Community Project Funding
This year, the House Appropriations Committee will be accepting Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for the 2023 Fiscal Year (FY 2023). The CPF process allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent.
CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula. Each office will be limited to fifteen Community Project Funding requests, though only a handful may be funded.
For Fiscal Year 2022, Congressman Castro secured more than $10.5 million for projects in San Antonio. You can learn about each project in the 20th District here.
Eligible entities are non-profits or state and local governmental entities. Non-profit organizations must provide evidence that they are non-profit organizations by either supplying their Employer Identification Number or an IRS determination letter. For-profit entities are not eligible for CPF requests.
In addition, only projects with evidence of strong support from the community will be considered, and evidence of community support and community need is required as part of your submission. This evidence can take the form of a letter from local stakeholders, inclusion on a state or local planning document, letters to the editor in local papers, or many more options discussed further below. Each project request must be for Fiscal Year 2023 funds only and cannot include a request for multi-year funding.
Please click here for a link to our office’s CPF application.
Download a pdf version of CPF Guidance here.
Watch our CPF listening session here.
Final applications must be completed and submitted with all supporting materials no later than April 18th, 2022. Please email TX20.CommunityProjects@mail.house.gov ASAP if you believe your request may be submitted late.
Committee on Appropriations
For FY 2023, CPF is available from various accounts across 10 different appropriations bills. Below you will find a summary of each account and their allowed uses.
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
1. Agriculture Community Facilities Grants: Funds can be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities, to purchase equipment, and pay other related project expenses. Essential community facilities include, but are not limited to, healthcare facilities, public facilities, public safety measures, educational services, or other community support services. Any project must serve a rural area, including cities, villages, townships, and Federally Recognized Tribal lands with no more than 20,000 residents.
2. Agriculture ReConnect Program: Funds can be used for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service to rural areas without sufficient broadband access. The area must be rural and lack sufficient access to broadband service. A rural area is any area which is not located within a city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants. Sufficient access to broadband is defined as greater than 90% of any rural area in which households have fixed, terrestrial broadband service delivering at least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. Mobile and satellite services will not be considered in making the determination of sufficient access to broadband.
Stand-alone middle-mile projects are not eligible under the ReConnect Program. However, middle-mile 5 facilities are eligible if they are needed to bring sufficient broadband service to all premises in the area.
3. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: Funds may be used for audio and video equipment, broadband facilities that support distance learning or telemedicine (not actual broadband), computer hardware or network components/software, and acquisition of instructional programing. The program requires a 15% match that cannot come from another federal source. Competitive awards typically range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 and the Committee will consider projects in this range. The program is intended to serve rural areas with populations of 20,000 or less.
4. Agriculture Research Service, Buildings and Facilities: Facility requests must be for Agricultural Research Service (ARS) owned 6 facilities or for facilities that will enhance ongoing ARS work. Requests can assist in the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the Department of Agriculture. It is strongly encouraged for details to be provided on the research to be conducted, why the research is a high priority, as well as details on the modernization and why it is critical in carrying out the research. Requests for ARS-owned facilities will be given priority for funding.
5. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports private landowners, conservation districts, and other organizations to conserve, maintain, and improve the Nation’s natural resources. Conservation Operations has four major program components: Conservation Technical Assistance, Soil Survey, Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting, and Plant Materials Centers. Due to the newness of the urban agriculture program, the subcommittee will not consider such proposals this year as part of CPFs in Conservation Operations. It is strongly encouraged to provide details on the work to be done, including if the project will conduct surveys, investigations, or research, and if there is a plan to publish the 7 results of any such work. Members should also describe any preventive measures to be taken, such as engineering operations, methods of cultivation, or changes in use of land.
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Construction of Research Facilities: This account funds the construction and renovation of research facilities, provided that such facilities will be used in a manner that is aligned with and supportive of the mission of NIST. While there are no guarantees, preference will be given to more modest requests.
2. NIST; Scientific and Technical Research and Services: Funds from this account must be for activities consistent with and supportive of NIST’s mission and within its authorities, such as STEM education activities, scientific research, or other activities that support American manufacturing and industry. Projects of a modest size are more likely to receive full funding. This account does not fund vehicles or building construction or renovation.
