Community Investment Fund 2030

The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF), administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is a five-year initiative designed to support historically underserved municipalities within the state. With an authorized total of up to $676 million available through 2027, the program aims to foster equitable economic and community development by funding capital and planning projects that align with statutory priorities. The CIF Round 8 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) marks the eighth cycle of funding, with applications open from October 27 through December 5, 2025. CIF prioritizes proposals that enhance inclusive economic opportunity, particularly those that benefit marginalized communities such as communities of color, religious minorities, rural residents, and others facing persistent inequality. Eligible applicants include municipalities designated as Public Investment Communities or Alliance Districts, as well as nonprofit organizations and community development corporations serving those municipalities. Projects may be resubmitted from prior rounds if applicants provide a compelling justification for reconsideration. The program funds two types of projects: Capital Improvements and Planning. Capital Improvement projects include activities such as brownfield remediation, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and the renovation or construction of public facilities. Projects seeking capital funds must meet a minimum total budget of $1.5 million and request at least $250,000 in CIF funds. Planning projects, which are eligible for up to $250,000, may include feasibility studies, environmental reports, and early-stage development planning. While soft costs are permitted, CIF encourages applicants to keep them minimal and prioritize shovel-ready implementation or robust community planning. Applications are reviewed by DECD for completeness and alignment with strategic economic goals before being submitted to the CIF Board and subsequently to the State Bond Commission for final approval. Projects that demonstrate alignment with the state’s Economic Action Plan, show efficient use of funds, and leverage non-state funding are given priority. Additional consideration is given to projects that include project labor agreements, employ marginalized individuals, or have legislative support or committed co-funding from private, municipal, or philanthropic sources. To apply, eligible entities must submit their applications electronically through the designated CIF application portal by noon on December 5, 2025. Supporting documents must be uploaded to a unique SharePoint folder, which must be requested by November 28, 2025. Required documentation includes financial records, proof of eligibility, project budgets, legal documentation, and environmental assessments where applicable. Applications will be evaluated during a CIF Board meeting scheduled for March 10, 2026, with final approval expected within two months. Resources such as the NOFA, FAQ documents, application instructions, and webinar recordings are available on the CIF website to assist applicants. For questions or to schedule a one-on-one session during the application window, applicants may contact the fund administrator by email. CIF strongly encourages early preparation, accurate submission, and thorough documentation to ensure timely and successful review.

Begin early; read the NOFA and FAQ thoroughly; attend or view the webinar; organize team responsibilities; request SharePoint folder by deadline; finalize documentation early to avoid upload errors.