Notice2025-19091
2025 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 1, 2025
Issuing agencies
National Credit Union Administration
Abstract
NCUA is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability of funding for technical assistance grants for low-income-designated credit unions (LIDs) through the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF). The CDRLF provides financial support that helps credit unions support the communities in which they operate.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 188 (Wednesday, October 1, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 188 (Wednesday, October 1, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47347-47350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-19091]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
2025 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
AGENCY: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NCUA is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to
announce the availability of funding for technical assistance grants
for low-income-designated credit unions (LIDs) through the Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF). The CDRLF provides financial
support that helps credit unions support the communities in which they
operate.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Eligibility
Program Description
Application Contents and Format
Submission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Review Information
Award Notices
Post-Award Requirements and Administration
Basic Information
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Revolving Loan
Fund (CDRLF) Technical assistance grants.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Funding Opportunity Number: NCUA-CDRLF-2025G.
Assistance Listing Number: 44.002.
Funding Details: We expect the total amount of funding awarded will
be approximately $3,465,000. NCUA may fund, in whole or in part, any,
all, or none of the applications submitted in response to this NOFO.
All grant awards made under this NOFO are subject to funds availability
and are at NCUA's discretion.
General information about each grant initiative's purpose and
maximum award amount is provided in the Program Description section
below. The average grant award for the 2024 CDRLF Grant round was
approximately $26,000. Additional grant initiative information will be
provided in the 2025 CDRLF Grant Round Application Guidelines found on
NCUA's grant website at <a href="https://ncua.gov/support-services/credit-union-resources-expansion/grants-loans/grants">https://ncua.gov/support-services/credit-union-resources-expansion/grants-loans/grants</a>.
Number of Expected Awards: 85-115.
Key Dates: This NOFO is effective on the date of publication in the
Federal Register. NCUA will accept applications beginning on October
15, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted by
December 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications submitted
after the application closing date and time will not be considered.
Applicants will be notified of NCUA's decision after the agency's
review is completed.
Executive Summary: Through the CDRLF NOFO, NCUA will provide
financial support in the form of technical assistance grants to
eligible credit unions to modernize, build capacity, and extend
outreach to low-income members (as defined in 12 CFR 701.34) and the
communities in which they operate. Agency Contact Information: If you
need to contact NCUA regarding the CDRLF grant program, please email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4b7a1a6b1b5a4a4a7b4bab7a1b5da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dc9f898e999d8c8c8f9c929f899df2bbb3aa">[email protected]</span></a> or call (703) 518-6610. Please allow up to 72
business hours for a response.
The last day to contact NCUA with inquiries regarding the grant
round is December 9, 2025.
Eligibility
This NOFO is open to low-income-designated credit unions that meet
the eligibility requirements defined in 12 CFR part 705 and further
detailed in the bulleted list below.
Requirements for a Grant Applicant
<bullet> Applicants must have a current low-income designation
under 12 CFR 701.34 or 12 CFR 741.204. Applicants that are non-
federally insured credit unions must have a low-income designation from
a state regulator made under appropriate state standards with the
concurrence of NCUA. Services to low-income members must include, at a
minimum, offering share accounts and loans.
<bullet> Applicants must be a credit union that may be, or has
agreed to be, examined by NCUA. See definition of Qualifying Credit
Union in 12 CFR 705.2. Each applicant that is a non-federally insured,
state-chartered credit union must submit additional application
materials and agree to be examined by NCUA. The additional materials
are more fully described in 12 CFR 705.7(b)(3). The specific terms and
covenants pertaining to the agreement to be examined by NCUA will be
provided in the award agreement.
<bullet> Applicants must maintain an active registration with the
System for Award Management (SAM) at all times during which they have
an active federal award as a recipient or an application under
consideration by a federal agency. Additional details on SAM
registration are listed in the SAM section below.
<bullet> Applicants must have and include a valid and current
Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the U.S. Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). NCUA will not consider an application that does
not include a valid and current EIN. Information on how to obtain an
EIN may be found on the IRS website. The EIN in the applicant's
Cybergrants account must match the EIN in the applicant's SAM account.
NCUA reserves the right to reject an application if the EIN in the
applicant's Cybergrants account does not match the EIN in its SAM
account.
<bullet> Applicants shall not submit an application on behalf of
another organization. This prohibits any application being submitted by
a consultant, subsidiary, or parent company of a LID on behalf of a
LID. The LID must submit its own application.
