Treasury Offers $40 Million for Community Banks
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bank Enterprise Award Program is offering $40 million in grants for FY 2026 to banks that help improve low-income communities. Banks can apply for awards ranging from $10,000 to $600,000, with about 180 awards expected. Don’t miss the key deadline on July 24, 2026, to submit your application and get your paperwork in order!
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.
$40M in BEA Grants Available
The BEA Program is offering $40,000,000 in grants for FY 2026 to FDIC‑insured banks and thrifts. Individual awards will range from $10,000 up to $600,000, and the CDFI Fund expects to issue about 180 awards.
Eligibility Limited to FDIC‑Insured Banks
Only FDIC‑insured banks or thrifts (Insured Depository Institutions) are eligible to apply. An Applicant must have been FDIC‑insured as of the first day of the Baseline Period, January 1, 2024, and must maintain FDIC insurance at the time of application.
Big Advantage for Certified & Small Banks
Certified CDFI banks get higher award percentages than non‑CDFI banks (example: consumer transactions use 18% for CDFI Applicants vs 6% for non‑CDFI Applicants). Small institutions (assets less than $412 million as of 12/31/2025) receive an asset size priority factor of 5, intermediate institutions a factor of 3, and large institutions a factor of 1.
Awards Based on 2024→2025 Activity Increase
Awards are computed from an Applicant's increase in Qualified Activities between the Baseline Period (January 1–December 31, 2024) and the Assessment Period (January 1–December 31, 2025). Only amounts fully disbursed during those periods are considered.
What Award Funds Can Pay For
Award funds must be used on Eligible Activities defined in 12 CFR 1806.300. Recipients may use up to 15% of their total BEA Award for Direct Administrative Expenses, but Indirect Costs are not allowable. Awards may not be passed through to third parties except in certain mergers/acquisitions with prior CDFI Fund consent.
Compliance, Debarment, and Default Rules
Applicants with certain regulatory or legal findings, debarment, delinquent Federal debt (per Do Not Pay), unresolved noncompliance/defaults, or default on a CDFI Fund loan within five years of the deadline are ineligible. Defaults on Allocation Agreements in the 12 months before the application deadline also make an Applicant ineligible.
Firm Application Deadlines and Registrations
Key deadlines: create AMIS account and submit SF‑424 in Grants.gov by July 24, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET); last day to contact program offices is July 29, 2026 (5:00 p.m. ET); final AMIS submission of the BEA Application and attachments is July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET). Failure to meet registration or submission deadlines (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, AMIS, EIN/UEI) can make an Application ineligible.
Persistent Poverty County Commitment
Congress requires at least 10% of the CDFI Fund's appropriations be directed to Persistent Poverty Counties (PPCs). Applicants must indicate what percentage of their BEA Award they will commit to investing in PPCs, and any PPC commitment will become a performance goal in the Award Agreement. The performance period is one year.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20040, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Annual Certification and Data Collection Report Form and Abbreviated Transaction Level Report
The Treasury’s CDFI Fund wants to make sure certified community banks and applicants keep sharing important info through their Annual Certification and Transaction Reports. They’re asking for public feedback by November 30, 2026, to keep these forms clear and easy. This helps support banks that serve neighborhoods often ignored by big banks, with no new fees or big changes planned.
2026-20047, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Community Development Financial Institutions Program-Certification Application
The Treasury Department wants your thoughts on the form used to apply for certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This certification helps banks and lenders serve low-income communities better. If you’re involved with these institutions, now’s the time to comment before November 30, 2026, to help shape the process and reduce paperwork hassle.
2026-20050, Notice of Information Collection and Request for Public Comment
The Treasury’s CDFI Fund wants your thoughts on their Uses of Award Report form, which helps track how grant money is spent. If you’re part of programs like BEA, CDFI, NACA, or SDL, this affects you! Comments are open until November 30, 2026, and this is all about making reporting easier without extra costs or hassle.
2026-18883, Funding Opportunity; Notice of Allocation Availability Inviting Applications for the Calendar Years 2026 Allocation Round of the New Markets Tax Credit Program
The Treasury Department is opening the 2026 round for the New Markets Tax Credit program, which helps boost investments in low-income communities. Community Development Entities (CDEs) can apply for funding and certifications starting now, with key deadlines in September, October, and November 2026. This is a big chance to get tax credits and invest millions into neighborhoods that need it most!
2026-13172, Funding Opportunities: Bond Guarantee Program, FY 2026; Notice of Guarantee Availability
The U.S. Treasury is offering up to $500 million in bond guarantees for 2026 to help community lenders raise money for local projects. If you’re a qualified issuer, you need to apply by early July to get in on this chance. This program supports community development by making it easier to fund important neighborhood improvements before the end of the year.
2026-13200, Funding Opportunities: Small Dollar Loan Program: FY 2026 Funding Round
The Small Dollar Loan Program is opening its FY 2026 funding round, offering $9 million to help community lenders provide small loans and support services. If you’re a community financial group, now’s your chance to apply for loan loss reserves or technical help grants, with awards ranging from $20,000 up to $350,000. Get ready—applications will be reviewed soon, and this funding can boost your ability to serve more people with affordable loans!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13197, Deregistration Under Section 8(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
Some investment funds, like the Value Line Core Bond Fund, are officially asking the SEC to stop being registered as investment companies because they've finished closing down and paid out their investors. If you want to speak up or ask for a hearing, you have until July 21, 2026. This means less paperwork and oversight for these funds, and no extra costs for investors now that the funds are done.
Next: 2026-13200, Funding Opportunities: Small Dollar Loan Program: FY 2026 Funding Round
The Small Dollar Loan Program is opening its FY 2026 funding round, offering $9 million to help community lenders provide small loans and support services. If you’re a community financial group, now’s your chance to apply for loan loss reserves or technical help grants, with awards ranging from $20,000 up to $350,000. Get ready—applications will be reviewed soon, and this funding can boost your ability to serve more people with affordable loans!