The Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program) provides grants to Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to help them create or expand loan programs that offer affordable alternatives to expensive small loans. The goal is to assist people who don't have easy access to traditional banking services in building credit and accessing affordable financial resources.
Who it's for: This grant is for Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that are looking to establish or expand small dollar loan programs. These organizations should be focused on helping unbanked and underbanked populations gain access to affordable financial services.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a Certified CDFI
- Proposing non-community development projects
- Inability to demonstrate capacity to manage funds
- Non-compliance with federal regulations
- Incomplete application submission
What You May Need
- Proof of CDFI certification
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Organizational financial statements
- Compliance with federal regulations
- Evidence of community impact
- Registration with SAM.gov
- DUNS number or UEI
- Past performance records
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
Cautions
- Ensure CDFI certification is current
- Strict adherence to application deadline
- Funds must be used for community development purposes
- Careful management of awarded funds is crucial
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These are specialized financial institutions that work in market niches that are underserved by traditional banks and credit unions. They provide a range of financial products and services in economically distressed target markets, such as mortgage financing for low-income and first-time homebuyers and not-for-profit developers, flexible underwriting and risk capital for needed community facilities, and technical assistance, commercial loans, and investments to small start-up or expanding businesses in low-income areas.
Overview
This grant is for Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that are looking to establish or expand small dollar loan programs. These organizations should be focused on helping unbanked and underbanked populations gain access to affordable financial services.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a Certified CDFI
- Proposing non-community development projects
- Inability to demonstrate capacity to manage funds
- Non-compliance with federal regulations
- Incomplete application submission
Use of Funds
The funds can be used to establish or expand small dollar loan programs that provide low-cost alternatives to high-interest loans, helping unbanked and underbanked individuals build credit and access affordable financial services.
Total Program Funding
$9,000,000
Expected Awards
66
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 30, 2026
- Deadline
- Jul 23, 2026(22 days)
- Archive Date
- Aug 22, 2026
Application Checklist
- Verify CDFI certification status
- Register or update registration on SAM.gov
- Obtain or verify DUNS number or UEI
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Draft a comprehensive budget plan
- Gather organizational financial statements
- Compile evidence of community impact
- Collect letters of support or partnership agreements
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations
- Submit application by the deadline