The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, published a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) on June 30, 2026, opening applications for the fiscal year 2026 round of the Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program).

The SDL Program provides two types of grants to Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): loan loss reserve grants to help CDFIs cover potential losses on small dollar consumer loans, and technical assistance grants for technology, staff support, and other activities needed to establish or maintain a small dollar consumer loan program.

To be eligible, applicants must hold active CDFI Certification from the CDFI Fund. Awards support CDFIs serving rural and urban communities that lack access to affordable consumer lending products. All awards are subject to funding availability.

The CDFI Fund administers multiple grant and loan programs under the CDFI Act of 1994, channeling capital to mission-driven lenders serving low- and moderate-income communities. The SDL Program was created to fill a gap in affordable small-dollar credit — loans typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars — that many consumers otherwise meet through high-cost payday or installment lenders.

For organizations operating as or seeking CDFI Certification, the FY 2026 NOFA represents a near-term application opportunity. Complete application materials and deadlines are available through the CDFI Fund's Awards Management Information System (AMIS).

Source: Federal Register — Doc. 2026-13200