The congressional appropriations process is underway for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Similar to last year, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees are allowing Members of Congress to request funding for up to 15 Community Projects (earmarks). These projects will be selected from among submissions by constituents from the Members' state or district (such as COMs). FY22 was the first time earmarks were included in appropriations legislation in a decade, and several COMs or their universities took advantage of the opportunity to obtain funding for priority projects.

According to congressional guidelines, Community Project requests must meet the needs of a community, adhere to strict funding parameters and demonstrate community engagement and support. Eligible entities are nonprofits and state and local governments. 

Members of the osteopathic medical education community are encouraged to consider a request for funding (i.e. health facilities construction, infrastructure funding for research). Interested COMs should review the following guidance and contact your Members of Congress for individual office deadlines and requirements. We expect office deadlines to be in the next 4 – 6 weeks. Note: A submitted request does not guarantee funding. 

• House Appropriations Committee Guidelines and Fact Sheet
• House LHHS-ED Appropriations Request Guidance
• Senate Appropriations Committee Guidance
• Senate LHHS-ED Appropriations Eligible Accounts

It is helpful for AACOM to be aware of COM submissions, so please notify AACOM GR at aacomgr@aacom.org if you or your institution submits a Community Project funding request to your Member of Congress.