[[Page 47348]]
<bullet> Applicants must meet the grant award standards established
by NCUA, including those pertaining to financial viability, as set
forth in the application and defined in 12 CFR 705.7(b) and 705.7(c).
<bullet> Applicants must adhere to the applicable asset size
limitations and/or credit union years of operation requirements
detailed in the Funding Initiatives subsection.
<bullet> Applicants that have any Capital Adequacy, Asset quality,
Management, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity (CAMELS) component
ratings of 4 or 5 will not receive an award of more than $25,000.
<bullet> Applicants must adhere to the limitations in the
``Application Submission Limit'' subsection and the asset level and age
restrictions in the ``Program Description'' section.
<bullet> Applicants must submit applications that adhere to
applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and administrative and
national policy requirements, including Executive Orders and other
Presidential directives as detailed in the ``Application Contents and
Format'' section.
<bullet> Consistent with Executive Order 14151 and Executive Order
14173, applicants must not submit comparative statistics or other
demographical information on the basis of an individual's or group's
race, ethnicity, sex or national origin. Consistent with Executive
Order 14218, applicants will adhere to the Personal Responsibility and
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
<bullet> Applicants must submit applications that meet the review
and criteria requirements in the ``Application Review Information''
section and the submission deadline requirements in the ``Submission
Requirements and Deadlines'' section.
Application Submission Limit
NCUA will review all applications submitted. Applicants can submit
up to two applications but can only receive one award. Each application
submitted must be for a different initiative. Applicants that submit
two applications will be required to designate each application as
either their first priority application or their second priority
application. If an applicant fails to designate the priority of their
two applications, NCUA will use their discretion to designate the
priority.
If the first priority application is selected for funding, the
second priority application will not be considered for funding.
However, if the first priority application is not selected for funding,
the second application will be considered for funding.
Cost Sharing
Cost sharing is not required or requested for this funding
announcement.
Program Description
The purpose of the CDRLF, as fully described in 12 CFR 705.1, is to
assist LIDs with providing basic financial services to their members
and to stimulate economic activities in their communities. The CDRLF
technical assistance grant program is funded by the 2025 Full-Year
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Public Law 119-4,
139 Stat. 11.
The initiatives planned for the 2025 CDRLF grant round will help
eligible credit unions develop new resources that address challenges.
The initiatives will also help eligible credit unions offer safe, fair,
and affordable financial products to their members and communities that
otherwise might go unserved by the financial system. More detailed
information about project impact measurement and examples of initiative
award activities are in the 2025 CDRLF Grant Application Guidelines.
Funding Initiatives
Additional details on the funding initiatives can be found in the
2025 CDRLF Grant Round Application Guidelines.
<bullet> New Charter Capacity Building ($50,000 maximum award
amount): This initiative is for eligible credit unions to complete
capacity building activities required to grow and meet the unique needs
of their members. Eligible project activities include, but are not
limited to, expenses related to:
[cir] Activities to drive operational improvement such as
modernizing platforms, increasing efficiencies, and delivering a better
customer experience.
[cir] Activities to increase the availability of safe, fair, and
affordable products and services to low-income areas.
This initiative will provide awards to eligible credit unions that
have been chartered and in operation for fewer than 10 years and have
total assets of $10 million or less.
<bullet> Student Internships ($25,000 maximum award amount): This
initiative is for eligible credit unions to provide compensation to
high school or college students working at the credit union to enhance
the credit union's capacity to better serve their members and the
communities in which they operate. Eligible project activities include:
[cir] Costs associated with the implementation of a student
internship program, such as a salary or stipend paid directly to the
intern(s).
[cir] Acquiring equipment, software, and other necessary resources
for the intern(s) to perform their duties.
To direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need for
resources, credit unions with assets in excess of $250 million are not
eligible for funding under this initiative.
[cir] Technology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence
($25,000 maximum award amount): This initiative will increase low-
income members' access to affordable digital financial products and
services. This initiative will also be used to implement projects that
feature Artificial Intelligence (AI) services and products that can be
used by credit unions to improve services to members. Eligible project
activities include, but are not limited to:
[cir] Implementation of new financial services such as bill pay
and/or integration of cybersecurity protection software
[cir] Data analysis to analyze large data sets and identify trends,
anomalies, and red flags (Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering)
[cir] Communication via chatbot or voice response and/or natural
language processing offering communications in different languages.
To direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need for
this resource, credit unions with assets in excess of $250 million are
not eligible for funding under this initiative.
<bullet> Training ($25,000 maximum award amount): This initiative
will support credit union activities including management training,
board and staff development, and succession planning. For example,
credit unions will be able to use funds to develop a management
succession plan or enroll an employee in advanced training courses to
enhance leadership and/or operational skills and knowledge. In
accordance with Executive Order 14151 and Executive Order 14173, grant
funds may not be used for training related to diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI).
To direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need for
this resource, credit unions with assets in excess of $100 million are
not eligible for funding under this initiative.
<bullet> Underserved Outreach ($50,000 maximum award amount): This
initiative will assist credit unions with innovative outreach
strategies to address the needs of those who are unbanked
[[Page 47349]]
and underbanked in the communities they serve. Applicants will be
required to submit documentation of needs based on aggregate data on
low-income populations or access to the services of insured depository
financial institutions. Examples of project activities include opening
a new service facility in a low-income area, creating financial
education programs, and offering new or expanded financial products and
services to address the needs of the unbanked or underbanked.
To ensure that funds for these activities reach credit unions with
the greatest need regardless of size, no asset limitations will be
placed on applicants for this initiative.
<bullet> Impact Through Innovation--Pilot ($100,000 maximum award
amount): As part of the 2023 CDRLF Pilot grant initiative, funds for
this initiative will be available only to credit unions that received a
2023 CDRLF Pilot grant under the Impact Through Innovation initiative.
The Impact Through Innovation initiative is a multi-year award and is
being implemented as a continuation grant. Funds are available for the
third and final performance period of these projects, based on
availability of funds, project performance, and compliance with
reporting requirements. Credit unions are eligible to receive funding
up to $100,000 in 2025.
Citations for Authorizing Statutes and Regulations
Authority:
12 U.S.C. 1772c-1, 1756, 1757(5)(D), and (7)(I), 1766, 1782, 1784,
1785 and 1786; 42 U.S.C. 9812, 9822, and 9910 (1981); and Full-Year
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Sec. 1101(a)(5),
Pub. L. 119-4, 139 Stat. 11.
Regulations: 12 CFR part 705 is the governing regulation that sets
forth the program requirements for the CDRLF. Additional regulations
related to the low-income designation are found at 12 CFR 701.34 and
741.204. For the purposes of this NOFO, an ``applicant'' is a
Qualifying Credit Union that submits a complete application to NCUA
under the CDRLF. NCUA encourages applicants to review the regulations,
this NOFO, the Executive Orders mentioned in this NOFO, the 2025 CDRLF
Grant Round Application Guidelines, and other program materials for a
complete understanding of the program.
Application Contents and Format
Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not
required or requested.
A complete application will consist of similar components for each
funding initiative. At a minimum, each initiative requires a narrative
that describes the applicant's proposed use of the CDRLF award. Other
application contents that are specific to a particular funding
initiative will be defined in the 2025 CDRLF Grant Round Application
Guidelines found on NCUA's website. The application must be certified
by a credit union official (such as CEO, Manager, or Board Chairperson)
authorized to enter agreements with NCUA on behalf of the credit union.
Applications that do not adhere to applicable authorizing statutes,
regulations, and administrative and national policy requirements,
including Executive Orders and other Presidential directives, will be
rejected.
Submission Requirements and Deadline
All applications must be submitted using CyberGrants, NCUA's grant
management system. NCUA will accept applications through the grant
system beginning October 15, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern. Applications
must be submitted by December 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Late
applications will not be considered.
Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>)
Federal regulations require all CDRLF Applicants to have an active
registration with (SAM) prior to applying for funding. SAM is a web-
based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores,
and disseminates business information about the federal government's
trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and
electronic payment processes. Applicants receive a Unique Entity
Identifier (UEI) upon registration in SAM and must provide this UEI
with their application. Applicants must continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current information while they have active
federal awards or applications or plans under consideration by a
federal agency.
SAM users can register or recertify their account by following the
instructions for registration (<a href="https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration">https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration</a>). There is no charge for either the SAM registration or a
recertification.
NCUA does not authorize any exemption from this active SAM
registration requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d).
Submission Instructions
Prior to applying, applicants must be registered in CyberGrants,
NCUA's grant management system (<a href="https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=4469&x_proposal_type_id=27707">https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=4469&x_proposal_type_id=27707</a>).
