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FY24 APPROPRIATIONS 

You can find FY 2024 transparency disclosures here. 

The Community Project Funding (CPF) process allows Members of Congress to direct funding towards specific projects back in their district. This process was previously referred to as “earmarks” but has since been revamped to include strict ethics and transparency requirements following a decade-long hiatus. Appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 – which started on October 1, 2021, for the federal government – included CPFs for the first time.

View Congressman Schneider's funded projects, including examples of successful applications, for FY 2022 here and FY 2023 here

Congressman Schneider’s office will begin accepting CPF applications for FY2024 on March 13th. We endeavor to get applicants as much information as possible as early as possible.

We will be in touch with all applicants as these guidelines change and we learn more from the Appropriations Committee. We will also be hosting a series of webinars to answer broad questions about what makes for compelling CPF submissions, as well as more granular questions about the application process. See more information on the Informational Webinars below.

Please also note, because applicants cannot save unsubmitted drafts of application in our online portal, we strongly encourage you to compile your application in a separate program—like Microsoft Word—and then submit the application once you have all your answers written out. Applications are only received by our office once you hit ‘submit’ in the forms below.

In addition to the guidance for each individual appropriations account, we strongly encourage you to review the following:

Application Links

INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS

Join us for our next webinar with Congressman Schneider on Monday, March 13 on how to put together your CPF application, best practices on what makes for a compelling application, and an opportunity to address your specific questions. You can also watch our first webinar which was broadcast on Wednesday, March 7.

CPF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Only governmental entities or non-profit 501(c) organizations are eligible to apply for CPF funding. Generally, non-profit organizations must be designated 501(c)(3), but there are some exceptions for organizations like local chambers of commerce that are designated 501(c)(6).  For-profit entities and individuals are barred from applying to the CPF process.

Memorials, museums, and commemoratives (i.e., projects named for an individual or entity) are not eligible for Community Project Funding.

Projects that receive CPF funding will only receive one lump sum (“one-year funding”) from the federal government in FY24. This means that while recipients of CPF funding may use those funds over a time-period longer than a year (e.g. construction projects that take more than twelve months to complete), you will only receive one lump sum from one specific fiscal year. This also means that ongoing programming that relies on renewed funding can only look to CPF for a one-time funding stream and not recurring annual funding.

Additionally, only certain federal accounts will be eligible for CPF submissions. Each of these accounts will have their own requirements for submissions. It is incumbent on CPF applicants to ensure they are eligible for the federal account to which they’re applying – applications that deviate from a federal account’s requirements will be rejected.

Unlike previous years, programmatic and operational expenses are not eligible under most accounts.


ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements apply to all CPF requests:

  1. Each Member may only submit 15 CPF projects to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Of those 15, not all 15 will be successfully funded. If your project is one of the 15 submitted, the full details of your request (including the information provided below) are required to be posted publicly online on Rep. Schneider’s website.
  2. The Government Accountability Office will conduct a mandatory audit of a sample of enacted CPFs and report its findings to Congress. This report will be made public.
  3. A Member, their spouse, and immediate family may not have any financial interest in the project.
  4. In order to ensure a federal nexus exists for each funded project, the Committee will only fund projects that are tied to a federal authorization law.

TIMELINE

  • Informational webinars for applicants
  • March 8 – New CPF eligibility guidance released on Schneider website
  • March 13 – Application portal opens on Schneider website
  • March 16 – Applications due
  • March 20-21 – Interviews with applicants
  • March 22-29 – Letters of support due, deadline depends on project type
  • March 31 –
    • Finalists and non-finalists notified
    • Projects submitted to House Appropriations Committee
  • Funding legislation with CPFs must pass by Oct. 1, 2023, unless Congress passes a Continuing Resolution as it has done in most recent years.

BEST PRACTICES FOR CPF SUBMISSIONS

For a full list of the CPFs Rep. Schneider requested in FY22, see here; for FY23, see here. These lists should give you a better idea of the most compelling types of submissions. Generally, projects our office submitted had a clear, demonstrable benefit to the community, sponsors were able to showcase community support, sponsors were in a position to provide a local match, and applications did a thorough job of walking through the history of the project.

