Community Project Funding
As of early 2026, our office is waiting for House leadership and the Appropriations Committee to release guidance for Community Project Funding (CPF) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027). Rep. Pappas is a strong advocate for Community Project Funding, however House leadership may choose to stop allowing Members of Congress to submit projects through this process.
Given the short timeline between the release of guidance and deadlines for Member submissions, we wanted to provide you with the information you need to consider developing a project submission for FY 2027. We are also sharing our form for FY 2027 CPF submissions. Please note that we may follow up with clarifying updates once the Appropriations Committee releases guidance for the FY 2027 community project funding process.
Any Community Project Funding request must match specific funding accounts and purposes, which are detailed in the guide linked here. The information in this guide largely consists of content drawn from House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2026 guidelines and is subject to change based on the final guidance issued by the committee.
Keep in mind that House members have historically been limited to only submitting 15 requests to the House Appropriations Committee. Given the high levels of interest, not every entity who makes a request of our office will have theirs submitted to the Appropriations Committee.
Project requests should be made through Congressman Pappas’s Community Project Request Form by Friday, March 6, 2026.
Congressman Pappas will choose project requests based on their adherence to the criteria set by the House Appropriations Committee. This is to ensure the highest likelihood that the project gets funding; however, there is no guarantee that any project request will be fulfilled by the House Appropriations Committee or that the funding will be at the level requested.
A project should have a concrete, definitive, and detailed description. Projects that are located within New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, are scalable, have already secured a portion of the project’s funding needs or have a plan to secure matching funds, with strong evidence of public support, with clear ability to execute the project, and which align with important priorities for communities in NH-01, will be given priority.
After submission, Congressman Pappas’s office may have follow-up questions and information requests, and the project submission may need to be modified.
Important Information
Community Support
Community engagement and support is crucial in determining which projects are worthy of Federal funding. Only projects with demonstrated community support will be considered. This recommendation builds on past Committee reforms, and Members will be required to present to the Committee evidence of community support that were compelling factors in their decision to submit the request.
Examples of these include, but are not limited to:
- Letters of support from elected community leaders (e.g. mayors or other officials);
- Press articles highlighting the need for the requested Community Project Funding;
- Support from newspaper editorial boards;
- Projects listed on State intended use plans, community development plans, or other publicly available planning documents; or
- Resolutions passed by city councils or boards.
Ban on For-Profit recipients
The Committee is imposing a ban on directing Community Project Funding to for-profit entities.
Matching requirements
Several federal programs eligible for Community Project Funding requests require a State or local match for projects either by statute or according to longstanding policy. The Committee will not waive these matching requirements for Community Project Funding requests, so it is important that Member offices discuss with their State and local officials the ability for localities to meet matching requirements prior to requesting a project. Note: This does not mean that matching funds must be in-hand prior to requesting a project, but that local officials must have a plan to meet such requirements in order for such a project to be viable.
One-year funding
Each project request must be for Fiscal Year 2027 funds only and cannot include a request for multiyear funding. However, the performance period for a project funded with amounts provided in Fiscal Year 2027 will depend on the appropriations account from which it is funded and may be longer than one year.
State, local, or Tribal governmental entities as grantees
Members are encouraged to consider public entities as primary grantees to oversee the completion of the project.
- For infrastructure projects, many States have established lists or intended use plans with projects that have already been vetted by governmental officials (e.g. drinking water, wastewater, and highways).
Non-profits as grantees
Members are encouraged to consider public entities as primary grantees to oversee the completion of the project.
For infrastructure projects, many States have established lists or intended use plans with projects that have already been vetted by governmental officials (e.g. drinking water, wastewater, and highways).
Process
Interested municipalities and non-profits can make their requests here.
All requests will be reviewed by Congressman Pappas’s Community Advisory Board to vet their feasibility and ensure they meet the requirements laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Final submissions will be made to the House Appropriations Committee and Congressman Pappas will attest neither he nor his immediate family has a financial stake in any of the projects he chooses to submit.
FAQs
Q: What is Community Project Funding?
A: Community Project Funding (also known as Congressionally Directed Spending or earmarks) are requests by Members of Congress to provide specific, one-time funding to a municipality or organization meeting requirements outlined under federal law. Projects receiving funding typically have a clear purpose and goal beyond normal operating activities for which traditional funding is not available.
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting my request?
A: Friday, March 6, 2026
Q: What happens after I submit my request?
A: Congressman Pappas’s office will review your request and determine if further information is needed and if your request meets the guidelines laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Q: Should I submit my request to other Congressional Offices?
