FY 2027 Community Project Funding Requests

Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for specific projects that benefit the communities they represent.  CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula, and is coupled with stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparency requirements that are outlined on the individual forms linked below.

Community Project Funding opportunities will be available through the House Committee of Appropriations for FY 2027. This funding is only available for state, local, tribal, territorial governments and a very limited number of not-for-profit organizations.

Submissions will be considered only if:

The project can be completed within the fiscal period outlined on the application;
There is evidence of community support and community need. This evidence is required for submission, and can take the form of a letter from local stakeholders and leaders, inclusion on a state or local planning document, letters to the editor in local papers, and other funding sources, to name of few of the most common options.

The deadline for Community Project Funding submissions to our office is March 10, 2026. Please send applications and supporting documents to IL11.CommunityFunding@mail.house.gov and questions to Hilary Denk at hilary.denk@mail.house.gov.

Due to external deadlines that our office does not control, the timeframe for applications is short. Our office will do everything possible to work with applicants to meet this deadline.

Committee on Appropriations 

For FY 2027, CPFs  are available from dozens of accounts across eight different  appropriations  bills. A summary of eligible accounts and their allowed uses is below. In-depth information on eligibility requirements and allowable uses for each account can be found in the linked form for the relevant appropriations measure.  

The full list of CPF eligible accounts may also be accessed here. 

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

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are: 

USDA Rural Development, Community Facilities Grants: CPFs  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 Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents” according to the latest U.S. Census Data. Except for fire stations, nonprofits are not eligible for funding in this account in FY27. 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.

House Republicans have indicated that project requests for “non-essential” facilities such as community gardens or museums will not be considered. Priority will be given to essential projects, such as those focused on public health and safety.  

Additional information on the Community Facilities Program is available here. This account has complex cost-share requirements calculated on a graduated scale based on community population, as follows: 

Minimum of 25 percent cost share when the proposed project is located in a rural community having a population of 5,000 or fewer. 
Minimum of 45 percent cost share when the proposed project is located in a rural community having a population between 5,001 and 12,000. 
Minimum of 65 percent cost share when the proposed project is located in a rural community having a population between 12,001 and 20,000.

BEST FOR:  Local government entities located in qualified rural areas.   

USDA Rural Development - Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants (DLT): CPFs from this account may be used to help 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. The program requires a 15% cost share that cannot come from another federal source. Nonprofits are not eligible for funding through this account in FY27. The program is intended to serve rural areas with populations of 20,000 or less. Additional information on program requirements and eligibility can be found here.

BEST FOR: State and local governments. 

USDA Rural Development - Water and Waste Disposal Grants: CPFs from this account may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and disposal; sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal; solid waste collection, disposal and closure; and storm water collection, transmission, and closure in rural areas. The program requires a 25% cost share that cannot come from another federal source. Eligible projects must serve rural areas or towns with a population of 10,000 or less. Nonprofits are not eligible for funding through this account in FY27. Additional information on program requirements and eligibility can be found here.

BEST FOR: Local governments. 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Conservation Operations: CPFs from this account may be for projects to address soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. Nonprofits are not eligible for funding through this account in FY27. Only projects by State and local governments or public conservation districts will be considered.

BEST FOR: Conservation districts; extension programs; other state and local government entities. 

USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) - Buildings and Facilities: CPFs from this account must be used for ARS-owned facilities or facilities that are already partnering with ARS. 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. Our office anticipates that entities in the IL-11 District are not likely to be eligible for funding under this account.

BEST FOR: Scientific researchers; research universities. 

Full committee guidance for projects under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here. 

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies  

Application Form can be found HERE.

 Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are:  

Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): CPFs 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, address the opioid crisis, and other related activities. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account. The only nonprofits eligible for funding through this account in FY27 are colleges, universities, and law enforcement-focused nonprofits that will partner with law enforcement in executing the project. Community projects funded under this category must comply with the requirements cited in JAG statutes (available here) and be consistent with Justice Department guidance for the program (available here).