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NAOO) Operations, Research, and Facilities: This account does not fund construction projects, and as such, any such requests will not be considered. Requests for funding will be considered for research, demonstration, or education projects performed by external partners or for prioritizing NOAA internal funds for geographically specific projects. Any such project must be aligned with NOAA’s mission and within their existing authorities. Projects of a modest size are more likely to receive full funding. The subcommittee will not entertain requests for community project funding for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
4. Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): Byrne JAG Grants assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system, provide victims’ services, and other related activities. Community projects funded under this category must comply with the requirements cited in JAG statutes and be consistent with Justice Department guidance for the program. A link to the Department’s guidance can be found here, and a link to frequently asked questions can be found here.
The Committee encourages community project funding designed to help improve police-community relations. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.
5. Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology & Equipment: Funding will be provided for COPS Technology and Equipment (COPS Tech) community project grants for State, local, and tribal law enforcement to develop and acquire effective technologies and interoperable communications that assist in investigating, responding to, and preventing crime, provided that such equipment meets the applicable requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES). This funding will allow recipients the opportunity to establish and enhance any of a variety of technical equipment and/or programs to encourage the continuation and enhancement of community policing efforts within their jurisdictions.
6. NASA Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Funding must be for activities consistent with and supportive of the work of NASA’s mission directorates and within the agency’s authorities, such as STEM education activities and scientific research. Funding for building construction or renovation projects will not be considered for community project funding.
Defense
1. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Army: Funds from this account may be used to enhance the Army’s scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.
2. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Navy: Funds from this account may be used to enhance the Navy’s scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by DOD and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.
3. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Air Force: Funds from this account may be used to enhance the Air Force’s scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by DOD and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.
4. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Space Force: Funds from this account may be used to enhance the Space Force’s scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by DOD and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.
5. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Defense-Wide: Funds from this account may be used to enhance DOD’s scientific and technical knowledge through research, development, test, and evaluation funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) and performed by industry, universities, federal laboratories, and others. Please note that the most likely recipients of funds from this account will be universities conducting research with a DOD element.
Energy & Water Development and Related Agencies
1. Army Corps of Engineers Accounts: Only previously authorized projects will be considered for funding. A list of authorized projects can be found here. This account is best for facilitators of authorized projects and their partners.
2. Bureau of Reclamation – Water and Related Resources: Only previously authorized projects will be considered for funding. A list of authorized projects can be found here.This account is best for facilitators of authorized projects and their partners.
3. Department of Energy: Funds from this account may be used for a wide range of projects, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, cybersecurity, energy security, emergency response, electricity, energy storage, nuclear energy, fossil energy, carbon management and critical minerals. Funds may not be used to support building construction. Additionally, electric vehicle charging station projects will not be considered unless there is a renewable energy or storage connection to the charging station. Please note that the non-federal cost-share for this account ranges from 0-50%.
Financial Services and General Government
1. Small Business Administration – Small Business Initiatives: Projects in support of small businesses, including but not limited to entrepreneur training, workforce development, counseling, research, and construction or acquisition of facilities. Please note the Committee may consider slightly higher project amounts for FY23, and any caps will be determined by the Chair after reviewing the full universe of requests.
2. General Services Administration, Federal Buildings Fund – New Construction, Major Repairs and Alterations, and Basic Repairs: Funds may be used for projects limited to line items in the GSA Federal Buildings Fund requested by the Administration in either the FY22 or FY23 budget request.
3. National Archives and Records Administration, National Historical Publications and Records Commission: Funds may be used for projects that help ensure online public discovery and use of historical records collections, encourage public engagement with historical records, strengthen the nation’s archival network, or publish documentary editions of historical records. Generally, projects should comply with the eligibility requirements for existing National Historical Publications and Records Commission grants programs as specified here.