A: Our office strongly recommends you submit your project to all of your federal representatives.
Q: Are there limits on what I can request funding for?
A: Yes. The programs providing funding for these requests have restrictions and guidelines on how these funds can be used. Generally speaking, Community Project Funding cannot be used for debt services, operating costs or salary, reimbursement of costs already incurred, or for projects that do not have community support.
Q: Can I request Community Project Funding for a multi-year project?
A: No. Community Project Funding is a one-time appropriation of funds that must be allocated within a one-year timeframe. If you have a multi-phase project that will take years to complete you can request funding for a specific portion of your project.
Q: If my project is selected will I receive the full amount I requested? And when will I receive it?
A: Congressman Pappas and his office will diligently work to include your project in the relevant appropriations bills but there is no guarantee the request will be funded at the requested level. Typically funds have been made available the calendar year following the request.
Q: Can I submit multiple projects for consideration?
A: Yes, but it is highly unlikely you will have multiple requests funded. If you do make multiple requests, please be prepared to rank in terms of priority.
Q: I have received Community Project Funding in previous years through Congressman Pappas’s Office. Can I apply again?
A: Yes. All requests will be given consideration.
Q: What is the Community Advisory Board?
A: Congressman Pappas is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process when making Community Project Funding submissions and assembled a group of volunteers with experience in government and non-profit management to help him and his office vet and assess all project requests. The Community Advisory Board works closely with Congressman Pappas and his office to review projects, ensure they fulfill a need in their community, and meet the requirements laid out by the House Appropriations Committee.
Q: What are some examples of projects which have been funded through this process in past years?
A: You can see examples of projects selected by Congressman Pappas in past years here and below.
FY 2027 Project Requests are below.
Projects submitted by Congressman Chris Pappas on behalf of his constituents and his district for FY ‘27 can be found below.
Project: Derry Police Department Regional Mobile Incident Support Unit
Requester: Derry Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 1 Municipal Drive Derry NH 03038
Funding Request: $360,000
Description: This project will provide a Regional Mobile Incident Support Unit for the Derry Police Department to enhance crime scene processing, accident reconstruction documentation, search-and-rescue coordination, and incident management for the Derry Police Department and the 14 partner agencies of the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit. The Unit will replace an aging crime scene unit and serve as a shared regional resource to enhance investigative efficiency, interagency coordination, and life-safety response during complex incidents across multiple jurisdictions.
Letter: Derry Police Department Regional Mobile Incident Support Unit
Project: Manchester Police Department CAD/RMS Modernization Project
Requester: Manchester Police Department
Account: Byrne Justice Grants
Address: 405 Valley Street Manchester NH 03103
Funding Request: $1,750,000
Description: This project will invest in a modernized Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System infrastructure for the Manchester Police Department by replacing aging platforms with a unified, secure, and more resilient system. This upgrade will improve emergency response coordination, streamline data sharing, and enhance service delivery for the Department. The investment ensures Manchester’s first responders have reliable, modern tools to protect the community effectively.
Letter: Manchester Police Department CAD/RMS Modernization Project
Project: Portsmouth Police Department Smart City Real Time Crime Center
Requester: Portsmouth Police Department
Account: Byrne Justice Grants
Address: 3 Junkins Avenue Portsmouth NH 04801
Funding Request: $2,000,000
Description: These funds would enable the Portsmouth Police Department to invest in technology and information-sharing capabilities as part of its campaign to establish a “Smart City Real Time Crime Center” to gather, centralize, and disseminate information from many sources to those in the field by providing a real time "birds eye view" with data analysis capabilities for the department and its officers.
Letter: Portsmouth Police Department Smart City Real Time Crime Center
Project: Belmont Police Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades
Requester: Belmont Police Department
Account: Byrne Justice Grants
Address: 16 Fuller Street Belmont NH 03220
Funding Request: $350,000
Description: This project will invest in improved communications equipment, body-worn and cruiser cameras, and accreditation management software for the Belmont Police Department. These upgrades will assist the Belmont Police Department in becoming an accredited agency.
Letter: Belmont Police Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades
Project: University of New Hampshire Police Department Campus Security Upgrades
Requester: University of New Hampshire Police Department
Account: Byrne Justice Grants
Address: 105 Main Street Durham NH 03824
Funding Request: $850,000
Description: This project will invest in new security cameras and license plate readers. Upgrading this technology will better allow the University of New Hampshire Police Department and its sworn officers to prevent, mitigate, and respond to dangerous situations on campus. It will also further assist in the forensic analysis of crimes that have been committed on campus. Having security cameras strategically located throughout campus also acts as a force multiplier that will provide UNH PD the ability to pre-determine the seriousness of an event as officers are responding to incidents already in progress.
