As Congress begins work on the federal appropriations process for the next fiscal year, nonprofit organizations should be paying close attention to one critical opportunity: Community Project Funding (CPF), referred to in the Senate as Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS).

For organizations with capital needs, facility expansion plans, workforce development initiatives, or infrastructure improvements, this process can represent a transformative source of federal investment. But the window to apply is short. Deadlines are set individually by each Member of Congress and often fall quickly after House and Senate guidance is released.

The organizations that prepare early are the organizations that secure funding.

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What Is Community Project Funding?

Community Project Funding allows Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to request direct federal funding for specific projects in their districts or states through the annual appropriations process.

Unlike competitive grants administered by federal agencies, CPF requests are submitted by Members of Congress on behalf of eligible entities, including nonprofits, local governments, and certain public institutions. If approved by the Appropriations Committees and included in final appropriations legislation, the funding is directed to the named project.

The program is structured, transparent, and subject to significant oversight. Each project must meet eligibility criteria within specific federal accounts, demonstrate community support, and comply with strict disclosure requirements.

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Why Timing Matters

Each congressional office establishes its own submission deadline. These deadlines often fall within a narrow window in late winter or early spring, sometimes only a few weeks after formal guidance is issued.

Successful submissions for Community Project Funding typically require:

1. A clearly defined project scope
2. Detailed budget documentation
3. Demonstrated community impact
4. Letters of support
5. Evidence of financial readiness and organizational capacity
6. Alignment with an eligible federal appropriations account

Waiting until guidance is released to begin preparation can place organizations at a significant disadvantage.

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Understanding Eligible Accounts: House and Senate Differences

One of the most important, and often misunderstood, aspects of Community Project Funding is that the House and Senate authorize different eligible accounts and project categories, and those categories can change year to year.

The chart below reflects FY2026 guidance. Eligible accounts, project types, caps, and requirements may change for FY2027 and beyond. Nonprofits should always confirm current eligibility with the relevant Member office and updated Committee guidance.

FY2026 Eligible Accounts and Project Types by Subcommittee

Appropriations Subcommittee	Senate (CDS) – Eligible Accounts / Project Types	House (CPF) – Eligible Accounts / Project Types (FY26)
Agriculture, Rural Development	Rural Development Community Facilities; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; certain NRCS and ARS accounts	Rural Development Community Facilities; Water & Waste Disposal; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; Broadband/ReConnect
Commerce–Justice–Science (CJS)	Byrne Discretionary Grants; COPS Technology & Equipment; NIST Construction; NOAA Operations & Facilities (limited); certain NASA safety accounts	Byrne JAG; COPS; Economic Development Administration; NIST Construction; NOAA Procurement/Construction (as specified in FY26 guidance)
Energy & Water Development	Army Corps (Investigations, Construction, O&M); Bureau of Reclamation Water & Related Resources; limited DOE Energy Projects	Army Corps (Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River & Tributaries, O&M); Bureau of Reclamation Water & Related Resources
Financial Services & General Government	SBA Administrative Provisions (training/research; no seed capital); GSA Federal Buildings Fund; National Archives; ONDCP Prevention Grants	No eligible accounts or projects under FY26 House CPF guidance
Homeland Security	FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM); FEMA Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)	FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM); FEMA Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
Interior & Environment	EPA Clean Water; EPA Drinking Water; National Park Service Historic Preservation; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (limited accounts)	EPA State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for clean water and drinking water infrastructure only
Labor–HHS–Education	HRSA Health Facilities Construction & Equipment (limited); DOL Training & Employment Services (no construction); SAMHSA (non-construction); certain Education improvement accounts	No eligible accounts or projects under FY26 House CPF guidance
Military Construction–VA	Military construction projects only	Military construction projects only (DoD accounts meeting specific eligibility criteria)
Transportation–HUD (THUD)	Airport Improvement Program (AIP); Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP); Transit Infrastructure Grants (TIG); Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements (CRISI); Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP); Economic Development Initiative (EDI)	AIP; HIP; TIG; CRISI; PIDP; Economic Development Initiative (EDI)

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Important Clarifications for Nonprofits

Several subcommittees are more limited than organizations often assume:

• Homeland Security (House and Senate) is limited to FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Emergency Operations Centers in FY26.
• Interior (House) is limited to EPA water infrastructure under the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account.
• Labor–HHS–Education (House) did not include eligible CPF accounts under the FY26 House guidance set referenced here. 
• Financial Services (House) did not include eligible CPF accounts under FY26 guidance.
• Military Construction–VA is limited strictly to military construction projects.

For nonprofits, this means not every capital project fits within CPF eligibility, and alignment with the correct appropriations account is critical.

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What Types of Nonprofit Community Funding Projects Are Most Competitive?

Across both chambers, the most successful nonprofit requests for Community Project Funding tend to involve:

• Facility construction or major renovations
• Equipment tied to infrastructure investments
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Public health and behavioral health facilities
• Food bank warehouse expansions
• Workforce development training facilities
• Transportation or port-related infrastructure
• Community development projects aligned with statutory CDBG uses

Ongoing operating costs are generally not eligible.

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Strategic Considerations for Nonprofits for Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding is not simply a form submission exercise. It is a strategic engagement process.

Nonprofits should consider:

1. Whether the project aligns precisely with an eligible federal account in the relevant chamber.
2. Whether the organization can demonstrate broad community support and political viability.
3. Whether the project is shovel-ready or near-ready, with detailed cost estimates and a clear implementation plan.
4. whether the organization has the financial and compliance capacity to manage federal funds.

Early conversations with congressional district and state offices can significantly improve competitiveness and ensure proper alignment before formal deadlines arrive.

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Preparing Now for the Next Cycle

Nonprofits should begin preparing immediately by:

1. Identifying capital-ready or infrastructure-focused projects
2. Developing concise project narratives tied to eligible accounts
3. Preparing cost estimates and engineering documentation if applicable
4. Securing letters of support from local stakeholders
5. Monitoring guidance and deadlines from your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators

Deadlines vary by office and are firm. Late submissions are not accepted.

In an increasingly competitive federal funding environment, Community Project Funding can provide catalytic capital for organizations positioned to act strategically. Preparation, alignment, and early engagement are the difference between being considered and being funded.

If your organization is exploring a capital project or infrastructure investment, now is the time to begin the conversation.

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