The Direct Community Investments (DCI) Department is a fast-growing program at LEDC that rapidly deploys financial resources to families and small businesses. Established in 2020, DCI was created to assist local governments and philanthropists in efficiently distributing public CARES Act funds and other public and private financial resources to address urgent community needs.
Our Programs:
Baltimore Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant
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DCI manages grant programs from local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to support businesses and individuals. Additionally, DCI oversees the Financial Empowerment Program, which manages the Montgomery County Financial Empowerment Center, providing critical financial education and support to residents.
In 2023, DCI disbursed its 100 millionth dollar, impacting over 4,000 small business owners, renters, and homeowners across the DMV. The DCI team collaborates with government agencies and private philanthropists to design efficient applications that reduce applicant burden, develop custom software for streamlined application processing and real-time reporting, and facilitate the rapid disbursement of funds to grant recipients.
DCI-administered funds span multiple areas, including housing, health, and small business and nonprofit operations.