Opportunity Information: Apply for CI CET 23 002
The FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), focused on strengthening access to high-quality citizenship preparation and naturalization application support for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) across the United States. The program is rooted in USCIS work to promote education on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and reflects the view that naturalization is one of the most important milestones in an immigrant's long-term civic integration. By helping immigrants build English proficiency and learn U.S. history and government, citizenship preparation services aim to equip future citizens with practical tools for participation in civic life and for meeting the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
CINAS specifically funds organizations that deliver citizenship instruction and offer naturalization application services, meaning both the educational side (preparing people for the civics and English components of the naturalization process) and the hands-on assistance side (helping eligible LPRs navigate and complete the naturalization process in a compliant way, within the authorized practice of immigration law). In addition to these core services, the opportunity encourages activities that improve and modernize citizenship preparation programs, such as identifying and sharing best practices, expanding the use of technology to reach and serve clients more effectively, and partnering with community anchors like libraries and museums that are often trusted and accessible resources for immigrant communities. The opportunity also emphasizes strategies that help build welcoming communities, framing citizenship preparation as part of a broader integration process rather than a standalone class or application clinic.
The broader Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has been operating since 2009 and has a substantial track record, having awarded more than $132 million through 579 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 39 states and Washington, DC. According to the program description, it has supported more than 300,000 LPRs in preparing for citizenship over its first 15 years. This history signals that the CINAS opportunity is part of an established funding stream with defined goals, prior grantee experience, and an emphasis on measurable service expansion and quality improvement in citizenship programming.
From a policy alignment standpoint, the CINAS opportunity is positioned as supporting Executive Order 14012 (Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans) and DHS strategic priorities for FY 2020-2024 by promoting integration, inclusion, and citizenship. It also aligns with DHS and USCIS mission priorities by supporting lawful pathways and helping immigrants understand civic rights and responsibilities while providing accurate guidance on how to apply for naturalization. In practical terms, this framing highlights that the grant is not only about service delivery volume, but also about building trustworthy, accessible community-based capacity that strengthens confidence in legal immigration processes.
Key funding details include an opportunity number of CI CET 23 002, a grant instrument type (as opposed to a contract), and an activity category tied to community development under CFDA 97.010. The award ceiling listed is $300,000 per award, with an expectation of 55 awards. The opportunity was created on June 9, 2023, and the original application closing date was July 28, 2023, with no closing-date extension noted in the provided data. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and nonprofit entities: state, county, and city/township governments; special districts; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). This broad eligibility reflects the program's intent to reach LPRs through many types of community-facing institutions, especially those already embedded in local service networks.
Overall, CINAS is designed to expand and improve community-based citizenship preparation services nationwide by funding organizations that can combine instruction, application assistance, and program improvements that increase accessibility and effectiveness. The emphasis on technology, partnerships with libraries and museums, and welcoming-community strategies suggests USCIS is looking for programs that not only deliver classes and forms support, but also reduce barriers to participation and strengthen long-term integration outcomes for future U.S. citizens.Apply for CI CET 23 002
- The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.010.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 09, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 28, 2023 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 55 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (CINAS)
What is the CINAS grant opportunity?
The FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity that supports organizations delivering citizenship preparation and naturalization application assistance to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) across the United States.
Which federal agency administers CINAS?
CINAS is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is the main purpose of the CINAS program?
The program is designed to strengthen access to high-quality citizenship instruction and naturalization application support for lawful permanent residents. It emphasizes education on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and views naturalization as a major milestone in long-term civic integration.
Who is the program intended to serve?
The services supported by CINAS are focused on lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who are preparing for citizenship and need help with citizenship instruction and/or the naturalization application process.
What types of services does CINAS fund?
CINAS specifically funds organizations that provide (1) citizenship instruction and (2) naturalization application services. This includes educational services that prepare clients for the civics and English components of naturalization, and hands-on assistance that helps eligible LPRs navigate and complete the naturalization process in a compliant way and within the authorized practice of immigration law.
Does the grant support both classes and application help, or only one?
Based on the opportunity description, CINAS is focused on funding programs that combine both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services, covering both the educational preparation and the practical assistance components.
What does "citizenship instruction" mean in this opportunity?
Citizenship instruction refers to educational programming that helps participants build English proficiency and learn U.S. history and government to prepare for the naturalization process, while also promoting understanding of the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
What are "naturalization application services" under CINAS?
Naturalization application services are hands-on supports that help eligible lawful permanent residents navigate and complete the naturalization process accurately and compliantly, within the authorized practice of immigration law.
Does CINAS encourage technology use in service delivery?
Yes. The opportunity encourages activities that improve and modernize citizenship preparation programs, including expanding the use of technology to reach and serve clients more effectively.
Are partnerships with community organizations encouraged?
Yes. CINAS encourages partnering with community anchors such as libraries and museums, which are often trusted and accessible resources for immigrant communities.