  • Satisfies eligibility requirements: Only certain federal accounts are eligible for CPF submissions, and each of these accounts have different eligibility requirements for projects. CPF submissions that deviate from these requirements or those that do not fit within the parameters of the eligibility criteria will not be considered. It is incumbent on project sponsors to ensure they are eligible for the account to which they are applying. Our staff is here to answer any questions about specific eligibility requirements, but your project should fit within the mission of the account to which you are applying. For instance, if you’re applying to an economic development program you should be able to discuss the economic impact your proposal would have on the surrounding community.
  • Demonstrates ImpactFrom addressing chronic flooding issues to expanding a non-profit’s capacity to help the community, all our FY22 and FY23 CPFs had a clear benefit to the Illinois Tenth District. Sponsors were able to articulate the impact their project would have not just on them as an organization or municipality, but the full benefit this project would have on the broader community. For instance, in the case of flood related CPFs, projects upstream would help the area immediately surrounding the project but also help alleviate downstream concerns, too. CPFs that demonstrate their focus on high-need communities – like connecting a low-income community to public transportation – or work on a high-need issue like economic development are also particularly compelling.
  • Community SupportCentral to a CPF application should be its community support. During the interview process, sponsors will be asked to gather letters of support from stakeholders in the community. While you will not need these letters in the initial application, it’s important to be thinking about how to demonstrate the project’s support amongst the community, as well as who would serve as good validators for the project when it comes time to request letters of support. Community support documentation can include: letters from elected officials and community groups, local transportation or community development plans, publications (including news articles), and any other documents that demonstrate public support for the project. All documentation of community support should be compiled into one PDF and shared with Team Schneider prior to March 24-29, depending on which account to which the applicant applies.
  • Local MatchNearly all CPF projects require a local match to supplement the direct federal funding. While your organization does not need to have this funding already set aside, you will need to demonstrate on how you will budget for and execute the local match requirement for your project.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16. First please review the guidance on Agriculture accounts put out by the Appropriations Committee here. Most of these programs have a requirement that the recipient be in a rural area as defined by USDA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Click here to submit your USDA FY24 CPF Application

  • Agricultural Research Service (ARS) – Buildings/Facilities The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) owns and operates laboratories and facilities across the United States. Many of these laboratories/facilities are decades old, have outlived their functional lifespan, and are badly in need of major repairs, renovation, or replacement. CPF requests can assist in the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the Department of Agriculture. Requests must be for ARS-owned or operated facilities.
  • Rural Community Facility Grants:  Grants to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities, to purchase equipment, and pay other related project expenses. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to: medical or dental clinics, healthcare facilities, police or fire departments, and public works vehicles. Priority will be given to essential projects, such as those focused on public health and safety. Such requests are also subject to cost share requirements. Please review program regulations carefully. Community Facilities grants cannot be used to pay initial operating expenses or annual recurring expenses, refinance existing debt, pay interest, build or repair facilities in non-rural areas, or pay for construction costs of facilities that will be used for commercial rental space. The State Rural Development Office is a valuable resource to answer program questions, including eligibility and non-federal cost share requirements.
  • Rural Utilities Service ReConnect Grants:  ReConnect broadband pilot grants facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Grant funds can be used for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service to rural areas without sufficient broadband access, defined as 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. The area must be rural and lack sufficient access to broadband service. A rural area is any area which is not located within a city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 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. Stand-alone middle-mile projects are not eligible under the ReConnect Program. However, middle-mile facilities are eligible if they are needed to bring sufficient broadband service to all premises in the area.
  • Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant: 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. The program requires a 15% match that cannot come from another Federal source.
  • 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. Examples of specific objectives include reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, enhancing water supplies, improving water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, and reducing damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. Members are strongly encouraged to provide details on the work to be done, including if the project will conduct surveys, investigations, or research, and if there is a plan to publish the results of any such work. Members should also describe any preventive measures to be taken, such as engineering operations, methods of cultivation, or changes in use of land. For FY24, the Subcommittee will only consider projects for funding recipients that are State, local, and Tribal organizations, or public conservation districts. Non-profit recipients will not be considered.
  • NEW for FY24: Rural Development – Water and Waste Disposal Grants: The Water and Waste Disposal Grant Program 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. Members are strongly encouraged to provide details on the number of households and businesses served and details of the exact work to be completed. Eligible entities include rural areas and towns with population of 10,000 or less and Tribal lands in rural areas. The account has not been subject to CPFs in the previous years. Potential recipients will be required to provide a 25% non-federal cost share. The State Rural Development Office is a valuable resource to answer program questions.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.Please start by reviewing the guidance for these accounts put out by the Appropriations Committee here.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Click here to submit your DOJ FY24 CPF Application

Applicants for these grants must be a law enforcement agency and satisfy the criteria laid out for these programs on DOJ’s website here.

