Community Project Funding Submissions

COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS FOR FY24 ARE CLOSED.

Please call the office at 202-225-0773 with questions. Rep. Kelly's selected FY23 Community Project Funding requests are available HERE. 

Community Project Funding (CPF) 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.

This new initiative is coupled with stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparency guardrails that are outlined on the individual forms linked below. CPF will be available only to nonprofit organizations and to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. 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, and many more options discussed further below.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has submitted the following requests to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the FY2024 Appropriations bill, Financial Disclosures and Federal Nexus Statements are linked in the titles: 

Community Project Request Forms:

• Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies
• Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)
• Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
• Homeland Security
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Committee on Appropriations

Please carefully review all of the information below before completing the subcommittee specific Community Project Funding Request Form. ** The deadline for completing forms for IL-02 Community Project Funding requests is Friday, March 17, 2023 at 5:00pm CST. **ll submissions should attach the below form in .doc or .docx along with supporting materials (.doc, .docx, .pdf,  .xls, .jpg, .png). Requests are only available to be used for the following accounts:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies​:

The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies will accept Community Project Funding requests in the following accounts:

• USDA Community Facilities Grants: CPF from this account may be used to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas; to purchase equipment; and pay other related project expenses. These projects must serve a rural area, which the account defines as "rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data." This is one of the most flexible accounts; examples of eligible projects include medical or dental clinics, towns halls, courthouses, childcare centers, police or fire departments, public works vehicles, or distance learning equipment.

Please review all program regulations carefully, most notably:

• Cost share requirements. The Community Facilities program has a cost share calculated on a graduated scale. The applicant should be aware of any cost share as documented in 7 CFR 3570.63(b).
• Credit Elsewhere Test. Applicant shall certify they cannot finance the project from their own resources and credit is not otherwise available on reasonable terms from non-Federal sources.

BEST FOR: Nonprofit organizations and local governments located in qualified rural areas.

• USDA ReConnect Program: CPF from this account may be used for construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to improve broadband access. The community must be rural and lack sufficient access to broadband service. For the purposes of this account, a rural area is any area which is not located within: (1) A city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; or (2) an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 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. Please note that eligibility for funding from this account is tricky and will likely be determined on a case-by-case basis; please don't hesitate to reach out to the staffer listed in the form above with any questions. Please note that all policies and procedures apply, including environmental and related reviews and the cost share requirement of 25% of the overall project cost. Policies and procedures can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xexPT.

BEST FOR: Local governments and nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility requirements.

• Department of Agriculture Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program (DLT) helps rural residents better utilize the enormous potential of modern telecommunications and the internet for education and healthcare, two critical components of economic and community development. The DLT program helps rural communities acquire the technology and training necessary to connect educational and medical professionals with students, teachers, and patients in rural areas. Grants 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. Please note all requests are subject to all the regulations governing the program which can be found at 7 CFR Part 1734. The program requires a 15% match that cannot come from another federal source. 

BEST FOR: State and local governments; non-profit health centers, human services providers, and education providers; or a consortia of eligible entities  

• USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Buildings and Facilities: CPF from this account may be used for ARS-owned 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. ARS owns and operates laboratories and facilities across the United States.

BEST FOR: Scientific researchers; local research universities.

• Department of Agriculture 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. Examples of specific objectives include reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. 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.

BEST FOR: Conservation districts, extension programs, non-profits engaged in conservation activities, and other local government entities 

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies​:

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will accept Community Project Funding requests in the following accounts:

• Byrne Justice Assistance (JAG) Grants: CPF from this account may be used to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system, provide victims' services, and other related activities. CPF requests designed to help improve police-community relations are strongly encouraged. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.

BEST FOR: State and local governments; local law enforcement agencies.

• Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment: CPF from this account may be used by local law enforcement to develop and acquire effective technologies and interoperable communications that assist in investigating, responding to, and preventing crime. These projects should help improve police effectiveness and the flow of information among law enforcement agencies, local government service providers, and the communities they serve. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.

BEST FOR: Local governments; local law enforcement agencies.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Operations, Research, and Facilities: CPF from this account may be used for research, demonstration, or education projects performed by external partners or for prioritizing NOAA internal funds for geographically specific projects. This account does not fund construction projects. Any such project must be aligned with NOAA's mission and within their existing authorities. Examples of eligible projects include biological research on wildlife, the Great Lakes, wetland restoration, and coastal tidal gauges.

BEST FOR: Local research universities; other research institutions; state and local governments

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration--Safety, Security and Mission Services: CPF from this account may be used 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. Examples of such projects include nanomaterials research, antennae for unmanned aerial vehicles, and minority science initiatives. Funding for building construction or renovation projects will not be considered for community project funding.

BEST FOR: Local nonprofit colleges and universities; K-12 local education agencies; research institutions; local STEM education and workforce training programs.

• National Institute of Standards and Technology; Construction of Research Facilities: CPF from this account will be for 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. Candidate projects could include laboratories, test facilities, measurement facilities, research computing facilities or observatories. 

BEST  FOR: Research and scientific institutions, local public health departments, institutions of higher education, nonprivate laboratories. 

• National Institute of Standards and Technology; Scientific and Technical Research and Services: CPF 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. This is one of the more flexible accounts eligible for CPF. Please note that this account does not fund vehicles or building construction or renovation.  

BEST  FOR: State and local governments, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, hospitals. 

