The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through its Office of Community Services (OCS), is preparing to solicit applications for its Community Economic Development (CED) Projects funding opportunity. This program is part of a discretionary grant initiative aimed at supporting Community Development Corporations (CDCs) in launching innovative, financially viable projects that enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low income. It is intended to serve as a strategic tool in reducing reliance on federal programs, mitigating chronic unemployment, and addressing signs of community deterioration in both urban and rural areas.

The CED program expects applicants to develop projects that actively recruit and support individuals with low income in securing and maintaining employment. Projects should ensure that jobs and businesses created remain operational for at least one year following the conclusion of the project period. While both construction and non-construction projects are eligible, only permanent jobs resulting from business start-ups or expansions are counted toward job creation metrics, not short-term construction employment.

Eligible applicants must be private, nonprofit CDCs with 501(c)(3) status. Their organizing documents must clearly demonstrate a principal purpose of planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community economic development activities. Furthermore, their Board of Directors must include community residents, business leaders, and civic leaders. Faith-based and community organizations meeting these conditions are eligible. However, individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities are not eligible and will be excluded from merit review and funding.

The estimated total funding available through this opportunity is $15.2 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000. Approximately 15 awards are anticipated. The expected project start date is September 30, 2025, with an estimated application due date of July 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 PM EST on the due date. The forecasted release date for the official application materials is May 1, 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to focus on underserved and rural communities and to consider aligning their proposals with other OCS-funded initiatives, particularly in regions facing persistent poverty, high unemployment, and substance use disorders. More information about the CED program and associated guidance can be found on the OCS website at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/ced. For questions or additional details, prospective applicants may contact Chanel Jackson at (202) 969-3633 or via email at Chanel.Jackson@acf.hhs.gov.