Effective Strategies for Nonprofits to Secure Community Project Funding

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With the federal appropriations process underway, nonprofit organizations have a critical opportunity to secure funding through Community Project Funding (CPF), known in the Senate as Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS).

This funding process can greatly benefit organizations in need of capital, whether for facility expansions, workforce development, or infrastructure improvements. However, the timeline to apply is often brief, as deadlines are set by each congressional member shortly after guidelines are issued.

Organizations that act swiftly and prepare in advance tend to secure the funding.

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Understanding Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding permits members of the U.S. House and Senate to request federal funding for specific district or state projects during the annual appropriations process.

Unlike the competitive grants provided by federal agencies, CPF requests are submitted by Congress members on behalf of eligible entities such as nonprofits and local governments. Funding is allocated to named projects if these requests are approved by the Appropriations Committees and included in legislation.

The program is structured with transparency and oversight. Projects must meet eligibility criteria, show community support, and adhere to disclosure requirements.

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Importance of Timing

Each congressional office sets its own submission deadline, often within a short window in late winter or early spring, shortly after guidance is issued.

Successful CPF submissions generally require:

1. A clearly defined project scope
2. Detailed budget documentation
3. Evidence of community impact
4. Letters of support
5. Proof of financial readiness and organizational capacity
6. Alignment with an eligible federal appropriations account

Waiting for guidance to begin preparation can place organizations at a significant disadvantage.

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House and Senate Account Differences

One key aspect of Community Project Funding is the difference in eligible accounts and project types authorized by the House and Senate, which can change annually.

FY2026 Eligible Accounts and Project Types by Subcommittee

Appropriations Subcommittee	Senate (CDS) – Eligible Accounts / Project Types	House (CPF) – Eligible Accounts / Project Types (FY26)
Agriculture, Rural Development	Rural Development Community Facilities; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; certain NRCS and ARS accounts	Rural Development Community Facilities; Water & Waste Disposal; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; Broadband/ReConnect
Commerce–Justice–Science (CJS)	Byrne Discretionary Grants; COPS Technology & Equipment; NIST Construction; NOAA Operations & Facilities (limited); certain NASA safety accounts	Byrne JAG; COPS; Economic Development Administration; NIST Construction; NOAA Procurement/Construction (as specified in FY26 guidance)
Energy & Water Development	Army Corps (Investigations, Construction, O&M); Bureau of Reclamation Water & Related Resources; limited DOE Energy Projects	Army Corps (Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River & Tributaries, O&M); Bureau of Reclamation Water & Related Resources
Financial Services & General Government	SBA Administrative Provisions (training/research; no seed capital); GSA Federal Buildings Fund; National Archives; ONDCP Prevention Grants	No eligible accounts or projects under FY26 House CPF guidance
Homeland Security	FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM); FEMA Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)	FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM); FEMA Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
Interior & Environment	EPA Clean Water; EPA Drinking Water; National Park Service Historic Preservation; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (limited accounts)	EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for clean water and drinking water infrastructure only
Labor–HHS–Education	HRSA Health Facilities Construction & Equipment (limited); DOL Training & Employment Services (no construction); SAMHSA (non-construction); certain Education improvement accounts	No eligible accounts or projects under FY26 House CPF guidance
Military Construction–VA	Military construction projects only	Military construction projects only (DoD accounts meeting specific eligibility criteria)
Transportation–HUD (THUD)	Airport Improvement Program (AIP); Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP); Transit Infrastructure Grants (TIG); Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements (CRISI); Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP); Economic Development Initiative (EDI)	AIP; HIP; TIG; CRISI; PIDP; Economic Development Initiative (EDI)

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Key Points for Nonprofits

Some subcommittees offer limited funding options:

• Homeland Security (House and Senate) only includes FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Emergency Operations Centers for FY26.
• Interior (House) is restricted to EPA water infrastructure under the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account.
• Labor–HHS–Education (House) does not have eligible CPF accounts under FY26 House guidance.
• Financial Services (House) does not include eligible CPF accounts under FY26 guidance.
• Military Construction–VA is strictly for military construction projects.

Nonprofits must ensure their projects fit CPF eligibility criteria and align with the correct appropriations account.

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Competitive Nonprofit Projects

Successful nonprofit requests for Community Project Funding often involve:

• Facility construction or major renovations
• Infrastructure-related equipment
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Public health and behavioral health facilities
• Food bank warehouse expansions
• Workforce development training facilities
• Transportation or port-related infrastructure
• Community development aligned with statutory CDBG uses

Operating costs are generally not eligible for funding.

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Strategies for Nonprofits

Community Project Funding requires strategic engagement, not just form submission.

Nonprofits should consider:

1. Project alignment with eligible federal accounts in the relevant chamber.
2. Demonstrating broad community support and political viability.
3. Shovel-ready or near-ready projects with cost estimates and a clear plan.
4. Organizational capacity to manage federal funds.

Early engagement with congressional district and state offices enhances competitiveness and ensures project alignment before deadlines.

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Getting Ready for the Next Cycle

Nonprofits should start preparing by:

1. Identifying capital-ready or infrastructure-focused projects
2. Crafting concise project narratives tied to eligible accounts
3. Preparing cost estimates and engineering documents if needed
4. Obtaining letters of support from local stakeholders
5. Tracking guidance and deadlines from U.S. Representatives and Senators

Submission deadlines are strict and non-negotiable. Late submissions are not considered.

As federal funding becomes increasingly competitive, Community Project Funding offers valuable capital for strategic organizations. Preparation, alignment, and early engagement are crucial for securing funding.