  • State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance – Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): CPF funding from this account may be used to assist state, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts to enforce laws, address violent crime, increase prosecutions, improve the criminal justice system (including the correctional system), provide victims’ services, and other related activities. Funding must be for activities consistent with, and supportive of, the Office of Justice Programs’ mission and aligned with one or more of the purposes described in the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program.
  • Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) – Technology/Equipment Grants: CPF funding from this account may be used to support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts to develop and procure the technology and equipment needed to respond more quickly and effectively, improve officer safety, increase transparency and enhance community relations. Funding for building construction or renovation projects is not an eligible use of COPS Technology and Equipment Community Project Funding.

NOTE: The Chair has put out specific guidance on which project activities are restricted and which project activities will be prioritized in the event of limited funding. Please be sure to carefully review the CPF Justice guidance (pg 9-11) before applying for funding.

Department of Commerce

Click here to submit your Commerce and NASA FY24 CPF Application

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – Scientific and Technical Research projects:Funding 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. Funding for building construction or renovation projects is not an eligible use of NIST Scientific and Technical Research Community Project Funding.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Operations, Research, and Facilities: CPF funding from this account must be for activities consistent with, and supportive of, NOAA’s mission and aligned with one or more of the purposes described in the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Coastal Zone Management projects are subject to any applicable cost-share required by law under the Coastal Zone Management Program.

NASA

  • Safety, Security, and Mission Services: CPF funding 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. Projects should focus on science, education, research, and technology development related to NASA’s mission. Funding for building construction, renovation projects, and medical research projects will not be considered under this account.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY & WATER

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.Please start here by reading through the guidance for these programs provided by the Committee.

Click here to submit your Energy and Water FY24 CPF Application

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

  • Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operations/Maintenance:  Generally, only county or municipal governments may apply for USACE projects. Only projects that have already been individually authorized through Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation or are under USACE Continuing Authorities Program are eligible for CPF submission in order to secure funding and expedite completion. Funding is limited to the FY 2024 capability of the project. The Subcommittee may provide funding for a very limited number of new start projects, if any.

Bureau of Reclamation

  • Water and Related Resources: Bureau of Reclamation projects authorized only under section 4007, 4009(a), or 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–322) are not eligible as a Community Project Funding request in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.Please start by reviewing the guidance put out by the Appropriations Committee for these programs.

Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)

Click here to submit your DHS FY24 CPF Application

Only county or municipal governents may apply for FEMA CPF grants. The appropriate State or Territorial Administrative Agency (e.g., Illinois Emergency Management Agency), must confirm project eligibility and their willingness to administer the grant. There is a cost share requirement for FEMA CPF projects.

  • Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grants:  Funding can be used to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments with 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.
    • Eligibility: Only projects that meet the criteria laid out in the most recentNotice of Funding Opportunitywill be considered.
    • Cost-share: 75% federal share
      • For PDM grants, small, impoverished communities are eligible for up to a 90 percent federal cost-share.
      • The non-federal cost-share contribution is calculated based on the total cost of the proposed activity.
    • Project funding for fiscal year 2023 ranged between $320,482 and $10,000,000 for Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants.
  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grants:  FEMA’s EOC grants improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, strategically located, and fully interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 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.”
    • Eligibility: Only projects that meet the criteria laid out in the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Emergency Operations Center grant program will be considered.
    • Cost-share: 75% federal share
      • The non-federal cost-share contribution is calculated based on the total cost of the proposed activity.
    • Project funding for fiscal year 2023 ranged between $158,176 and $3,000,000 for Emergency Operations Center grants.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.Please start by first reviewing the guidance put out by the Appropriations Committee for these accounts.

Environmental Protection Agency

Click here to submit your EPA FY24 CPF Application

  • State and Tribal Assistance Grants: CPF from this account may be used to fund local wastewater or drinking water infrastructure projects. This includes construction of and modifications to municipal sewage treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants. Proposals will be limited 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. Privately-owned projects are not eligible for these grants, even if they are otherwise eligible for assistance under a SRF program. There is a minimum 20% cost share requirement for any portion of a project. There is additional guidance at the link above (Pgs. 6-8) on what specific types of project are and are not eligible.

SUBCOMMITEE ON MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERAN AFFAIRS

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.Please start by reviewing the guidance put out by the Appropriations Committee for these programs.

Department of Defense

Click here to submit your DOD FY24 CPF Application

Requests made under this account must be listed as eligible under the list provided to Congress by the Secretary of Defense, more guidance for which is at the link above. Requested projects must have at least 35 percent of its design completed. For projects that have not reached 35 percent design, planning and design funding can be requested. Projects must also have been submitted to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for inclusion in the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act or previously authorized, and projects must have a DD Form 1391, which is DoD’s justification for military construction projects. The Armed Services’ Congressional Liaison Offices can help provide these documents.

