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.