Letter: University of New Hampshire Police Department Campus Security Upgrades
Project: Hampton Police Department Technology and Equipment Upgrades
Requester: Hampton Police Department
Account: Byrne Justice Grants
Address: 100 Brown Avenue Hampton NH 03842
Funding Request: $1,000,000
Description: The Hampton Police Department will use this funding to modernize its technology and equipment through purchases of body worn cameras, cruiser-mounted cameras, upgraded less-lethal electronic control devices, modernized holsters, and associated evidence tracking software.
Letter: Hampton Police Department Technology and Equipment Upgrades
Project: Stratham Police Department Radio Equipment Replacement
Requester: Stratham Police Department
Account: COPS Technology and Equipment
Address: 76 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham NH 03885
Funding Request: $125,000
Description: This project will upgrade and modernize its existing radio communications infrastructure. Specifically, the Department would purchase modern portable radios to replace aging radio technology to ensure reliable communications are available for officer safety, coordinated emergency response, and continuity of operations.
Letter: Stratham Police Department Radio Equipment Replacement
Project: Willow Street Redesign Project
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 475 Valley Street Manchester NH 03103
Funding Request: $1,000,000
Description: This funding will be used to add continuous sidewalks, bike lanes, ADA-compliant crossings, curb extensions, and better lighting on a 1,400 foot segment of Willow Street. These improvements will connect downtown, the historic Valley Cemetery green space, the SNHU Arena, and the existing bike lane to the South Manchester Rail Trail.
Letter: Willow Street Redesign Project
Project: Perley Pond Apartments Affordable Housing Conversion
Requester: Laconia Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 32 Canal Street Laconia NH 03246
Funding Request: $150,000
Description: The funding will convert an existing utility and maintenance building at Perley Pond Apartments into two functional spaces: a new one-bedroom affordable housing unit and a self-service laundry facility for current tenants. The housing unit will be reserved for income-eligible households at or below 80% of area median income, including voucher holders subject to waitlist position, while the laundry area will provide an on-site, coin-operated option for residents.
Letter: Perley Pond Apartments Affordable Housing Conversion
Project: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport HVAC Modernization
Requester: City of Manchester
Account: Grants-in-Aid for Airports
Address: 1 Airport Road Manchester NH 03103
Funding Request: $150,000
Description: This funding will support completion of Phase I of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport’s HVAC improvement project. Phase I will begin replacing aging systems that serve the terminal. This initial phase will begin replacing aging mechanical, electrical, and control components that can no longer maintain stable temperature, humidity, or air quality in the terminal. Phase I may also include installing a new building automation system and a specialized cooling unit for the information technology and server rooms, addressing the most urgent operational needs. The full project, completed after a future Phase II, is anticipated to replace eight units that serve about 146,600 square feet of terminal and walkway space.
Letter: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport HVAC Modernization
Project: Silver Lake Dam Replacement
Requester: Town of Madison
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 1923 Village Road Madison NH 03849
Funding Request: $2,250,000
Description: This funding would be utilized for the replacement of an existing 100 year-old dam. The original dam was reportedly built in 1870, but washed out and was rebuilt in 1891 and again in 1911. The present Silver Lake Dam was constructed in 1926 and is now showing increasing signs of structural deterioration. This funding would support the replacement of the Silver Lake Dam, including engineering, site preparation, demolition of the existing deteriorated structure, and construction of a new dam meeting current safety and regulatory standards.
Letter: Silver Lake Dam Replacement
Project: Merrimack Firefighters Breathing Apparatuses
Requester: Town of Merrimack
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 432 Daniel Webster Highway Merrimack NH 03054
Funding Request: $500,000
Description: This funding will allow the City of Merrimack to replace the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) systems used by its Fire Department that will become non-compliant with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety standards later this year. This critical, life-saving equipment allows firefighters to operate in toxic, oxygen-deficient, and high-temperature environments. This upgrade is essential to ensuring firefighter safety, operational capability, and continued compliance with national safety standards.
Letter: Merrimack Firefighters Breathing Apparatuses
Project: Laconia Health Center Infrastructure Upgrades
Requester: HealthFirst Family Care Center, Inc.