Does the program address "welcoming communities" strategies?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes strategies that help build welcoming communities and frames citizenship preparation as part of a broader integration process rather than as a standalone class or application clinic.
Is this grant part of a longer-running program?
Yes. CINAS is part of the broader Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which has been operating since 2009.
What is the track record of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program?
According to the program description provided, the program has awarded more than $132 million through 579 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 39 states and Washington, DC, and has supported more than 300,000 lawful permanent residents in preparing for citizenship over its first 15 years.
How does CINAS align with federal priorities?
The opportunity is positioned as supporting Executive Order 14012 (Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans) and DHS strategic priorities for FY 2020-2024 by promoting integration, inclusion, and citizenship. It also aligns with USCIS mission priorities by supporting lawful pathways and helping immigrants understand civic rights and responsibilities while providing accurate guidance on applying for naturalization.
What is the opportunity number for CINAS?
The opportunity number listed is CI CET 23 002.
What type of funding instrument is this?
This opportunity is a grant (a grant instrument), not a contract.
What is the CFDA number and activity category mentioned?
The activity category is tied to community development under CFDA 97.010.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $300,000 per award.
How many awards are expected?
The opportunity indicates an expectation of 55 awards.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on June 9, 2023.
What was the original application deadline?
The original application closing date was July 28, 2023, and no closing-date extension is noted in the information provided.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include state, county, and city/township governments; special districts; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).
Are nonprofit organizations eligible?
Yes. Nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.
Are tribal entities eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included in the eligibility list.
Are local governments eligible?
Yes. State, county, and city/township governments are included, along with special districts and independent school districts.
What kinds of program improvements does CINAS encourage?
The opportunity encourages efforts to improve and modernize citizenship preparation programs, including identifying and sharing best practices, expanding the use of technology, and building partnerships with trusted community institutions like libraries and museums.
Is the program focused only on service volume?
The description suggests the program is not only about service delivery volume. It also emphasizes building trustworthy, accessible community-based capacity and improving program quality and accessibility to strengthen confidence in legal immigration processes.
What is the overall goal of CINAS?
Overall, CINAS is designed to expand and improve community-based citizenship preparation services nationwide by funding organizations that can combine instruction, application assistance, and program improvements that increase accessibility and effectiveness for lawful permanent residents preparing for naturalization.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: FY23 Hackensack Substation #42 Resiliency Improvements Project (“Sub 42”)
Previous opportunity: Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Priority Research Grants 2023
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for CI CET 23 002
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (CI CET 23 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Innovations in Citizenship Preparation Apply for CI CET 23 004 Funding Number: CI CET 23 004 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Regional Hub Program Apply for CI CET 23 001 Funding Number: CI CET 23 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) Apply for CI CET 23 003 Funding Number: CI CET 23 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 002 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 002 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Innovations in Citizenship Preparation Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 004 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 004 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Regional Hub Program Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 001 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) Apply for DHS 23 CIS 010 003 Funding Number: DHS 23 CIS 010 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund Apply for DOS COD SSHF FY22 001 Funding Number: DOS COD SSHF FY22 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $16,000 |
| Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders - Promoting Democratic Values and Inclusion Apply for STP ARDF FY23 01 Funding Number: STP ARDF FY23 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Angola Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $130,000 |
| Africa Regional Democracy Fund Apply for ARDF 2023 Funding Number: ARDF 2023 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Niger Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Apply for FR 6700 N 07 Funding Number: FR 6700 N 07 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $41,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Small Dollar Loan Program Apply for CDFI 2024 SDL Funding Number: CDFI 2024 SDL Agency: Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| The Secretary’s Full Participation Fund: Building a National Women’s Caucus Apply for AFYDE SFPF GR PAS 2016 Funding Number: AFYDE SFPF GR PAS 2016 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cameroon Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $56,187 |
| PEPFAR Uganda Community Grants Program to Combat HIV/AIDS Apply for DOS KAM SMGCG FY17 Funding Number: DOS KAM SMGCG FY17 Agency: U.S. Mission to Uganda Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Women of Okinawa Power Alliance Network (WOPAN) Program and Events Apply for PAS NAHA FY2017 0001 Funding Number: PAS NAHA FY2017 0001 Agency: Department of State Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| FY 2016 Bank Enterprise Award Program Application Apply for CDFI 2016 BEA Funding Number: CDFI 2016 BEA Agency: Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Julia Taft Refugee Fund FY 2019 Apply for DOS ABJ FY19 02 Funding Number: DOS ABJ FY19 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cote d Ivoire Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| FY 2021 Bank Enterprise Award Program Application Apply for CDFI 2021 BEA Funding Number: CDFI 2021 BEA Agency: Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Advancing Equity and Equality of Marginalized Groups Activity in Serbia Apply for 72016921APS0001 Funding Number: 72016921APS0001 Agency: Kosovo USAID-Pristina Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund Apply for DOS MWI ASSHF FY22 Funding Number: DOS MWI ASSHF FY22 Agency: U.S. Mission to Malawi Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "CI CET 23 002", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.