Advocacy Glossary
Earmark
What does earmark mean?
An earmark is a provision in a spending bill that directs funds to a specific project in a specific place, such as a local road, hospital, or water system, at a legislator's request.
Why it matters for advocates
Congress banned earmarks in 2011 after scandals, then brought them back in 2021 with new rules: public requests, certifications that members have no financial interest, and caps on the total. The official term is now community project funding.
For local organizations, earmarks are one of the most direct ways federal money reaches home, and the request process runs on strict spring deadlines that reward early preparation.
Related terms
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