BEST FOR: Community-based nonprofit organizations; state and local governments; local law enforcement agencies (more information on nongovernmental sponsor eligibility can be found on pages 8-9 of this document).    

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): CPFs from this account may be used by local law enforcement to develop and acquire effective technologies and equipment needed to respond more quickly and effectively, improve officer safety, increase transparency and enhance community relations. This includes interoperable technologies, modernized criminal record technology, and forensic technology 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. Building construction or renovation projects are not eligible uses of funding under this account.

BEST FOR: State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies.    

Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Scientific and Technical Research: CPFs from this account must be for activities consistent with and supportive of NIST's mission and aligned with an activity listed in section 272 of title 15, United States Code (available here). Examples of these activities include advancing measurement technologies and methods and the development of technology and procedures to improve manufacturing processes for products based on new scientific discoveries in fields such as automation, electronics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and optical technologies. Please note that this account does not fund building construction or renovation. The only nonprofits eligible for funding through this account in FY27 are colleges and universities.

BEST FOR: State and local governments, institutions of higher education. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Safety, Security, and Mission Services: CPFs from this account may be used for projects focusing on science, education, research, and technology development related to NASA’s mission. Such projects must address purposes listed in section 20102 of title 51, United States Code (available here). Funding for building construction, renovation projects, or medical research projects will not be considered for community project funding.  The only nonprofits eligible for funding through this account in FY27 are colleges and universities. The vast majority of local governments and organizations in IL-11 will not be eligible for funding from this account.

BEST FOR: Local nonprofit colleges and universities. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Coastal Zone Management: CPFs from this account may be used for projects that support the protection, restoration, and responsible development of our nation’s diverse coastal communities and resources. NOAA Coastal Zone Management projects are subject to any applicable cost-share required by law under the Coastal Zone Management Program. Local governments and organizations in IL-11 are likely not eligible for funding under this account. Full committee guidance for projects under the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here.

Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies  

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are:  

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Only previously authorized projects will be considered for funding. Funding will be available in the Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, and Operation and Maintenance accounts. Please note that most local governments and organizations in IL-11 will not be eligible for funding from this account.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of authorized projects and their partners. 

Bureau of Reclamation - Water and Related Resources: Only previously authorized projects will be considered for funding. Please note that most local governments and organizations in IL-11 will not be eligible for funding from this account.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of authorized projects and their partners. 

Full committee guidance for projects under the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here. 

Homeland Security  

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are:  

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants: CPFs from this account may be used for planning and implementing sustainable, cost-effective measures to provide long-term, permanent risk reduction to individuals and property from future natural hazards, such as floods and wildfires, while reducing reliance on federal funding for future disasters. Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent  Notice of Funding Opportunity (ignoring the eligible applicants section) will be considered for funding. For any PDM projects designated for funding in FY27, the respective State or Territorial Administrative Agency, or Tribal government, must submit an application to FEMA and serve as the administrative agent for the grant on behalf of the entities responsible for the project (grant subrecipients).  Projects in this account require a non-federal cost-share of 25% of the total activity cost, with the exception of small impoverished communities which are eligible for a 10% cost-share for mitigation planning and project sub-applications in accordance with the Stafford Act.

BEST FOR: State, local governments, and tribal governments.  

FEMA - Emergency Operations Center Grants: CPFs from this account may be used to improve emergency management and preparedness by supporting secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable emergency operations centers (EOC) with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. An EOC is defined as a “facility or capability from which direction and control is exercised in an emergency. This type of center or capability is designated to ensure that the capacity exists for leadership to direct and control operations from a centralized facility or capability in the event of an emergency.” 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 Competitive EOC Grant Program 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 EOC projects designated for funding in FY27, the respective State or Territorial Administrative Agency, or Tribal government, must submit an application to FEMA and serve as the administrative agent for the grant on behalf of the entities responsible for the project.

BEST FOR: State, local governments, and tribal governments.   

Full Committee guidance for projects under the Homeland Security Subcommittee may be found here. 

