Sidewalks & Trails

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Sidewalks & Trails

Overview FAQs

How TO APPLY

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SIDEWALKS & TRAILS

Increasing opportunities for community engagement, health, connectedness and vibrancy, this program provides funding to help in the construction of sidewalks and trails connected to recreational facilities.

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FUNDING

Up to $2,000 per
beneficiary with a
maximum of

$650,000

<5,000 Population

$800,000

>5,000 Population

MATCH

25%

of the total project cost (minus administration)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 1, 2024

HOW TO APPLY

Qualify

done
Have an acceptable use project
done
Benefit low-to-moderate income households
done
At least 25% matching funds

SEE IF YOUR COMMUNITY QUALIFIES

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Program Overview

Funding Amounts

$1 million has been allocated for the Sidewalks and Trails Grant program in 2024. Communities can receive up to $2,000 per beneficiary up to $650,000 (<5,000 population) and $800,000 (>5,000 population). Administrative costs are limited to $25,000.

Qualifying Projects

This program funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectedness and vibrancy in communities. Eligible expenses include:

Construction of new sidewalks and trails. Specifically, activities that connect residents to services, community centers, schools and recreational areas.
Installation of benches and resting areas along the walkway.
Engineering and architectural costs and fees.
Administration costs for grant funds.

Selection Criteria

Grant applications are evaluated for funding based on project need, readiness, impact, sustainability and matching funds source and availability.

Key considerations include:

Demonstrating that alternative solutions were examined to address the need.
Projects that leverage local match amounts of 50% of the total costs will score higher.
At least 51% of all program participants must meet LMI (low-to-moderate income) requirements – which is at or below 80% of the Average Median Income for the county in which the family resides.
Communities who have not been awarded a CDBG Grant in the annual competition within the last five years in Housing, Community Facilities, or Water and Sewer will receive 10 bonus points on their application rating.
10 bonus points will be awarded if at least 10% of local match comes from other private sources such as foundations (not bonds or state and federal agencies).
Download grant guidelines for more information on program requirements.

FAQs

Is a trail just for recreation and exercise?

A trail is a path that helps connect residents throughout the community to essential goods and services they may need to access by walking, jogging, or biking. They can be used for recreation and exercise, but the goal of the project should be to link residents to community amenities/services they need and better access to those services.

Can our sidewalks be updated to just include ADA curb cuts only?

Sidewalk projects can include ADA curb cuts, but a project that only focuses on replacing curb cuts alone is not eligible.

Is there a match requirement?

Yes, the application requires a 25% cash match.

Can the donation of land meet part of the match requirement?

Yes, it can but at least 10% of the match must be cash.

Are there any requirements or certifications required for the person who writes the grant?

No certifications are required.

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Tips for Success

Sidewalks and Trails typically are city wide projects, but there are instances where they may be a targeted area project. To determine if that is the case, please contact the CDBG team for approval of your project area prior to application.

Ten Bonus Points for all CDBG Applications are available for applicants who have not had a Housing, Community Facilities or Water/Sewer project with CDBG within the last 5 years. Securing at least 10% of a project’s matching funds from a private funding source will result in an additional ten bonus points on applications.

If your community does not automatically qualify as a 51% LMI (low-to-moderate income) community, an income based survey can be conducted in most circumstances to evaluate the current income climate of the community.

Gathering letters of support is a great way to enhance your grant application. Get a broad base of community leaders to confirm the importance of your project.

Community Showcase Map

See other communities that have received funding in past years

How to Apply

Qualify

Select City or County

LMI help The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requires that each CDBG funded activity must either principally benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or meet a community development need having a particular urgency.

View LMI Family Income Limits for

Persons in Family	LMI Family Income Limit*
1
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4
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8

*LMI calculations are from the 2020 Census and LMI by household are from 2024 HUD Section 8. Final LMI will be confirmed upon application review.

Find Assistance

Assistance from a professional with CDBG grant experience can help you streamline and strengthen your application. Some or all of the costs to engage help can be covered by your award.

Find Pros in Your Area

Application

Grant Guidelines (.pdf) Application Checklist and Documents (.pdf) CDBG General Application Requirements (.pdf) view all resources Application

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Get notifications for this year and next year

Have Questions?

Email Ginny Eardley, CDBG Specialist,
[email protected]
(785) 230-6319