The City of Toledo is announcing the availability of federal funding under three key programs for the 2026 Program Year: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The program year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with funding contingent upon allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funding opportunities support a range of local initiatives aimed at enhancing community well-being through housing, public services, emergency shelter, and neighborhood development.
The CDBG program prioritizes funding in three core areas: Housing Preservation, Public Services, and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and certified Community Based Development Organizations (CBDOs). Special emphasis will be placed on applications for public services and new construction in revitalization strategy areas when implemented by certified CBDOs. New applicants are expected to participate in the Toledo Neighborhood Capacity Building Institute and must have completed a Concept Meeting with the Department of Housing and Community Development prior to submission.
For ESG funds, priority is given to programs serving homeless populations and addressing issues such as emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, access and prevention, and transitional housing. These funds are also accessible through the CDBG stream for homeless services. A mandatory application meeting for ESG applicants is scheduled, as is an application training session, both of which are prerequisites to submitting a proposal.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program supports certified City of Toledo Community Housing and Development Organizations (CHDOs) in developing homeownership projects that demonstrate a financing gap and align with the city's affordable housing priorities. Eligible uses include the construction and rehabilitation of homebuyer units and program management. All HOME-funded projects are required to demonstrate leverage with other funding sources.
Applicants must adhere to specific compliance measures for projects involving construction, including adherence to prevailing wage laws, entering into Project Labor Agreements for contracts over $100,000, and securing performance bonds when required. All applications must be submitted through Zoomgrants by 4:45 p.m. on February 6, 2026. CDBG and ESG applicants must attend a mandatory meeting and subsequent training before gaining access to submission materials.
Program contacts include Monica Brown (CDBG and ESG) and Steven Powell (HOME), both reachable via City of Toledo email addresses. Additional accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request through the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Ensure certification as CBDO or CHDO before submission; attend all required sessions to access application portal; emphasize gap financing and leverage in HOME proposals.
