Community development grants help provide critical funding for projects that improve low-income neighborhoods and support vulnerable populations.
One of the most well-known community development grant programs is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CDBG grants has provided over $150 billion in funding to help grow local economies and improve quality of life.
The program provides annual funding on a formula basis, with funds going directly to:
- larger cities and urban counties
- smaller cities under 50,000 in population
- states for distribution to rural areas
There are many ways CDBG grants can be used to have an impact in local communities. Some common uses include:
- Building and improving public facilities
Funds can help construct or renovate parks, community centers, streets, and water/sewer systems.
- Providing public services
Grants support job training, healthcare, childcare, and services for seniors and people with disabilities.
- Promoting economic development
Funding helps create jobs, attract businesses, and promote tourism.
- Improving housing conditions
Grants rehabilitate homes and improve accessibility for disabled residents.
- Eliminating blight
Funds help address and prevent the spread of blighted properties.
For a project to be eligible for CDBG funding, it must meet one of three national objectives set by HUD:
- benefit low- and moderate-income people
- help eliminate slum and blight
- meet urgent community needs like disaster recovery
With these goals in mind, CDBG grants empower local leaders to design programs that address the unique needs of their communities.
The impact of CDBG funding can be clearly seen in places like Athens-Clarke County, Georgia.
Recent projects funded by Athens-Clarke County's CDBG grants include:
- sidewalk accessibility improvements
- homelessness prevention services
- rehabilitation of low-income owner-occupied homes
These projects align with the county's goal of using CDBG funds to "build stronger and more resilient communities," as stated on their website.
Over 1,200 local and state governments actively use CDBG grants to carry out thousands of community improvement projects each year.
Though the Trump administration attempted deep cuts to the program, CDBG has continued to receive strong bipartisan support from Congress.
With adequate funding, CDBG grants will keep providing vital seed money to help local leaders achieve their community development goals.
