Fiscal Year 2026 Small Dollar Loan Program
🏛 Community Development Financial Institutions
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) seeking to expand small dollar loan programs. Applicants must hold active CDFI certification from the Treasury Department's CDFI Fund. CDFIs serve unbanked and underbanked populations in low-income communities, rural areas, and other underserved markets.
The program awards grants (not loans) to expand affordable lending alternatives. Activities include establishing new small dollar loan programs, expanding existing ones, and providing credit-building products. Funds support program development, operations, and lending capacity.
There is no cost-sharing requirement. CDFIs of all sizes may apply. The geographic scope is national, with funding available for work in any U.S. jurisdiction.
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Program description
Through the Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) awards grants to Certified CDFIs to establish and expand small dollar loan programs and provide alternatives to high-cost small dollar loans. Certified CDFIs will use award funds to help unbanked and underbanked populations build credit, access affordable capital, and allow greater access into the mainstream financial system.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of current CDFI certification
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing small dollar loan program and borrower impact
- Budget narrative with detailed justification
- Financial statements (recent audited statements or tax returns)
- Evidence of organizational capacity and track record
Program contact
- 👤 Henny Winarsoo Grantor
- 📧 sdlp@cdfi.treas.gov
- 📞 202-653-0333
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 21.025 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$415,000
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
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$383,223
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 21.025). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $17,563,688 | |
| 2026 est. | $18,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Only Certified CDFIs are eligible. Your organization must hold current CDFI certification from the Treasury Department's CDFI Fund.
What can the grant funds support?
Funds establish or expand small dollar loan programs. This includes program staffing, operations, technology, and lending capital to serve unbanked populations.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 23, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling. Plan accordingly.
How competitive is this grant?
With $9 million in total funding and awards ranging from $20,000–$500,000, competition is moderate to high. Strong applications demonstrate clear impact on target populations.
Can I apply for funding in any state?
Yes, this is a national program. You can apply to serve communities anywhere in the United States.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly explain how award funds will expand access to small dollar loans for unbanked or underbanked populations. Show specific products and target borrower profiles.
- Use data to demonstrate your CDFI's track record and capacity. Include loan volume, repayment rates, and borrower demographics from recent operations.
- Connect your program design to Treasury priorities. Emphasize how you'll reduce reliance on high-cost alternatives and build borrower credit.
- Budget carefully and realistically. Show how you'll use funds efficiently and demonstrate financial sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Ensure your small dollar loan products meet Treasury definitions and serve eligible populations. Describe interest rates, terms, and affordability features clearly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants sometimes lack clear evidence of CDFI certification status or certification is expired. Verify your active certification before submitting.
Weak applications fail to show specific borrower impact or demonstrate capacity to manage expanded lending. Include detailed program metrics and staffing plans.
Poor budget justification weakens competitive positioning. Explain every expense and show sustainability post-award without additional grant funding.
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