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Propósito

En Community Facilities: Small Grants Program offers cities and counties the flexibility to propose any CDBG-eligible facility project, with a focus on smaller-scale improvements that make a meaningful and lasting impact. With a 10% local match and a $231,000 project cap, the program supports cost-effective upgrades such as facility modernization, ADA improvements, public safety features, and park enhancements that help foster community engagement, accessibility, and vibrancy.

Proyectos subvencionables

A total of $7.6 million has been designated for Community Facilities Grants (both Large and Small) in 2026. This grant program funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectedness and vibrancy in communities. Eligible expenses include:

• Public Facility Renovations: Minor renovations to libraries, community centers, and public buildings to improve functionality, safety, and accessibility
• Parks & Recreation Improvements: Storm drainage, grading, upgrades to parks like benches, picnic tables, accessible playground equipment, and drinking fountains
• Public Safety Enhancements: Emergency sirens, security lighting, and storm shelters
• Accessibility and ADA: Accessibility improvements in public facilities, including handrails, automatic door openers, accessible parking signage, ramps, and minor sidewalk rehabilitation
• Professional Services: Post-award administrative, engineering, and architectural costs and fees

CDBG National Objectives

All CDBG projects must meet a national objective and involve an eligible activity under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The three CDBG national objectives are:

1. Benefit Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) Persons
2. Prevention or Elimination of Blight
3. Addressing an Urgent Need

All activities proposed in applications for the Community Facilities: Small Grants Program must meet the national objective of benefiting low- and moderate-income persons with a minimum of 51% LMI beneficiaries. This can be accomplished either by using HUD census data or by completing an income-based survey. Applicants must receive CDBG approval before starting a survey and follow the approved income-based survey methodology.

Criterios de selección

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 facility need
• 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 that have not received a CDBG grant for Community Facilities, Water and Sewer, or Youth Job Training in the past five years will be awarded five bonus points
• Five bonus points will be awarded if at least 10% of local funding comes from other private donations or foundations grants (not bonds or state and federal agencies)

Descargar el 2026 CDBG Community Facilities: Small Grants Guidelines para más información sobre los requisitos del programa.

Fondos de contrapartida

Local funding is required for all CDBG projects, and no project can be funded entirely by grants. Matching funds can originate from private or public sources, but the application must document that these funds are firmly committed (e.g., a letter of commitment from a bank or other funding source). Examples of matching funds include bank loans, industrial revenue bonds, owners’ equity, contributions from local governments, or grants and loans from economic development entities.

Applicants are allowed to match CDBG funds with other grant funds if that funding is secured in a city/county account by the time the contract is signed. At least 10% of the matching funds must be cash from a local source (i.e., owner funds, city/county cash). Any expenses incurred prior to the grant award are ineligible for reimbursement with CDBG funds. This includes grant writing, engineering, and architecture.

2026 Pre-Application

A pre-application must be submitted and approved by CDBG before an application can be submitted. The pre-application is used to determine project eligibility and readiness before proceeding to the full application stage. Commerce will review submissions within ten days and provide further instructions. Only those with an approved pre-application may submit a full application, but approval of the pre-application does not ensure grant funding. Please discuss your project with CDBG staff before submitting a pre-application. You can contact a project manager at any time or email [email protected].

Pre-Application Form