Community Economic Development Projects
Description
The Office of Community Services (OCS) will award approximately $18.57 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low income. Projects should be well-planned, financially viable, and innovative. CED awards will be made as part of a broader strategy to address objectives such as decreasing dependency on federal programs, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in urban and rural areas. CED projects are expected to actively recruit individuals with low incomes to fill the positions created by CED-funded development activities, to assist those individuals in successfully maintaining employment, and to ensure that the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year after the project period. CED projects can be non-construction or construction projects. In states with current projects, OCS encourages applicants to target rural and underserved areas.Furthermore, OCS encourages potential applicants to explore how proposed projects can be aligned and/or integrated with other OCS-funded programs and priorities to more comprehensively address the needs of rural and urban communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance-use disorder, as well as communities experiencing persistent poverty, as identified by US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
The Office of Community Services (OCS) will award approximately $18.57 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low income. Projects should be well-planned, financially viable, and innovative. CED awards will be made as part of a broader strategy to address objectives such as decreasing dependency on federal programs, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in urban and rural areas. CED projects are expected to actively recruit individuals with low incomes to fill the positions created by CED-funded development activities, to assist those individuals in successfully maintaining employment, and to ensure that the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year after the project period. CED projects can be non-construction or construction projects. In states with current projects, OCS encourages applicants to target rural and underserved areas.Furthermore, OCS encourages potential applicants to explore how proposed projects can be aligned and/or integrated with other OCS-funded programs and priorities to more comprehensively address the needs of rural and urban communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance-use disorder, as well as communities experiencing persistent poverty, as identified by US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.
Funding Information
- Award Ceiling
- $800,000
- Award Floor
- $100,000
- Estimated Total Program Funding
- $17,484,782
- Expected Number of Awards
- 21
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from Administration for Children and Families - OCS is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this Administration for Children and Families - OCS program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362237).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by Administration for Children and Families - OCS — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on September 8, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for federal programs such as those from Administration for Children and Families - OCS are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
More Grants from Administration for Children and Families - OCS
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Community Economic Development Projects?
This opportunity from Administration for Children and Families - OCS is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Federal are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does Community Economic Development Projects provide?
Award amounts for Community Economic Development Projects range from $100,000 to $800,000.
When is the deadline for Community Economic Development Projects?
The application deadline for Community Economic Development Projects is September 8, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for Community Economic Development Projects?
Apply for Community Economic Development Projects through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362237). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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