Funding Resources
Community Economic Development (CED) Grants 2026: Up to $800,000 for Job Creation and Economic Growth
Creating sustainable jobs is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen local economies. The Community Economic Development (CED) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), provides competitive grants to support projects that create employment and business opportunities for individuals with low incomes.
About the Community Economic Development (CED) Program
The Community Economic Development (CED) Program is a federal initiative that supports business development projects designed to create new employment opportunities for individuals with low incomes.
Unlike many workforce grants, CED focuses on creating permanent jobs through business expansion and economic development, rather than simply providing job training. Funded projects often involve partnerships between nonprofit organizations, businesses, financial institutions, and local governments.
The program is administered by the Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
Grant Amount
Eligible organizations may request up to $800,000 in federal funding.
Grant awards are competitive and depend on available appropriations, project quality, and compliance with program requirements.
Projects are typically funded for project periods of up to 36 months.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Community Development Corporations (CDCs)
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Tribal organizations meeting federal eligibility requirements
Applicants must have experience managing community or economic development projects and demonstrate the capacity to oversee federal grant funding.
Each funding cycle has its own application deadline, eligibility requirements, and available funding. Organizations should review the current NOFO carefully before preparing an application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
Before applying, organizations should:
Review the current Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov if required.
Develop a detailed business and implementation plan.
Identify matching funds.
Prepare all required federal forms and supporting documentation.
Apply here: https://www.acf.gov/ocs/programs/ced
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