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies  

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are:  

Environmental Protection Agency - State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG): CPFs from this account may be used to fund local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. Projects must meet the eligibility criteria of the relevant Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) or the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs. There is a 20% share requirement for any portion of a project funded through this account.

BEST FOR: State, municipal, and local governments; owners of nonprofit sewer and drinking water infrastructure. Nonprofits will be considered on a limited basis.  

Full committee guidance for projects under the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Application Form:

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are:  

Department of Health and Human Services - Health Resources and Services Administration - Health Facilities Construction and Equipment: CPFs from this account may be used to fund limited-scope construction, renovation, or capital equipment purchase for facilities for health, mental health, or substance use disorder services, training of health professionals, or medical research. Eligible uses of funding include construction, renovation, and acquisition of capital equipment such as lab equipment, x-ray machines, or telehealth and information technology. Eligible recipients include state, local, and Tribal governments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Critical Access Hospitals, certified rural health clinics, and rural hospitals. Unfortunately, House Republicans have imposed significant eligibility restrictions on this account that prohibit funding for any entities that conduct embryonic stem cell research or provide services related to abortion or gender affirming care.

BEST FOR: State, local, and Tribal governments; certain health care entities.

Full committee guidance for projects under the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies  

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPF are: 

Department of Defense - Construction - Active Components: Only projects that are included on an unfunded requirements/unfunded priorities list (UFR/UPL) from a military service or combatant command, or have an existing active authorization from a prior National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), are eligible for funding. Projects suggested by an installation or unit commander will not be accepted. The vast majority of local governments and organizations in IL-11 will not be eligible for funding from this account.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of active components (Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force, and Defense-Wide Agencies) projects.  

Department of Defense - Construction - Reserve Components: Only projects that are included on an unfunded requirements/unfunded priorities list (UFR/UPL) from a military service or combatant command, or have an existing active authorization from a prior National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), are eligible for funding. Some National Guard projects require a state funding match.

BEST FOR: Facilitators of reserve components (Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Air Force Reserve) projects. 

Full committee guidance for projects under the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found here.

Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies  

Application Form can be found HERE.

Accounts within this measure eligible for CPFs are:  

Department of Transportation - 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. More information on this account may be found here.

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

Department of Transportation - Transit Infrastructure Grants: CPFs 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. Projects that are administrative in nature, even if they are eligible expenses under the statute, will not be funded. More information for this account may be found here.

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

Department of Transportation - Airport Improvement Program (AIP): CPFs from this account 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). There are also cost share requirements. More information on this account may be found here.

BEST FOR: Local airports.   

Department of Transportation - Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements: CPFs from this account may be used to assist in financing the cost of improving passenger and freight rail transportation systems. All projects must be rail capital projects, systems planning for a rail capital project, or project development for a rail capital project. Activities that are administrative in nature are not eligible even if they are eligible expenses under the statutory citation. These include but are not limited to general operating expenses, rail-related research, and workforce activities. More information on this account may be found here.

BEST FOR: State and local governments and rail transportation systems. 

Department of Transportation - Port Infrastructure Development Program: CPFs from this account may be used for projects eligible under Section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by title XXXV of division C of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. More information on this account may be found here.

BEST FOR: State and local governments and transportation systems. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Economic Development Initiative (EDI): CPFs from this account may be used for economic and community development activities consistent with certain criteria within HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which include: land or site acquisition, demolition or rehabilitation, and construction and capital improvements of public facilities, except for “buildings used for the general conduct of government” (e.g. courthouses and town halls). Programmatic and operational expenses are not eligible for funding. Ineligible projects also include museums, memorials, entertainment venues, certain recreational facilities, and health care facilities. EDI projects are not eligible for the reimbursement of expenses for soft costs (planning, administrative) incurred prior to the completion of a grant agreement between HUD and the grantee; a grant agreement and a completed environmental review are necessary for reimbursement of hard costs (construction activities). Nonprofits are not eligible to receive awards under this account. More information on this account may be found here.

BEST FOR: States, tribal governments, counties, cities, towns, or other local government entities, public colleges and universities including community colleges.

Full committee guidance for projects under the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee may be found at the following links: 