Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce through its Division of Community Services. This program is part of a broader federal initiative established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, designed to provide flexible funding to support community development activities. The North Dakota implementation of the program focuses on assisting local governments in addressing infrastructure, housing, and economic development needs, particularly where those needs affect low and moderate income populations. The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to eligible units of local government. These funds are intended to support projects that benefit very low and low income individuals. The program emphasizes three major areas: housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, and economic development initiatives. Each funded activity must meet the national objective of benefiting low and moderate income persons, which is a central requirement guiding all project eligibility and funding decisions. Funding through this program can be used for a range of activities. Housing-related projects may include the rehabilitation of owner-occupied or rental housing units within targeted areas. Public facilities projects may involve the construction or improvement of infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, accessibility upgrades, emergency services facilities, and similar community assets. Economic development projects typically involve providing financial assistance to businesses through local governments, with the expectation that such investments will create or retain jobs for low income individuals. Eligibility for the program is limited to units of local government, such as cities and counties, which apply for funding and then administer projects within their jurisdictions. While local governments are the direct applicants, the ultimate beneficiaries must be low and moderate income residents. The program requires that all proposed projects align with federal guidelines and state priorities, and applicants are expected to demonstrate how their projects will achieve measurable community development outcomes. The application process for the FY2026 funding cycle begins with a pre-application phase. The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced that pre-applications will be accepted starting May 28, 2026, and must be submitted by 5:00 PM Central Time on July 24, 2026. This pre-application stage serves as an initial screening step to determine project eligibility and competitiveness before full applications are invited. Applicants are required to follow guidance outlined in program manuals and supporting documentation, including compliance with federal regulations and participation requirements. Supporting documentation and program guidance are provided through various official resources, including administrative manuals, income limit guidelines, and environmental review training materials. These resources are intended to help applicants understand compliance requirements and prepare competitive proposals. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to engage with regional councils and review consolidated planning documents to ensure alignment with statewide priorities. The CDBG program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with new funding rounds announced each fiscal year. While specific award timelines and performance periods are not detailed in the provided material, projects funded under the program typically follow federal grant administration standards, including reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements. Overall, the program represents a critical funding source for local governments seeking to improve community infrastructure, expand housing opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in underserved areas.

Ensure strong documentation of need and readiness; maximize LMI benefit percentage; secure matching funds early; complete engineering reports before submission