CDE Certification

Step 1: Application Process

An entity seeking to be certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) must submit a CDE Certification Application through the CDFI Fund’s Awards Management Information System (AMIS).

The CDFI Fund has developed materials to guide Applicants with submitting CDE certification applications through AMIS; an AMIS navigation training manual: "Getting Started – Navigating AMIS" and “CDE Certification Application Submission” Guidance. These training manuals, and all other AMIS training manuals, can be found on our AMIS page at amis.cdfifund.gov.

NOTE: An organization that is currently certified as a CDFI by the CDFI Fund or designated as a Specialized Small Business Investment Company (SSBIC) by the Small Business Administration automatically qualifies as a CDE. Please see the CDE Certification Application Submission guidance for further detail.

For specific questions about applying for CDE certification that cannot be answered through materials available on the CDFI Fund’s website, please contact the CCME by submitting an AMIS Service Request. You may also reach the CCME Helpdesk at ccme@cdfi.treas.gov or at (202) 653-0423.