Account: Health Resources and Services Administration
Address: 22 Strafford St Laconia NH 03246
Funding Request: $700,000
Description: This project will allow HealthFirst, a Federally Qualified Health Center, to make critical upgrades to its outdated cooling system and windows at its aging facility. The building was originally a shoe factory that was renovated 20 years ago and has 70 windows throughout the clinic and administrative office area. A recent review by the Laconia Housing Authority, which performs maintenance on the building, identified window replacement as a high-priority improvement.
Letter: Laconia Health Center Infrastructure Upgrades
Project: Portsmouth Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation
Requester: City of Portsmouth
Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 1 Junkins Avenue Portsmouth NH 03801
Funding Request: $500,000
Description: The City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire will utilize the requested amount to rehabilitate and improve its aging sewer collection system. Portsmouth’s system includes more than 99 miles of gravity sewer, with many segments exceeding 100 years in age and constructed from materials such as brick, vitrified clay, asbestos cement, and early concrete. As these materials deteriorate, they allow stormwater and groundwater to enter the sanitary sewer system, increasing flows that must be pumped and treated at substantial cost. In addition, excess flows also overwhelm system capacity during rain events, contributing directly to untreated combined sewer overflow discharges into the environment.
Letter: Portsmouth Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation
Project: Elmwood Gardens Public Housing Modernization
Requester: Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 198 Hanover Street Manchester NH 03104
Funding Request: $1,250,000
Description: This funding will be used to renovate the Elmwood Gardens housing development, originally built in 1952 to provide public housing to low-income families with 200 units located in 42 buildings. The development was built on former swampland and farmland, resulting in high water tables, and its boiler rooms and hot water systems are currently located in the basement. These conditions have plagued critical equipment with constant corrosion and flooding through water infiltration, resulting in constant failures and repairs.
Letter: Elmwood Gardens Public Housing Modernization
Project: Laconia Critical Equipment Storage Facility
Requester: City of Laconia
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 126 New Salem Street Laconia 03246
Funding Request: $1,500,000
Description: This funding would be used to construct a four-bay 40 x 80 foot temperature and climate-controlled storage unit to store and protect critical emergency response vehicles and equipment from theft, vandalism, armed intruders, threats of terrorism, and exposure to the elements. This facility would help protect vital critical emergency response vehicles and equipment, while ensuring timely deployment of resources by first responders during emergencies in Laconia and Belknap County.
Letter: Laconia Critical Equipment Storage Facility
Project: Merrimack River Transmission Main Crossing
Requester: Hooksett Village Water Precinct
Account: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 7 Riverside Street Hooksett NH 03106
Funding Request: $1,569,760
Description: This project will construct 3,800 linear feet of new 12-inch diameter water main, including 1,200 linear feet crossing under the Merrimack River (using directional drilling methodologies) to connect the existing distribution system across the river to Route 3, near the Memorial School. This will result in a large loop connecting the east and west sides of the river, increase resilience, and improve water quality, flow and pressure for existing residents, businesses and key municipal facilities.
Letter: Merrimack River Transmission Main Crossing
Project: Town of Conway Police Station Renovation and Expansion
Requester: Town of Conway
Account: Economic Development Initiatives
Address: 35 East Conway Road Conway NH 03813
Funding Request: $3,000,000
Description: These funds would allow the Town of Conway to renovate and expand its outdated police station. Increased staffing levels, expanded file and evidence retention requirements, and modern equipment demands have exceeded the building's available capacity and necessitated renovations to provide the community with the best possible services.
Letter: Town of Conway Police Station Renovation and Expansion
Project: Londonderry High Range Road East Drinking Water Extension
Requester: Town of Londonderry
Account: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 268B Mammoth Road Londonderry NH 03053
Funding Request: $2,640,000
Description: This project would enable the Town of Londonderry to expand its public water system into a heavily PFAS-impacted neighborhood immediately east of and outside the Saint-Gobain consent decree area. The requested funds will be used to construct approximately 7,500 linear feet of 8-inch water mains serving four residential streets and will provide access to public water for 66 properties. The project will support Londonderry’s broader effort to address a town-wide PFAS drinking water crisis and safeguard access to clean drinking water for its residents.
Letter: Londonderry High Range Road East Drinking Water Extension
Project: Town of Epping Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades
Requester: Town of Epping
Account: Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Address: 157 Main Street Epping NH 03042
Funding Request: $3,800,000
Description: The Town of Epping will utilize the requested funds to upgrade its Wastewater Treatment Facility in compliance with a 2016 EPA Administrative Order. Specifically, the requested amount will be used to construct wastewater infrastructure, including microscreen building, bioreactor, and waste-activated sludge tanks.
Letter: Town of Epping Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades