Analysis: Timeline for Application 2021

This has been an unusual year, so keep in mind:

  1. It’s possible deadlines will be extended (again).
  2. Even if they’re not, this year’s compressed timeframe may allow for leniency if you miss a deadline. If your project is compelling enough and you have the right Member of Congress sponsoring your project, you may get another shot. Subscribe and watch the earmark overview video for details of how this could happen.

I will describe this year’s unusual timeline, and in another post I will discuss the normal timeline for comparison (which should happen again in 2022). If you are not used to dealing with Congressional Fiscal Years, please see this guide for a primer.

Calendar Year 2021/Fiscal Year 2022 (Unusual year)

February 26, 2021Appropriations Chairs DeLauro and
Leahy announce the return of earmarks
with reforms to the process.
March 4, 2021Dear Colleague Letter published that
describes earmark process (now called
“Community Projects”).
March 29, 2021Online system opens for Members of
Congress to submit earmark requests
(note: This system is not open to the public.
Only Members of Congress can submit on
behalf of their constituents).
Committee releases additional guidance.
April 9, 2021President Biden releases his budget,
triggering the process for Congress
considering appropriations (spending) bills
that will contain earmarks.
April 26, 2021Chairman Leahy announces the Senate
Appropriations Committee will be accepting
earmark applications (deadline for
submission not yet announced).
April 28-30, 2021Deadlines for submission to the House
Appropriations Committee extended.
Budget Timeline

As I note in the Earmark Overview video and the First Steps guide, you do not need a full grant proposal to apply for an earmark. Congress’s bar is much lower to get started. The documents linked in the timeline above describe what you need, but I provide specific examples and guidance to subscribers.

The deadlines for the Senate Appropriations Committee have not yet been announced.

The deadlines as currently posted on the House Appropriations Committee Website are:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Defense

  • Dear Colleague (contains Community Project Funding Request Guidance)
  • Deadline Extended: April 29, 2021

Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

Financial Services and General Government

Homeland Security

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Legislative Branch

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Make sure to check the House Appropriations Committee website for updates.

To see where you can request an earmark, see this list.