Senator Peter Welch is accepting applications for the FY2026 Congressional Directed Spending Requests until 5 PM on Friday, March 28. Organizations are encouraged to submit their requests early to accommodate corrections that need to be made or questions that need to be answered before the deadline.
What Are Congressionally Directed Spending Requests?
Congressionally Directed Spending Requests (CDS), formerly known as Earmarks, are specific projects selected by Members of the US Senate for funding in the annual federal budget. These requests offer an opportunity for municipalities and other eligible entities to obtain a one-time allocation of funds for projects. The process of direct federal investment is called Community Project Funding (CPF) in the House of Representatives.
To qualify for funding, a project must be eligible under the accounts (programs) designated by the Senate. Each program has different requirements, just like regular federal grants.
How To Submit an Application for Consideration by Senator Welch
Senator Welch is accepting CDS requests via his website at Congressionally Directed Spending Requests | Senator Welch. Applications are submitted through an online portal. You will need to create an account or to log in if you have an existing account.
What You Should Know
If your project is awarded funding:
- You do not receive a cash award from the federal government. Funding is assigned to a federal agency (then sometimes a state agency).
- You will be required to submit an application for funding to your project's assigned agency, but you will be assured of a grant award.
- Awarded funding will be subject to all federal grant requirements and the requirements of the federal program through which they pass.
- Funds may not be available for 1-4 years based on an agency's capacity to administer the funds. Most awardees wait 1-2 years after learning they will receive funding.
Advice for Prospective Applicants
- This funding cannot be used to support programming and is not available to for-profit organizations.
- Organizations are strongly encouraged to consider applying for other grants before seeking CDS funds. Email bwaninger@vlct.org if you would like assistance identifying additional funding opportunities.
- Projects benefit from advanced discussion with Congressional staff. You can reach Senator Welch's office by emailing appropriations@welch.senate.gov.
- Be sure you review the specific list of the accounts for CDS request and their eligibility requirements. It can be helpful to review the previous year's CDS awards to understand which types of project match which accounts.
- It can be helpful to speak with the federal or state agency to which your project may be assigned if awarded funds, or at least to review their program requirements. This will help you understand the requirements you will be asked to meet so that you understand what grant-related activities need to be incorporated into your timeline and budget.