The following is a list of federal programs that provide grants, loans, and technical assistance for community-based economic development projects. See additional lists of other federal programs here.
Programs and their requirements are subject to change, so please check department websites for current information.
Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies
Appalachian Regional Commission
Rolling Application
The Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) program provides planning grants and implementation grants that foster creative collaboration across state lines to produce a more robust and sustainable regional economy. Projects must serve and benefit, at a minimum, two states within a portion of the Appalachian Region, be led by at least two eligible organizations, and advance one or more of the five strategic investment priorities of ARC’s strategic plan: building Appalachian businesses, building Appalachia’s workforce ecosystem, building Appalachia’s infrastructure, building regional culture and tourism, building community leaders and capacity.
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program
Department of Agriculture
Open Year-Round
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass the funds through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. Funds may be used for a range of projects, including business incubators, workforce training costs, and technical assistance. Eligible applicants include current and former Rural Utilities Service borrowers and nonprofit utilities eligible to receive assistance from the Rural Development Electric or Telecommunication programs.
Community Services Block Grants
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Open Year-Round
Community Services Block Grants (CSBGs) provide funds to states, territories, and tribes to administer to support services that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in under-resourced communities. Funds can be used for activities including housing, nutrition, utility, and transportation assistance; employment, education, and other income and asset building services; crisis and emergency services; and community asset building initiatives.
Disaster Supplemental Funding
Economic Development Administration
Rolling Application
The Disaster Supplemental Funding program provides funding to support regions impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding and other natural disasters during 2021-2022, addressing economic challenges in areas in which a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued. Funding will help communities devise and implement long-term economic recovery strategies through a variety of construction and non-construction projects.. Eligible applicants include Tribal nations, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, district organizations of an Economic Development District (EDD), and state, county or city subdivisions engaged in economic or infrastructure activities. Funding is available until expended.
Economic Adjustment Assistance / Assistance to Coal Communities
Economic Development Administration
Rolling Application
The Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program (which includes the Assistance to Coal Communities subprogram) provides cooperative agreements and strategy and implementation grants to support a wide range of technical, planning, and public works and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. Funds are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities, including those negatively impacted by changes to the coal economy and nuclear power plant closures. Eligible applicants include Federally-recognized tribal governments; nonprofits; county, state, and special district governments; private institutions of higher education; public and State controlled institutions of higher education; and city or township governments.