Applicants will also access that grant management system to access the
application materials. Applications must be submitted online through
that system; applications will not be accepted by mail or email. In the
event of systems problems, contact NCUA at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e0d1b1c0b0f3e3e3d0e202d3b2f60292138">[email protected]</a>.
Intergovernmental Review
The CDRLF grant program is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
Application Review Information
Responsiveness Review
Applications will be analyzed in accordance with the regulations at
12 CFR 705.3 to determine whether they meet the eligibility
requirements. NCUA will review applications in accordance with E.O.
14332, ``Improving Oversight of Federal grantmaking.'' Failure to meet
these requirements will result in rejection of the application.
Review Criteria
The merit review is conducted by NCUA personnel, and applications
are analyzed based on previous experience with the CDRLF program,
recent examinations and supervisory information, and the project
proposed in the application. Each funding initiative, due to its
structure and impact, may have different evaluation criteria assigned.
NCUA will review each application to determine whether it is complete
and whether the proposed use of the grant is eligible for funding. The
evaluation considerations directly below are summaries of the standards
used to evaluate applications. Please note that a weighted scoring
method will not be used as part of the application review process.
Details about the evaluation criteria and rating system are in the 2025
CDRLF Grant Round Application Guidelines.
Program Priority--Credit union asset size and previous
participation in the CDRLF will be evaluated as part of NCUA's priority
in reaching credit unions most in need of CDRLF funding.
Project Objective--The application will be evaluated based on how
well the proposed project objectives meet the purpose of the CDRLF
program as fully described in 12 CFR 705.1.
Project Budget--The budget must demonstrate that the applicant
clearly understands the expenses required to successfully complete the
project. The project budget must support the
[[Page 47350]]
applicant's plan to implement the project.
Financial Viability and Examination Reports--Exam and supervisory
information may be used during the analysis of the application. NCUA
may assess a credit union's recent examinations or audit reports if a
reviewer deems it necessary. Factors that will be considered include,
but are not limited to: enforcement actions, any ongoing supervisory
concerns, supervisory or oversight risks, declining financial position,
and compliance risk. Exams may be used to determine the applicant's
financial health and its ability to successfully manage a CDRLF grant.
Review and Selection Process
NCUA will determine the grant award amount as applicable for each
application in accordance with the regulations at 12 CFR 705.7 and the
evaluation process further explained in the 2025 CDRLF Grant Round
Application Guidelines.
The agency will award funds to applications as noted above until
the funds available are exhausted. Final award decisions are made by
the Director of the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion
(CURE) or their designee.
Risk Review
NCUA will perform a risk assessment as required by 2 CFR 200.206.
Award Notices
NCUA will notify all applicants of its funding decision by email to
the contacts designated in the application after completion of its
review. Eligible pre-award costs are allowed; additional detail
regarding those costs will be provided in the 2025 CDRLF Grant Round
Application Guidelines. The Notice of Federal Award notifies the grant
applicant that their application was selected for award. The notice of
Federal award is signed by the grants officer, or equivalent, and is
the official document that obligates program funds. This notice will be
provided through electronic means to the point of contact designated in
the application. The Authorized Credit Union Official must review,
electronically certify, and submit the Grant Agreement to accept the
CDRLF award by the provided deadline in the notice of Federal Award.
Failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of the grant award from
the awardee. In addition, NCUA will announce the successful
applications through a press release that includes a list of the
awardees. Applicants that are approved for funding will also receive
instructions on how to proceed with the post-award activities including
submission of payment request and performance reports.
Post-Award Requirements and Administration
Important: The Terms and Conditions, including administrative and
national policy requirements, are in the 2025 Grant Application Round
Guidelines.
Reporting
Awardees must follow annual reporting requirements stated in 12 CFR
705.9(b) and submit performance reports as detailed in the 2025 CDRLF
Grant Round Application Guidelines.
All post-award activities are to be completed online using
CyberGrants, NCUA's grant management system.
Other Information
In addition to funding available under this NOFO, NCUA provides
funding to LIDs through the CDRLF Revolving Loan and Urgent Need Grant
initiatives. More information can be found in the Grants and Loans
section of the agency's website.
By the National Credit Union Administration Board.
Melane Conyers-Ausbrooks,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2025-19091 Filed 9-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535-01-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 1, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.