Community Economic Development Program

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Community Economic Development (CED) program provides grants to community development corporations to revitalize the local economy, expand businesses, and create jobs for individuals with low incomes in communities experiencing high unemployment and persistent poverty. One of the current grant opportunities — the Focus on Energy Communities grant program — provides funding to communities that have either experienced or business loss due to declines in the fossil fuel industry.  

Apply for Grants of Up to $800,000

Two 2023 CED funding opportunities are now open:

1. CED Project Grants for nonprofit community development corporations that plan, develop, or manage low-income housing or community development projects. Apply by May 8.

2. Energy Communities Grants for community development corporations in communities that have either experienced or business loss due to declines in the fossil fuel industry.  Grants do not have to create jobs in the energy sector. Apply by May 17.

Access the two Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), application resources, and weekly answers to FAQs. CED awards may be used for a wide range of activities including commercial developments, equity investments, and loans. Energy Communities Grants are specifically targeted to communities that have faced economic declines due to the loss of fossil fuel industries, and do not have to create jobs in the energy sector. 

View informational webinars and slides from experienced partners in our network on best practices to apply for these grant opportunities. And, learn key considerations when designing CED projects and tips on writing and submitting your grant application.