It's Time to Start Planning Your FY 2026 CDFI FA or TA Application Now!

Here’s What Credit Unions Need to Know

A successful application for a CDFI Financial Assistance (FA) Awards requires ample time to prepare and deliver the complete business plan that is key to winning a CDFI FA or TA award. This is why, as the most experienced and successful CDFI grant-writing firm serving credit unions, we’ve already opened our FY 2026 FA/TA grant class! 

This is a moment of opportunity that credit unions committed to community impact should not overlook. But success takes more than good intentions—it requires preparation and partnership. 

The CDFI Fund Is Fully Functioning—And Backed by Strong Support

While recent executive orders have created headlines The Treasury Department headed by Secretary Scott Bessent has put those questions to rest. The 2025 FY approved budget included full funding for the CDFI Fund and in response to the March 14 executive order, the Treasury Department confirmed that all 11 CDFI Fund programs are statutorily authorized, and leadership has expressed unwavering support for their mission.

As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently stated:

“The CDFI Fund is operating as normal and does not anticipate any disruptions to the programs. Senior leadership at Treasury has consistently expressed support for CDFIs.”

Congress is beginning the 2026 FY budget process later in June with the House Financial Services and General Governance subcommittee of the Appropriations committee marking up the 2026 budget bill. The Senate has always been a source of strength and support for the CDFI Fund and its 28 member bipartisan CDFI Caucus led by Senators Crapo and Warner will get to work soon on their 2026 FY budget process.

This clarity reinforces what we’ve always known—bipartisan support for the CDFI Fund is real and resilient—and is a good sign for funding in the upcoming FY2026 budget.

What’s Available: Up to $1 Million in FA Grants, Plus More

FA awards of up to $1 million remain a cornerstone of the CDFI Program. They’re designed to increase lending, expand services, and help credit unions grow their net worth while reaching underserved populations. Beyond the base award, it may make sense to apply for a supplemental award that serve specific purposes such as support in Persistent Poverty Counties (PPCs), Disability Funds (DF) or Housing Production (HP). 

Each year, CU Strategic Planning works with clients to identify which supplemental programs make strategic sense for their credit union—and to craft competitive applications that meet the rigorous standards of the CDFI Fund’s reviewers.

Credit unions can also choose the Technical Assistance route as well, with awards of up to $150,000 to build capacity.

Success Requires a Head Start

Winning a CDFI FA or TA award is never a last-minute effort. Our clients’ success—more than $1 billion in total funding secured to date—is rooted in a deep commitment to early planning, accurate data, and a narrative that clearly ties community needs to credit union strategy.

In FY 2024, 81 CU Strategic Planning clients received more than $72 million in FA Awards—accounting for 60% of all credit union recipients nationwide​. Their success began months before the application deadline, and yours should too.

Let’s Get Started

Whether your credit union is new to the CDFI Fund or preparing for another round of funding, now is the time to start planning.

To learn more about joining CU Strategic Planning’s 2026 FA or TA grant class, contact Christopher Verdosci at christopherv@custrategicplanning.com.