Community Economic Development Projects | HHS 2024 ACF OCS EE 1965

Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2024 ACF OCS EE 1965

The Community Economic Development Projects opportunity (HHS-2024-ACF-OCS-EE-1965) is a discretionary grant program run by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS), designed to fund projects that create jobs and expand businesses for people with low income. OCS plans to award about $15.2 million total across roughly 15 grants, with an award ceiling of $800,000 per project. The program sits within the Income Security and Social Services activity area (CFDA 93.570) and is aimed at helping communities address persistent economic challenges by building or strengthening viable enterprises that can employ local residents who face barriers to stable work.

At its core, the grant is meant to support well-planned, financially viable, and innovative community economic development efforts led by Community Development Corporations (CDCs). Funded projects should directly result in job creation and business development, while also supporting broader public goals like reducing long-term reliance on federal assistance programs, combating chronic unemployment, and reversing community deterioration in both urban and rural settings. OCS places strong emphasis on outcomes that last, meaning applicants should not only create positions but also actively recruit individuals with low income to fill those roles, provide the kinds of supports that help people stay employed, and ensure the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year beyond the end of the grant project period.

Projects may involve construction or non-construction activities, but the program is clear about what counts as a job created. Temporary, short-term construction jobs tied to preparing a facility for a startup or expansion do not count toward the job creation numbers for this program because those roles end once the construction phase is over. The focus is on sustained employment tied to ongoing business operations. OCS also encourages applicants to prioritize rural and underserved areas, particularly in states where there are current projects, signaling an intent to push resources toward places that may have fewer investment options or less access to economic development capital.

Eligibility is limited to organizations that function as qualifying CDCs, and applicants must meet three specific conditions. First, the organization must be a private, nonprofit CDC with 501(c)(3) status. Second, its governing documents (such as articles of incorporation or bylaws) must show that a principal purpose of the organization is planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or community economic development activities. Third, the organization must have a Board of Directors that includes representation from community residents, business leaders, and civic leaders, ensuring decision-making reflects the broader community. The organization does not need to literally use the term "CDC" in its official paperwork as long as it meets these three requirements.

Certain applicants are explicitly not eligible. Individuals, including sole proprietorships, cannot apply, and foreign entities are disqualified from merit review and funding under this opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations may apply as long as they meet the same eligibility requirements as any other nonprofit CDC. The notice also states that ACF will not discriminate in selecting recipients based on an organization’s religious character or affiliation, consistent with federal protections and applicable regulations, including 45 CFR Part 87 and related statutes.

Key logistical details include the original application closing date of July 17, 2024, the grant funding instrument type, and the expectation of approximately 15 awards. Overall, this opportunity is best suited for established, community-rooted nonprofit development organizations that can demonstrate a credible business plan, a clear pathway to hiring people with low income into lasting roles, and a strategy to keep the enterprise stable beyond the grant period.

• The Administration for Children and Families - OCS in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Community Economic Development Projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.570.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $800,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for HHS 2024 ACF OCS EE 1965

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