Homeland Security
1. Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants: Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will be considered for funding, including the cost-share requirement and environmental and historic preservation requirements, as applicable. For any projects designated for funding in the final fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the state agency responsible for administering mitigation grants in the requestor’s state must submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that entity will serve as the administrative agent for the grant. Therefore, all project proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the appropriate state agency affirming that it believes the project is eligible.
2. Emergency Operations Center Grants: Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Emergency Operations Center Grant Program, including the cost-share requirement and environmental and historic preservation requirements, as applicable, will be considered for funding. For any projects designated for funding in the final fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the respective state administrative agency (SAA) must submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that agency will serve as the administrative agent for the grant. Therefore, all project proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the appropriate SSA affirming that it believes the project is eligible.
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
1. Save America’s Treasures (SAT) through the National Park Service: This program is for preservation and/or conservation work on nationally significant collections and historic properties. The existing competitive grant program funds two categories of projects: awards managed by the National Park Service (NPS) for preservation projects at properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance or designated a National Historic Landmark; and awards managed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for projects involving nationally significant collections (including artifacts, museum collections, documents, sculptures, and other works of art).
To be considered for Community Project Funding, each applicant must provide information consistent with competitive application requirements. Grants are not available for work on sites or collections owned by the NPS. If the historic structure has been moved, it is probably not eligible for funding.
2. Land Acquisition Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund: Funds must be used for the federal acquisition of lands and water for the purpose of land and habitat conservation and outdoor recreation. Land acquisition project requests should be requested through the agency that would manage the land being acquired. The four land management agencies are: (1) the Bureau of Land Management, (2) the Fish and Wildlife Service, (3) the National Park Service; and within the Department of Agriculture, (4) the Forest Service.
If the project you are requesting involves a third-party organization, please be mindful that funding for a land acquisition project goes to the agency that will manage the land. The Great American Outdoors Act of (Public Law 116-152) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) mandates that the president submit, along with the upcoming fiscal year’s budget request, proposed and supplemental project lists. Projects that appear on the proposed lists are considered programmatic requests and should not be requested for Community Project Funding. The Committee will look favorably upon requests for projects that appear on the supplemental list. When submitting your request, please indicate whether the project is on this list.
3. State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG): Funds from this account may be used for local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. This includes construction of and modifications to municipal sewage treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants. Similar to past practice, the Committee will be limiting STAG infrastructure grants only to projects that are publicly-owned or owned by a non-profit entity and that are otherwise eligible for the funding from that state’s Clean Water or Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) loan programs. There is a minimum 20% cost share requirement for any portion of a project funded through a STAG infrastructure grant. Privately-owned projects are NOT eligible for infrastructure grants, even if they are otherwise eligible for assistance under a SRF program.
4. U.S. Forest Service – State and Private Forestry: Funds from this account may be used to improve the management, protection, and utilization of the Nation’s forests – including landscape scale restoration, urban and community forestry, forest disease or pest treatment, and fire assistance. Please note, State and Private Forestry projects are required to meet the 1:1 matching requirement mandated by the Forest Service.
Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
1. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration: Funds from this account may be used to for programs that provide direct training and employment services to individuals and meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements. Projects requesting funding must also demonstrate linkage(s) with state or local workforce investment systems and include an evaluation component. Funding cannot be used for construction or renovation of facilities.
2. Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – Health Facilities Construction and Equipment: Funds from this account may be used to help with the cost of construction, renovation, or capital equipment for facilities for provision of health, mental health, or substance abuse services, training of health professionals, or medical research. Examples of eligible facilities include hospitals; health centers and clinics; skilled nursing facilities; mental health centers; facilities for schools of medicine, nursing, or other health professions; and medical research laboratories.
HRSA Health Facilities grants cannot be used to acquire land or purchase existing buildings, or to pay salaries or other operating or ongoing costs. They cannot be used to pay for work previously completed. Grants can be used for architectural and engineering costs associated with an eligible construction project but cannot be used for general feasibility studies.
