OCS DCL-2022-01 CED Month FY2022

We are pleased to announce that the Office of Community Services (OCS) will celebrate Community Economic Development Month throughout October 2021. To launch the month-long celebration, OCS’ Community Economic Development (CED) program is excited to announce the award of over $14.6M in new grant awards to support 20 CED projects.  These new grants will create over 600 new jobs in low-income communities to help improve the livelihood of not only those who obtain the jobs but also the communities they are located in. In support of OCS’ mission to address the causes and consequences of poverty, increase opportunity and economic security of individuals and families, and revitalize communities, 75% of the jobs created under each grant will be reserved for an individual with low income, and grant recipients will provide support services to address barriers that low-income individuals may face in obtaining and maintaining employment.  

The Community Economic Development (CED) Program

The CED program is a federal grant program that provides funding to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that addresses the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of sustainable business development and employment opportunities. CED-funded projects create or expand businesses, create new jobs for individuals with low income, and leverage public and private funding investments in communities. To learn more about the CED program, please visit the following:

• Learn more about the CED program
• Read about CED active projects
• See the impact of CED projects
• Find out how to participate in the CED program

How is OCS celebrating Community Economic Development Month?

Throughout the month of October, we invite you to check out the Community Economic Development Month website for weekly updates, resources, and activities to celebrate the community-based economic development efforts that are vital in creating resilient communities and opportunities for low-income children, families, and individuals to thrive.

New resources and materials will be added every Wednesday. We invite you to check back in every week throughout the month of October to support our collective efforts to create resilient communities that help to address the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable families.