  • Military Construction – Active Component: The types of projects under this heading include construction, installation, equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military installations, and facilities for Active Components (Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-Wide Agencies). Only projects that have been submitted to Congress by the Secretary of Defense or his/her designee though the Future Year Defense Program (FYDP), Unfunded Requirements/Unfunded Priorities Lists (UFRs/UPLs), or cost-to-complete lists (CTCs) will be considered eligible for funding. Projects must have an approved cost of $9 million or less.
  • Military Construction – Reserve Component: The types of projects under this account include construction, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for training and administration for Reserve Components (Army National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, and Air Force Reserve). Projects that have been submitted to Congress by the Secretary of Defense or his/her designee though the Future Year Defense Program (FYDP), Unfunded Requirements/Unfunded Priorities Lists (UFRs/UPLs), or cost-to-complete lists (CTCs) will be considered eligible for funding. Projects must have an approved cost of $9 million or less. Please note that some Reserve Components require a State match.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Our FY24 applications will open on Monday, March 13. All applications are due by Thursday, March 16.

Department of Transportation

Click here to submit your DOT FY24 CPF Application

  • Highway Infrastructure Projects: All CPF projects submitted under this account must go towards capital projects or project-specific design for a capital project. All projects must be supported by the state government that would administer the project and generally must be included in Illinois’ State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) or CMAP’s Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Projects must be administered by public entities. The Committee will NOT fund activities that are administrative in nature even if they are eligible expenses under the statutory citation. These include but are not limited to general operating expenses and planning activities.
  • Transit Infrastructure Projects: All CPF projects submitted under this account must go towards transit capital projects or project-specific planning/design for a transit capital project. All projects must be supported by the state and local governmental authority that would administer the project and generally must be included in Illinois’ State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) or CMAP’s Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The Committee will NOT fund activities that are administrative in nature even if they are eligible expenses under the statutory citation. These include but are not limited to general operating expenses, joint development projects, and planning activities.
  • Airport Improvement Program: These CPFs may be used for enhancing airport safety, capacity, and security, and mitigating environmental concerns.
    • Eligibility: All projects must be eligible for DOT’s Airport Improvement Program in accordance with FAA policy and guidance; included in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS); administered by an airport and/or airport sponsor; and supported broadly by local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and elected officials.
    • Cost-share:
      • Large and medium primary hub airports: 75% federal share, 80% for noise program implementation
      • Small primary, reliever, and general aviation airports: 90-95% federal share
    •   Specific guidance for this account can be found here.
  • New for FY24 - Port Infrastructure Development Program: These CPFs may be used for the purpose of improving the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports. Priority will be given to projects at small inland river and coastal ports and terminals, and to discrete, smaller-scale projects at larger ports and intermodal connections to ports.
  • New for FY24 – Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI): Rail infrastructure projects are capital projects eligible under the CRISI program to assist in financing the cost of improving passenger and freight rail transportation systems.
    • Eligibility: The recipient must be a public entity such as a state department of transportation, public agency, or not-for-profit rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation, etc. For-profit entities are not eligible for CPF funding.All CPF projects submitted under this account must go towards rail capital projects or systems planning for a rail capital project. The Committee will NOT fund activities that are administrative in nature 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. All projects must be supported by the state and local governmental authority that would administer the project and sponsored by public entities.
    • Specific guidance for this account can be found here. 
    • Cost-share: up to 80% federal share

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Click here to submit your HUD FY24 CPF Application

  • Economic Development Initiative: CPFs from this account must be eligible under one or more of the criteria of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including land or site acquisition, demolition or rehabilitation, blight removal, construction and capital improvements of public facilities (including water and sewer facilities, local road infrastructure, etc. and excluding“buildings used for the general conduct of government”). The CPF must be administered by a state or local governmental entity or a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For-profit entities are not eligible for CPF funding. EDI community project requests are not eligible for the reimbursement of expenses for activities already undertaken prior to the completion of a grant agreement between HUD and the grantee (including debt service or debt retirement).
    • Some Changes from FY23:
      • Programmatic and operational expenses are not eligible.
      • The following types of projects are not eligible for CPF funding: Museums, commemoratives, memorials; Swimming pools, water parks, golf courses; Healthcare facilities; Venues strictly for entertainment purposes – e.g., theaters and performing arts venues.
      • Due to the statutory restriction on using funds for “buildings for the general conduct of government,” things like courthouses and town halls cannot be funded.
      • Projects that do not demonstrate a clear economic or community development benefit, especially if the only or primary purpose of the project is “beautification” or historic preservation, will be disfavored by the Subcommittee.
    • Specific guidance for this account can be found here.