Energy and Water and Related Agencies:

The Subcommittee on Energy and Water and Related Agencies ​will accept Community Project Funding requests in the following accounts:

Corps of Engineers:

• Investigations
• Construction
• Mississippi River and Tributaries
• Operation and Maintenance

Bureau of Reclamation:

• Water and Related Resources

NOTE: Only previously authorized projects will be considered for funding. A list of authorized projects can be found here. The vast majority of local governments and organizations in IL-2 will not be eligible for funding from this account.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of authorized projects and their partners.

Department of Energy: CPF from this account may be used for a wide range of projects. Topics that are eligible include 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. Electric vehicle charging station projects will also 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%. 

BEST FOR: State and local governments, municipal utilities, higher education institutions, community organizations, other local government entities. 

Homeland Security:

The Subcommittee on Homeland Security will acceptCommunity Project Funding requests for only the following Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Assistance accounts:

• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants: CPF from this account may be used for planning or projects to lessen the impacts of future disasters. Examples of eligible projects include stormwater projects or buying out properties in flood-prone areas. 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.

BEST FOR: State and local governments.

• Emergency Operations Center Grants: CPF from this account may be used to improve emergency preparedness by supporting secure, strategically located emergency operations centers. Examples of eligible projects include construction and renovation of such centers. Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent 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.

BEST FOR: State and local governments.

Interior:

The Subcommittee on the Interior will acceptCommunity Project Funding requests in the following accounts:

• Federal land acquisitions through the Land and Water Conservation Fund: CPF requests under this fund should be for the federal acquisition of lands and water for the purpose of land and habitat conservation and outdoor recreation. Land acquisition projects 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 (4) the Forest Service. The Committee will look favorably upon requests for projects listed in the President's FY22 Budget Request, as well as those listed in the supplemental LWCF project lists provided by the land management agencies.

BEST FOR: State and local governments and park districts; nonprofit organizations with ownership of land to be conserved.
NOTE: The Subcommittee will accept requests for these community projects after the release of the full President's budget.

• Environmental Protection Agency - State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG): CPF from this account may be used to fund 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. Projects already listed on Illinois's Intended Use Plans for wastewater and drinking water will be prioritized by the Committee. Privately-owned projects are NOT eligible for CPF through this account, even if they are otherwise eligible for assistance under a SRF program. 

BEST FOR: Local governments; owners of nonprofit sewer and drinking water infrastructure.

• U.S. Forest Service - State and Private Forestry: CPF from this account may be used to improve the management, protection, and utilization of the America's forests, including landscape scale restoration, urban and community forestry, forest disease or pest treatment, and fire assistance. Projects that are listed on any federal or state ordinal list or are clearly demonstrated to meet the goals of Illinois's State Forest Action Plan will be prioritized by the Committee.

BEST FOR: State and local governments; state and local parks services; nonprofit organizations with ownership of private forestland.

• Save America’s Treasures (SAT) through the National Park Service: CPF from this account will be 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 CPF, a project must be consistent with competitive application requirements. New construction, demolition, or significant changes to historic buildings are not eligible projects under the SAT grant program. If the historic structure has been moved, it is probably not eligible for funding. 

BEST FOR: State and local governments, community organizations, libraries, educational institutions. 

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies​:

The Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies will only accept Community Project Funding requests in the following accounts:

• Military Construction accounts under the Department of Defense
• Army
• Navy and Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Defense-Wide
• Army National Guard
• Air National Guard
• Army Reserve
• Navy Reserve
• Air Force Reserve
   
• VA Minor Construction Projects: Community project funding requests are eligible ONLY for VA Minor Construction projects. VA’s Minor Construction program includes capital projects with costs equal to or less than $20,000,000, particularly projects that construct new space instead of renovating existing space. Examples may include expanding existing facility square footage to provide additional healthcare capacity, construction of specialty care buildings or clinics, building of parking structures, or expanding gravesite space at cemeteries.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of VA Minor Construction projects (note: although the VA’s 2023 Construction SCIP List will include Major Construction projects, such projects are not eligible for CPF). 

SFOPS:

The Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs will notaccept Community Project Funding requests.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies:

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies will accept Community Project requests for four accounts within the Department of Transportation and one account within the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

• Department of Transportation - Guidance for Transit Infrastructure Projects: CPF 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. Please click here for more information about this account. 

BEST FOR: State and local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; local transportation agencies.

• Department of Transportation - Guidance for Highway Infrastructure Projects: Eligible projects are described under Section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code, but most closely align with the existing Surface Transportation Block Grant program. Please click here for more information about this account. 

BEST FOR: State and local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; local transportation agencies. 

• Department of Transportation - Guidance for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Projects: CPF from this account requests may be 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.

BEST FOR: Local airports.

• Department of Housing and Urban Development - Guidance for Community Development Fund - Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Projects: CPF 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. This is one of the most flexible accounts; funds may also include planning and other activities consistent with the underlying authorization for the Community Development Block Grant program within HUD. EDI community project requests are not eligible for the reimbursement of expenses for activities already undertaken (including debt service or debt retirement).

BEST FOR: Local governments and agencies; local housing authorities; local small business development organizations; and other nonprofit community organizations.

• Guidance for Port Infrastructure Development Program Projects
• Guidance for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Projects

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Please complete the forms in each section and staff will follow-up with any questions. Please note that any accepted projects will have the information publicly posted.