CDBG News

2026 Pre-Application Open!

A pre-application must be submitted and approved by CDBG before an application can be submitted (except for Urgent Need). 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. 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]. Revised 2026 program guidelines will be available later in January.

Pre-Application Form

Website Updates

Thank you for your patience as we work with the website vendor to update our information.

2025 Changes

Streamlined Community Facilities Grants
Previously, Community Facilities and Services grants were divided into four categories. We have eliminated these specific categories, allowing cities and counties to propose any CDBG-eligible facility project without needing to fit within a predefined subcategory. Projects will now be classified by funding amount: Large Grants ($210,001–$1,500,000) and Small Grants ($50,000–$210,000). To improve accessibility for smaller or lower-income communities and reduce delays caused by funding gaps, we have also lowered the local match requirement to 20% for Large Grants and 10% for Small Grants.

Rolling Rounds instead of Annual Competition
This year, we are shifting the remaining annual competition programs to rolling rounds. This change allows CDBG to review projects more quickly on a monthly basis, providing communities with faster feedback and decisions. As a result, projects can begin immediately rather than waiting several months or until the following year. All program applications must be submitted by November 14, 2025.

New Community Center Initiative
The Blueprint to Build Grant Program provides Kansas communities with an efficient and cost-effective way to develop a new community center. Cities can select from three pre-designed blueprint layouts, simplifying the planning process and making construction more affordable.

New Pre-Application Process
This year, we are introducing a pre-application process to assess project readiness. This allows us to provide early feedback and address any eligibility concerns before applicants complete the full application. A pre-application is required for the following grant programs: Community Facilities (Large and Small), Blueprint to Build, Youth Job Training, Water and Sewer Infrastructure, and Regional Water Implementation. Applicants will receive a response within one week with instructions on how to proceed with the full application.