CED Information for Prospective Applicants

Current as of:

Use these resources to learn about the CED Program, eligibility requirements, ways to create a successful job creation project, and how to apply for a CED grant.

Key Considerations for Designing a CED Project

Organizations interested in applying for a CED grant can think through these key components and questions when designing and proposing a CED project. Organizations may use the questions from this video to inform discussions around project design and implementation.

Tips on Writing and Submitting a CED Application

Organizations interested in applying for a CED grant should review this video's tips on writing and submitting their applications. Check out the companion resource: Tips for Writing and Submitting a CED Application Guide (PDF).

FY 2023 CED NOFOs

The 2023 CED application period is now closed. 

For reference, view the following FY 2023 CED Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs):

You may also refer to the pre-application presentations:

General Resources

Important Update: As of 2022, prospective applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to apply. In previous years, a DUNS number was required. For more information on this requirement and how to obtain a UEI for your organization, view:

Training Resources and Videos for Grants.gov

While applying for a CED grant, applicants will need need to use Grants.gov. This resource provides instructional resources and videos on how to use Grants.gov. There are many resources on the page but some recommended videos are listed below:

Have More Questions?

Contact us at OCSRegistrar@icf.com.

Understanding Funding Eligibility

CED awards funds to private, non-profit organizations that are community development corporations (CDCs), including faith-based organizations, and Tribal and Alaskan Native organizations. Tribal and Native organizations must be private non-profit organizations that are not tribal or native governments. A tribal or native non-profit will have different EIN and DUNS from their tribal or native governments. Note: The CED program does not fund individuals.

  • Applicants must be a private, non-profit CDC experienced in developing and managing economic development projects.
  • For purposes of this grant program, the CDC must be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of residents of the community and business and civic leaders.
  • The CDC must have as a principal purpose planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community development activities. Applicants must document their eligibility as a CDC for the purposes of this grant program through their organization's articles of incorporation or by laws.

Watch this short clip on eligibility!

Plan a Successful Job Creation Project

The Developing a Successful Job Creation Project Toolkit poses a series of discussion questions that will help your nonprofit organization think deeply about the elements required to design an economic development project that can successfully secure funding to create full-time, permanent jobs in low-income communities.

The Lessons from the Field case studies summarize how CDCs around the country employ grants from the CED program. They demonstrate but a portion of the work done by CDCs using CED. For more CED Voices from the Field, visit the Voices from the Field Archive.

To learn about the successes of current CED grants, visit the CED Grant Recipient Spotlight page and check out: