Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The Division of Planning has developed the following guidance for completing applications for Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) project proposals, known formally as U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Investment Assistance. The EDA has approved the Rhode Island CEDS, called Ocean State Accelerates (2023)

What is EDA Investment Assistance?

EDA is responsible for administering various grant programs, collectively referred to as “Investment Assistance”, intended to “establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States”. Depending on the specific grant program, assistance may be for public works projects, economic development initiatives, research, or planning activities. The EDA’s current funding opportunities can be accessed at EDA. Grant programs are described in detail in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), which can be accessed through the EDA website.

EDA Application Cycle

EDA accepts applications for review four times a year, based on the quarters of the federal fiscal year i.e. October to December, January to March, April to June, and July to September. Subsequent to the quarter, EDA will notify the applicant as to whether the application is considered “Highly Competitive” (no additions or changes to the application are needed), “Competitive” (minor additions or changes to the application is recommended), or “Noncompetitive” (the application requires significant revision and should be resubmitted in a later application cycle). Applicants should be aware that grant awards are NOT tied to the quarterly application cycle.

For additional information on EDA and Investment Assistance grants, please see the Code of Federal Regulations.