The Community Economic Development (CED) program is a federal grant program that expands employment for individuals with low income in communities facing persistent poverty and high unemployment by investing in community development corporations (CDCs) that create and expand businesses and job opportunities. Jobs created with CED funds provide living wages, paid leave, fringe benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition, employees are also connected to critical support services to remove barriers to long-term employment and economic mobility. And 75% of all of the jobs created with CED funds are filled by individuals with low income.
CED provides funding to private, non-profit CDCs, including faith-based organizations and Tribal and Alaskan Native organizations. For every $1 of CED funding that is used on a project, more than $6 from other sources is invested back into low-income communities. View all CED Voices from the Field videos.
Celebrating Community Economic Development Month
Community Economic Development (CED) Month is an annual celebration highlighting how communities come together to drive local economic development. CED supports entrepreneurs, expands businesses, creates jobs, and provides needed products and services to local residents.
Notice:
The CED program does not provide direct grants to individuals; CED does not charge a fee for receiving a grant. If you receive a message offering you a CED grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477. For more information, please visit the Grant Fraud and Scams site.
Information for Prospective Applicants
The CED program hosts a grant competition on an annual basis to fund new CED projects. These application process is competitive, and awards are decided through a panel review process.
Each year, the grant competition is announced through the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov .
The funding opportunities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 have closed. This page will be updated when the FY 2025 CED NOFO(s) are released.
In the meantime, refer to the Information for Prospective Applicants webpage to learn more about funding eligibility, designing a successful CED project, application resources, and submitting a CED application.
CED Grant Recipient Toolkit
The CED Recipient Toolkit is a one-stop shop for grant recipients to find all the information you will need to successfully manage your grant and create impactful job creation.
Each section contains program information, tools, and resources for grant recipients to refer to throughout the life of your CED grant.
Want to Learn More About Active CED Projects?
Check out the active CED project locations in your area.
Learn more about projects focused on CED initiatives:
Learn about the CED program's purpose, requirements, and highlights.
The CED Grant Recipient Toolkit is a one-stop shop for CED grant recipients to find all the information you will need to successfully manage your grant and create impactful job creation. Each section contains program information, tools, and resources for grant recipients to refer to throughout the life of your CED grant.
Getting Started with Your CED Grant
Working with ACF and HHS Offices
Systems for Grant Management and Reporting
Data Collection & Performance Progress Report
Managing Grant Administration Activities
The CED grant recipient spotlights highlight the positive impact CED projects have made to revitalize their communities through job and business creation for individuals with low income.
Read key policies and guidance for the CED program.
The annual CED Report to Congress provides a summary of grant activities and accomplishments in the past fiscal year.
FY 2022 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2021 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2020 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2019 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2018 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2017 CED and RCD Report to Congress (PDF)
FY 2016 CED and RCD Report to Congress
FY 2015 CED and RCD Report to Congress
Read the Legislative Authority for the CED program.
Office of Community Services
Phone: 202-401-9333
OCSgrants@acf.hhs.gov