 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to stimulate new CED project development through administrative capacity building.OCS aims to align this funding opportunity with the following priority areas: (1) Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the Justice40 Initiative, which underscore funding support for energy communities, (2) increased equity in geographic distribution of CED funds, in accordance with the CED statute, and (3) breaking down service silos and leveraging existing partnerships across OCS programs to reduce poverty through a wraparound services model for communities with low incomes. The objective of the CED Planning Grants is to stimulate new projects in underserved and under resourced communities. OCS intends to center equity in this funding opportunity, focusing these resources in persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies that have been unable to put forth a viable CED project in the past. The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide CDCs with financial assistance for administrative capacity building. The awards will be a crucial step in connecting CDCs with CED resources for social and revenue reinvestment in local communities to help spark economic growth. OCS is encouraging applications from CDCs that target urban and rural areas.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Resources Division (FRD), assists rural fire departments in acquiring firefighting equipment. The program requires a 50/50 matching grant and is available to fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Eligible projects include personal protection gear for wildland fires, Class A foam generating equipment, dry hydrants, communications equipment, and breathing apparatus. Applications are reviewed and prioritized by the FRD, with awards capped at $4,999 per project. Projects involving multiple departments are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications must be submitted by June 28, 2024, with awards announced around December 15, 2024. Projects must be completed by August 1, 2025.

This grant invites private sector companies and organizations to collaborate with USAID on projects that address economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, leveraging their resources and expertise to achieve shared development goals.

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states.

This program provides funding to empower local organizations and communities in specific countries to lead their own development initiatives, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aims to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the United States. With a total allocation of $5 billion over fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the program focuses on building a reliable, equitable, and interconnected network of EV chargers, particularly along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and the Interstate Highway System. States are required to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan outlining their intended use of NEVI funds, which must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The program emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting equitable EV adoption, and creating sustainable jobs. Plans must address technical standards, data sharing, workforce training, and public engagement, with a strong focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

OCPE is charged with promoting instruction and training on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. USCIS recognizes that naturalization is a key milestone in the civic integration of immigrants. Naturalization requirements, such as knowledge of English, U.S. history, and government, encourage civic learning and build a strong foundation upon which immigrants can fully integrate into American society. Through preparing for naturalization, immigrants gain tools to become successful citizens and meet their responsibilities as United States citizens. The goal of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) across the nation and to provide opportunities for immigrants to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate into the fabric of American society. Since it began in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded more than $55 million through 644 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Now in its 16th year, the program has helped more than 300,000 LPRs prepare for citizenship.The Citizenship Integration Training Academy (CITA) funding opportunity aims to train a new cadre of citizenship instructors and oversee the development of new citizenship programs. This funding will provide support to organizations that have not previously received USCIS grant funding. In year one of the grant, the CITA will provide twelve months of rigorous, mandatory virtual training for grant recipient staff designed to impart the requisite technical skills, knowledge, and capacity to enable them to establish and implement a high-quality citizenship education program for LPRs in years two and three. During years two and three, program implementation will be closely followed and supported by USCIS staff, who will provide technical assistance to grant recipients. This grant also offers an optional component for funded organizations to pursue and establish a naturalization application services program staffed by two Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representatives. Interested organizations may independently pursue status as a Department of Justice (DOJ) Recognized Organization during year one, with the cost of this training and designated staff time reimbursed through Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA) grant funding. During years two and three, participating grant recipients will begin offering naturalization application services in conjunction with their citizenship education program.

The Public Diplomacy section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros, part of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines our funding priorities, our strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: The Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program supports projects proposed by U.S., Malagasy, and/or Comorian educational, cultural, and other non-profit organizations or individuals that promote U.S. values, strengthen understanding between U.S. and Malagasy and/or Comorian people and institutions, and/or support U.S. Embassy goals of promoting human rights, transparency and good governance, economic and social prosperity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development of natural resources. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element or a connection with U.S. experts, organizations, or institutions that will encourage increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: Promoting human rights, civic engagement, and democracy; Advancing a free and responsible press and combatting disinformation including election disinformation; Promoting the free exercise of religion and ensuring laws and government policies do not interfere with its practice; Developing skills in innovation technology, STEM, and entrepreneurship for women, girls, and/or underrepresented populations; and, Promoting U.S.-Madagascar/Comoros exchange in sports, music, and art. Participants and Audiences: The list below delineates our target audiences: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators; Media professionals; Civil society professionals; Women, girls, minorities, and underrepresented populations. The following types of programs are not eligible for funding: Programs relating to partisan political activity; Charitable or development activities; Construction programs; Programs that support specific religious activities; Fund-raising campaigns; Lobbying for specific legislation or programs; Scientific research; Programs intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; or Programs that duplicate existing programs. Authorizing legislation, type and year of funding: Funding authority rests in the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. The source of funding is FY2024 Public Diplomacy Funding. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 18 months Number of awards anticipated: Up to 4 awards (depending upon amounts) Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $5,000 Total available funding: $20,000 (pending the availability of funds) Type of funding: Fiscal Year 2024 Public Diplomacy Funding Anticipated program start date: September 01, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Grants, Fixed Amount Awards, Awards to Individuals, or Cooperative Agreements. Cooperative agreements require substantial involvement and are different from grants in that Public Diplomacy staff are more actively involved in the grant implementation. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less. The Public Diplomacy Section may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. Mission Vietnam Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please note that the agreement will be signed under a federal grant assistance form. The funding is not eligible for a service agreement.Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis. The intermediate deadline on June 16, 2024, is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Please carefully follow all instructions below.Purpose of Grants: PAS invites proposals to implement impactful programs for projects that strengthen ties between the United States and Vietnam by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation on cultural exchange and creative economies, digital policy, STEM education and workforce development, environmental issues, clean energy, strengthening rule of law, and health security in Vietnam to forge enduring connections between the United States and emerging leaders in Vietnam. Proposals that advance cultural collaboration particularly to advance cultural economy in Vietnam will also be considered. Grant proposals must convey an American cultural element, support a priority program area (see below) or include a connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. An organization can submit a single proposal to cover multiple programs on different thematic priorities at multiple locations.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project to assist in building the capacity and professionalization of the Honduran National Preventive Police (HNP), increasing their ability to function as effective, efficient, and transparent officers, ultimately strengthening their relationships and connections with the communities in which they operate. The program will build trust between the Honduran National Preventive Police (HNP) and the communities they serve by expanding training opportunities, building capacity, and coordinating community events to promote community safety, minimize gang influence, and prevent youth recruitment from gangs.

Advancing stability and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is critical to the achievement of the United States foreign policy. There are many challenges, however, which hinder efforts to improve transparent governance, provide inclusive economic opportunities, and encourage civic engagement. Two thirds of the population feel that economic hardship and corruption plague their countries, with trust in government decreasing since 2015. The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Local Grants Programs mission is to sustain the United States commitment to strengthen direct partnerships with local actors to promote prosperity and participatory governance. Its objectives are to support civil society organizations in (1) developing, promoting, and implementing locally-designed solutions to self-identified environmental, economic, or social problems through civic engagement or economic participation; (2) fostering inclusive economic growth that reaches marginalized communities, youth, and women; (3) advancing participatory governance through promoting citizens engagement and decision-makers willingness to work with citizen groups and civil society organizations (CSOs); (4) improving civil societys representation of the needs of citizens through collective action on the local level; (5) working towards gender parity in economics and/or politics; (6) increasing youth engagement in meaningful economic and civic activities; and (7) fostering innovative approaches to solving social, economic, or political issues.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) solicits applications for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (“Capacity Grant Program” or “Program”), the second of three digital equity programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, Division F, Title III, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1209 (November 15, 2021) (“Infrastructure Act” or “IIJA”) also known as the (“Digital Equity Act” or “DE Act”). The Digital Equity Act appropriated $2.75 billion to be awarded by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information (“Assistant Secretary”) to promote digital inclusion activities and achieve digital equity. The Digital Equity Act consists of three funding programs: (1) the $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program; (2) the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program; and (3) the $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program. NTIA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program (“Planning Grant Program”) on May 13, 2022, making funds available to States and Territories to develop State Digital Equity Plans (“Digital Equity Plans”). The Capacity Grant Program will provide funds to States and U.S. Territories to implement the State Digital Equity Plans developed pursuant to the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. The Digital Equity Plans identify the barriers to achieving digital equity faced by certain populations defined by the statute (i.e. “Covered Populations”), and include measurable objectives to promote: (1) the availability and affordability of access to broadband technology; (2) online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services; (3) digital literacy; (4) awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity; and (5) the availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices. In addition, this NOFO establishes a competitive process to make both State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program funds and State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program funds available to Native Entities to carry out digital equity and inclusion activities consistent with the Digital Equity Act. These proposed projects must include measurable objectives and evaluation criteria as part of their program design and will likewise address barriers to digital equity and promote the availability and affordability of access to broadband technology, online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services, digital literacy, awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity, and the availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices. Because funding for States and U.S. Territories is based on a statutory allocation formula and funding for Native Entities will be determined through a separate competitive process, this NOFO is divided into sections to help clarify specific requirements applicable to different entities applying for funding. The procedures through which States and U.S. Territories can seek funding are outlined in Section II. Procedures for Native Entities to obtain funding are addressed in Section III. The remaining sections are common to both types of entities. Recognizing that achieving digital equity for all people, including Indigenous peoples of the United States and Territories, is a matter of social and economic justice, this NOFO seeks to enable any entity that is awarded a grant under this Program to better understand, measure, and address systemic barriers to digital equity and, in collaboration with the communities most impacted, co-create the conditions necessary for long-lasting and meaningful change to ensure a sustainable future. Focusing investments on creating these conditions for change will allow entities awarded a grant under this Program to address the causes of socioeconomic disparities and will result in improved outcomes in health, education, economic stability, and quality of life among the Covered Populations.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS. This is to provide notice of the continuation of Cooperative Agreement award 23CS03GLN9.

This federal funding program provides resources to local agencies that assist low-income individuals and families in overcoming poverty through essential services and community development initiatives.