Thank you for your interest in the Fifth Ward Community Investment Fund (CIF).
The Community Investment Fund was established through the East River & Fifth Ward Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) to improve the quality of life and create meaningful opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations serving Houston’s Fifth Ward community.
The Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (FWCRC) serves as the Administrator of the Community Benefits Agreement and Community Investment Fund.
Cycle 1 Funding Priorities
Cycle 1 will prioritize projects and programs that support Workforce Development and Small Business Support within Fifth Ward.
Workforce Development
Funding may support programs and activities that help Fifth Ward residents gain skills, credentials, employment opportunities, and pathways to economic advancement. Examples may include:
- Job readiness and career development programs
- Workforce training and certification programs
- Apprenticeships and skills-based training
- Employment placement and career advancement services
- Programs connecting residents to employers and employment opportunities
- Youth and young adult workforce development
- Other workforce initiatives that create measurable employment or economic opportunities for Fifth Ward residents
Small Business Support
Funding may support programs, projects, and activities that strengthen existing businesses and entrepreneurs serving or operating within Historic Fifth Ward. Examples may include:
- Small business technical assistance
- Entrepreneurial training and business development
- Marketing and business promotion
- Business technology and operational improvements
- Professional services that strengthen business capacity
- Programs that improve access to capital, contracts, or procurement opportunities
- Other initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of Fifth Ward small businesses
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to and benefit for the Fifth Ward community.
Eligible applicants may include nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and other eligible entities proposing projects or programs that align with the Cycle 1 funding priorities.
To be considered for funding, applicants must:
- Propose a project, program, or activity that directly benefits Fifth Ward residents, businesses, or the broader community.
- Demonstrate a meaningful connection to Fifth Ward through location, service area, organizational history, partnerships, or the population served.
- Align the proposed project with at least one Cycle 1 funding priority: Workforce Development or Small Business Support.
- Clearly identify the population or businesses that will benefit from the proposed project.
- Provide measurable goals and anticipated outcomes.
- Submit a complete project budget identifying how CIF funds will be used.
- Provide all required organizational, financial, and supporting documentation applicable to the applicant and funding tier.
- Complete and submit the application and all required documentation by the published deadline.
- Agree to comply with applicable grant reporting, documentation, and funding requirements if selected for an award.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, alignment with funding priorities, demonstrated community benefit, project feasibility, proposed outcomes, available funding, and other established evaluation criteria.
Funding Request
Applicants may request between $500 and $10,000, based on the appropriate funding tier and proposed project or program.
Before beginning your application, please review the eligibility requirements, funding priorities, required documentation, and application questions. Applications may be saved and completed at a later time; however, all required information and supporting documentation must be submitted by the application deadline.
Incomplete applications or applications missing required documentation may not be considered for funding.
Applicants who need assistance are encouraged to attend a CIF Informational Session & Grant-Writing Workshop or contact the Community Investment Fund Administrator.
Before You Begin
Please have the following information and documentation available:
- Applicant or organization contact information
- Project or program description and proposed activities
- Estimated number of Fifth Ward residents and/or businesses to be served
- Measurable project outcomes
- Project budget
- Organizational financial information, if applicable
- Supporting documentation demonstrating a connection to Historic Fifth Ward
Please allow adequate time to complete the application and upload all required documentation before the deadline
Grant application information sessions will be offered throughout the application period.
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) supports community-led projects that create lasting benefits for residents and businesses in Houston's Fifth Ward. Grant Cycle 1 focuses on Workforce Development and Small Business Support through the East River Community Benefits Agreement.
Workforce Development
Funding may support programs and activities that help Fifth Ward residents gain skills, credentials, employment opportunities, and pathways to economic advancement. Examples may include:
- Job readiness and career development programs
- Workforce training and certification programs
- Apprenticeships and skills-based training
- Employment placement and career advancement services
- Programs connecting residents to employers and employment opportunities
- Youth and young adult workforce development
- Other workforce initiatives that create measurable employment or economic opportunities for Fifth Ward residents
Small Business Support
Funding may support programs, projects, and activities that strengthen existing businesses and entrepreneurs serving or operating within Historic Fifth Ward. Examples may include:
- Small business technical assistance
- Entrepreneurial training and business development
- Marketing and business promotion
- Business technology and operational improvements
- Professional services that strengthen business capacity
- Programs that improve access to capital, contracts, or procurement opportunities
- Other initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of Fifth Ward small businesses
Applicants may request between $500 and $10,000 for projects primarily benefiting Historic Fifth Ward residents or businesses. Cycle 1 prioritizes Workforce Development and Small Business Support initiatives. All required questions and supporting documents must be submitted by October 27, 2026. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered, and submission does not guarantee funding.
Grant application information sessions will be offered throughout the application period.