Community Development Block Grant - Public Services Grants

The Community Development Block Grant Public Services Request for Proposals is administered by the City of Michigan City through its Community Development Block Grant program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is designed to support local nonprofit organizations and community-based entities in delivering public service activities that address critical community needs. The City uses this annual funding opportunity to partner with eligible subrecipients in order to improve living conditions, expand economic opportunities, and provide essential services to low- and moderate-income residents. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit proposals for public service programs that align with federal CDBG objectives. These objectives include benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, preventing or eliminating slum or blight, or addressing urgent community needs such as health or welfare crises. For public services, most eligible proposals must demonstrate that at least 51 percent of program beneficiaries are low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible services include, but are not limited to, employment assistance, case management, childcare, education, health services, substance abuse services, recreation, and counseling. The program specifically prioritizes services that represent either new programming or a measurable expansion of existing services. Funding for this opportunity is limited, with an anticipated total allocation of up to 95000 dollars for the program year. Individual requests cannot exceed 25000 dollars, as indicated in the proposal form. Additionally, federal regulations cap public service expenditures at 15 percent of total CDBG funding. While matching funds are not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to leverage additional funding sources, including nonfederal contributions and in-kind support such as volunteer labor or donated materials. Funds may not be used for ineligible activities such as general government operations, political activities, or substituting existing funding sources. Eligibility for applicants is restricted to public or private nonprofit organizations that meet the definition of a CDBG subrecipient. Organizations must demonstrate valid tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4), have at least one year of operational experience, and be registered in the System for Award Management prior to funding approval. Additional requirements include maintaining a governing board, demonstrating satisfactory audit results, and complying with all applicable federal regulations, including nondiscrimination laws and accessibility standards. New applicants may be subject to site visits to verify program capacity and operations. The application process requires submission of a detailed proposal form that outlines the organization’s mission, program design, target population, budget, and expected outcomes. Proposals must be submitted electronically to the City’s designated email address and must include all required documentation, such as financial statements, proof of nonprofit status, and audit reports. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including organizational qualifications, project experience, eligibility, budget justification, and references. The review process involves multiple stakeholders, including city staff, advisory committees, public comment, and final approval by HUD. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 15, 2026, and submissions must be completed by the end of the business day. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Following submission, proposals undergo a structured review process, and selected applicants may be required to provide additional information before final award decisions are made. Funded projects will operate during the program year from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year based on funding availability. This funding opportunity is issued annually, making it a recurring grant program aligned with the City’s consolidated planning process. Priority is given to programs serving vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless individuals, persons with disabilities, and low-income households. Additional priority is placed on initiatives that support housing stability, economic opportunity, and improved quality of life in targeted areas. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with these strategic priorities to increase competitiveness.

Ensure program clearly demonstrates benefit to low- and moderate-income populations; align proposal with stated priority populations and consolidated plan strategies; provide complete and accurate documentation as incomplete submissions are rejected