3. Department of Health and Human Services – Administration for Children and Families (ACF): Funds from this account may be used for projects in two categories: (1) Child Abuse Prevention and (2) Social Services Research and Demonstration. Child Abuse Prevention funding may be used for projects to improve the prevention, assessment, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect through research, model service improvement, information dissemination, and technical assistance. Projects must serve or target children and families who are at risk or who have experienced child abuse and neglect. Social Services Research and Demonstration funding may be used for projects to promote the ability of families to thrive through financial self-sufficiency in order to prevent and reduce poverty and to promote the healthy development and greater well-being of children and families. Projects can serve a diverse population including: low-income individuals, children, youth, families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and Native Americans.
4. Department of Health and Human Services – Administration for Community Living (ACL): Funds from this account may be used to improve or create new opportunities for older adults, individuals of all ages with disabilities, and their eligible family caregivers, to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Generally, community project funding should focus on improving access to, or the quality of, education, health services, training, support services, and independent living services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and eligible family caregivers.
ACL community project funding cannot be used for construction or renovation of facilities.
5. Department of Education – Innovation and Improvement (K-12): Funds from this account may be used for instructional services, afterschool centers, curricula development, teacher training, acquisition of books and computers, arts education, social and emotional learning activities, full-service community schools, and early childhood education. In general, the focus of elementary and secondary education community project funding should be providing early childhood or K-12 educational services. Special education services, early intervention services for infants and toddlers, transition services, and postsecondary education services are also eligible. Funding may not be used for construction or renovation, with the exception of minor remodeling as part of tech upgrades.
6. Department of Education – Postsecondary Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE): Funds from this account are open to local colleges and universities and some education nonprofits. Examples of eligible projects include: to hire and train faculty, establish and improve degree programs, improve teacher preparation programs, develop and improve curricula, upgrade technology and telecommunications, acquire science laboratory equipment, provide student support, implement university partnerships with school districts, and establish research and training centers. Special education services, early intervention services for infants and toddlers, transition services, and postsecondary education services are also eligible. Funding may not be used for construction or renovation, except for minor remodeling as part of tech upgrades.
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
1. Department of Defense – Military Construction Accounts: Only projects that appear on a list provided to Congress by the Secretary of Defense or his/her designee will be considered eligible for funding. All projects must have a corresponding DD Form 1391, which is used by DoD to submit requirements and justifications in support of funding requests for military construction to Congress and can be found by contacting the Congressional Liaison Offices of the Armed Services. For reference, current FY 2022 military construction authorizations may be found here.
2. Department of Veterans Affairs – Construction Programs: Only projects that appear on VA’s 2023 Construction SCIP List, included in the President’s fiscal year 2023 Budget submission, will be considered eligible for funding. Veterans memorials, parks, museums, and other similar projects are not eligible for community project funding. Funds are also not available for direct grants to veterans organizations or for local programmatic efforts.
Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
1. Department of Transportation – Airport Improvement Program: Funds from this account may by used for enhancing airport safety, capacity, and security, and mitigating environmental concerns. Airports should be on the current National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funding may be used only for facilities and equipment and may not be used for construction or rehabilitation of contract towers.
2. Department of Transportation – Highway Infrastructure Projects: Projects eligible under this account are described under Section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code, but most closely align with the existing Surface Transportation Block Grant program.
3. Department of Transportation – Transit Infrastructure Projects: Funds from this account may be used for public transit projects Public transportation or transit is defined in Section 5302(15) and (22) of title 49, United States Code, as regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation that is open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income, and does not include intercity passenger rail transportation, intercity bus service, charter bus service, school bus service, sightseeing service, courtesy shuttle service for patrons of one or more specific establishments, or intra-terminal or intra-facility shuttle services.
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4. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Economic Development Initiative: Funds from this account may be used for economic and community development activities, including land or site acquisition, demolition or rehabilitation of housing or facilities, construction and capital improvements of public facilities (including water and sewer facilities), and public services. Requests may also include planning and other activities consistent with previously funded activities eligible under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. EDI community project funding is not eligible for the reimbursement of expenses for activities or costs incurred prior to the obligation of funds, if such activities are not eligible under the CDBG program. Capital and operating expenses for fire and police stations are not eligible for EDI community project funding.
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