[Administration for Children and Families - OCS](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs)

July 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$100,000–$800,000 per award; ~$17.5M total funding; ~21 awards expected; project period typically 3 years

Supports Community Development Corporations in creating jobs and businesses for individuals with low income in persistently poor and high-unemployment communities.

--- ## Description This federal grant program, administered by the Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families, provides funding to private, non-profit Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to support job creation and business development for individuals with low income. The program aims to reduce poverty, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in both urban and rural areas by investing in projects that are innovative, financially viable, and sustainable. CED-funded projects are expected to recruit and retain low-income individuals in newly created jobs, support their long-term employment, and ensure business viability for at least one year after project completion. Both construction and non-construction projects are eligible, and OCS encourages targeting rural and underserved areas as well as alignment with other OCS-funded priorities. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: ~$17.5 million - Award range: $100,000 (minimum) to $800,000 (maximum) per project - Expected number of awards: ~21 - Typical project period: up to 3 years - No cost-sharing or matching requirement --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following requirements: - Be a private, non-profit Community Development Corporation (CDC) with 501(c)(3) status. - Have articles of incorporation or bylaws demonstrating that the CDC’s principal purpose is planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community economic development activities. - The Board of Directors must include representation from: - Community residents - Business leaders - Civic leaders **Additional notes:** - Faith-based and community organizations are eligible if they meet the requirements above. - Individuals, sole proprietorships, federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362237). - Required documentation includes proof of CDC status, organizational bylaws or articles, and board composition. - Detailed application instructions and program requirements will be posted on the official program page and Grants.gov when the opportunity opens. --- ## Additional Information - CED projects should demonstrate innovation, financial viability, and the ability to create and sustain jobs for low-income individuals. - Projects may be construction or non-construction. - OCS encourages projects in rural and underserved communities, and those aligned with other OCS priorities (e.g., addressing persistent poverty, unemployment, or substance-use disorder). - 75% of jobs created with CED funds must be filled by individuals with low income. --- ## External Links - [Program page and resources](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/ced) - [Fact Sheet](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/fact-sheet/ced-fact-sheet) - [Grant Recipient Toolkit](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/training-technical-assistance/ced-grantee-toolkit) - [Grants.gov listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362237) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|------------------------------------|-----------------| | Olivia Barfield | [Olivia.Barfield@acf.hhs.gov](mailto:Olivia.Barfield@acf.hhs.gov) | (202) 545-4904 | For general program inquiries: [OCS Contact Page](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/help) ---

Community Economic Development Projects

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