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A Guide to Earmarks for Appalachian Communities

By February 20, 2025No Comments

Updated February 20, 2025

Did you know that Congress recently revived a funding mechanism to support local projects? Earmarks, also known as “Congressionally Directed Spending” in the Senate and “Community Project Funding” in the House, allow Senators to direct federal funding to address specific community needs. This guide empowers Appalachian communities to explore and potentially benefit from this exciting opportunity. 

This blog was written in March 2024, given the nature of the Congressional budget process, it may not be fully accurate for future years, but we are continuing to share the information because it provides important context on the history of these funds’ potential to support local projects..

FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending Update: 

Thanks to Sylvia for creating this great resource last year to help guide communities through the process of planning for the FY25 Fiscal Year! 

We wanted to provide a brief update with some context for Congressionally Directed Spending – aka Earmarks – and the FY26 Budget. 

Will there be an opportunity for FY26 Earmarks aka Congressionally Directed spending? 

  • We are hearing that because these are popular with many members of Congress in both parties, and they are likely to be included in the FY26 proposed budget. 

What’s the 2025 timeline for Congressionally Directed Spending applications?

  • Most offices won’t be moving forward with earmarks until the FY25 budget is finalized, which will likely be by March 30th, 2025 at the latest. (We can’t predict the future – or what Congress will do – but this is our best guess).
  • HOWEVER, some offices have Congressionally Directed Spending Application deadlines of early to mid March, so it’s worth checking with your Representative and Senators to see what their 2025 timeline is. 
  • We do expect that some offices will not engage in Congressionally Directed Spending at all, meaning that their communities will not have an avenue to submit their projects for consideration. 
  • We can expect that once the process for Congressionally Directed Spending opens up, it will move fast – so we recommend being in touch with your members of Congress as soon as possible so you can begin preparing your materials for your request before the timeline is finalized. 

What can be included in Congressionally Directed Spending? 

  • It’s hard to guess how restrictive FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending guidelines will be. However, there are trends from past years we can use to predict the types of projects that are most likely to have success. 
  • We have included some context in the blog below, and even more examples of successful Congressionally Directed Spending projects that regional members of Congress have supported in this ReImagine Appalachia blog. 

So, what should my group do if we are interested in pursuing the possibility of Congressionally Directed Spending in the FY26 Budget?

  • Because it will likely be a very tight window between final guidelines on what’s possible with Congressionally Directed Spending and the project proposals being due to Congressional Offices, if you are able to invest the time, we recommend that groups begin preparing in advance of the FY26 process.
  • Reach out to your local Congressional offices as soon as possible to discuss your work and your ideas. It is key to build those relationships over time so that you will be ready if and when the guidelines open up for this year and future opportunities. 
  • Consider beginning the process of collecting letters of support from partners and reaching out to other partners in your community or district that might be preparing applications. Last year, each Member of the House was limited to submitting 15 requests from their district to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Learn more about the requirements and what to expect in the application process by reviewing the recording of our 2024 webinar or our step by step PowerPoint guide to Congressionally Directed Spending here.

What are Earmarks?

Earmarks are one-time allocations of federal funds designated for specific local projects that are funded by certain accounts under subcommittees. They can support various initiatives such as:

  • Community and Regional Development – This includes projects like building and renovating public libraries and performing arts centers and expanding shelters for victims of domestic violence.
  • Natural Resources and Environment – Projects in this category focus on conserving aquatic habitats, managing water systems, and improving sewer systems.
  • Transportation – These projects involve extending airport runways, expanding bus rapid transit lines, and installing traffic lights.
  • National Defense – This category includes funding for planning and designing military facilities and even constructing child development centers on bases.
  • Health: Projects in this area support equipment and operational costs for oral health programs, provide children’s mental health services, and upgrade water distribution systems in tribal communities.

Make sure to read our companion blog, Hope Blooms in Appalachia: How Earmarks Are Revitalizing Communities in our Region.

Congress Approved Over $24 Billion for Local Projects in 2 Years

In the years 2022 and 2023, Congress allocated over $24 billion for local or community projects. This represents a significant increase from $9.1 billion in FY 2022 to $15.3 billion in FY 2023, supporting nearly 12,200 projects across the country.

This funding can be particularly valuable for addressing critical needs in underserved communities like those across Appalachia.

Eligibility and Requirements

While earmarks offer promising opportunities, specific requirements and limitations exist. Here’s an overview:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be nonprofit entities or state, local, or tribal governments. Generally, projects must align with existing federal grant programs and meet their eligibility criteria. You can find details on eligibility and program specifics on the relevant federal agency’s website or https://www.grants.gov/.
  • Non-profit Eligibility: To receive earmark funds, your organization must be a registered non-profit with the IRS. Proof of this status is typically required during the application process.
  • Community Support: Demonstrating strong community support for your project is crucial. This can include letters of support from local officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries.
  • Matching Funds: Many earmark projects require a local funding match, meaning not the entire project can be solely funded by earmark dollars.

The Application Process

The application process typically involves several steps:

  1. Stay informed: Keep an eye on your Senator’s website for application deadlines and specific procedures. They usually hold virtual workshops in early February to inform potential applicants.
  1. Review guidelines: Carefully review the Senator’s guidelines and recommendations for proposal writing. These will be available on their website
  1. Develop your proposal: Craft a compelling proposal that clearly outlines your project, its purpose, community need, and impact. Include a detailed budget breakdown and demonstrate your ability to secure matching funds if required.
  1. Submit your application: Submit your proposal through the Senator’s online portal during the designated application window, most are in mid-March.
  1. Selection process: Senators select projects for submission to the Senate Appropriations Committee in April. The Committee reviews proposals and makes the final funding decisions in the Summer.
  1. Funding and disbursement: If your project is approved, the Appropriations Committee includes it in the final budget bill. Once the bill is passed and signed by the President, the specific federal agency responsible for the chosen program will disburse the funds, typically in early 2025.

Take Action

Earmarks present a valuable opportunity for Appalachian non-profits to secure funding for crucial projects. By understanding the guidelines, requirements, and application process, you can position your organization to compete effectively and make a lasting impact on your community. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Senator’s office or relevant organizations for assistance. Together, we can unlock the potential of earmarks to build a brighter future for Appalachia.

Additional Resources

  • Contact your local Congressperson’s office for personalized guidance and support.

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