If you’re planning to apply for the FY 2026 Small Dollar Loan Program, it’s time to get your ducks in a row.
The deadlines are creeping up faster than you think and trust us—you don’t want to be that person scrambling at the eleventh hour.
Here’s everything you need to stay on track and submit a solid application without the last-minute panic.
Mark Your Calendar: Key Deadlines You Can’t Miss
The FY 2026 SDL Program NOFA and Application Instructions have all the nitty-gritty details, but let’s cut to the chase. Here are the dates you need to circle in red:
July 23, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. ET: This is your first major checkpoint. You need to submit your SF-424 form through Grants.gov AND set up your AMIS account. Both have to be done by this date—no exceptions. Think of it as your official entry ticket to the game.
Looking for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov? Search for CDFI-2026-SDL.
July 30, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. ET: This is the big one. Your complete SDL Program application must be submitted electronically through AMIS by this deadline. Don’t wait until 11:45 p.m. to hit submit—technology has a funny way of acting up when you need it most.
Need Help? Here’s Who to Call (and When)
Got questions about the application itself—like what qualifies, how to structure your proposal, or whether you’re interpreting the requirements correctly? The CDFI Fund team has your back, but only until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 28, 2026.
Reach them by:
- Submitting a Service Request through your AMIS account
- Emailing SDLP@cdfi.treas.gov
- Calling (202) 653-0421 (heads up—it’s not toll-free)
Now, if you’re wrestling with technical gremlins—AMIS won’t let you log in, files won’t upload, or the system is just being difficult—that’s a job for IT Support. They’ll be available to troubleshoot until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 30, 2026. After that? You’re on your own.
Contact IT Support (AMIS) by:
- Submitting a Service Request through your AMIS account
- Emailing AMIS@cdfi.treas.gov
- Calling (202) 653-0422 (also not toll-free)
Pro Tip: Don’t Wing It
Before you dive into the application, do yourself a favor and thoroughly review all the materials on the SDL Program page on the CDFI Fund’s website. We’re talking about reading the instructions, checking the requirements, and making sure you understand what’s expected. A little homework now saves a lot of headaches later.
Good luck out there. You’ve got this.