CDBG Community Improvement Grants

The Virginia Community Development Block Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Established in 1982, the program is designed to support local governments in addressing critical community development needs, particularly those that benefit low- and moderate-income populations. The program aligns with federal priorities and requires that all funded projects meet at least one national objective, including benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, eliminating slums or blight, or addressing urgent community needs that pose immediate threats. The program offers three primary funding categories: Planning Grants, Project Grants, and Urgent Need Grants. Planning Grants support early-stage project development, while Project Grants fund implementation across a range of activities such as economic development, infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, and public services. Urgent Need Grants are reserved for emergency situations, often tied to natural disasters or public health threats. Each category includes defined funding limits and allowable project delivery costs, with maximum awards ranging from smaller planning allocations up to multimillion-dollar infrastructure investments. Eligible applicants are units of local government within Virginia. These entities are responsible for identifying community needs, engaging residents through public participation processes, and developing proposals that align with program objectives. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits to target populations and include detailed documentation of need, feasibility, and expected outcomes. The program emphasizes citizen participation, requiring public hearings and outreach to ensure transparency and community involvement throughout the planning and application process. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Centralized Application and Management System. Applicants are required to create organizational profiles, complete all relevant application sections, and upload required attachments. These attachments include project budgets, maps, certifications, community needs documentation, and evidence of compliance with national objectives. A detailed project management plan and timeline must also be included, outlining implementation steps, responsible parties, and anticipated milestones. The application deadline for Project Grants is July 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications submitted after this deadline are not considered. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with future funding rounds expected in subsequent years. Award decisions are based on factors such as demonstrated need, project readiness, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. Once awarded, projects typically include a pre-contract period followed by an implementation period totaling approximately 28 months. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with regional planning bodies and state program staff during the development process. Technical assistance is available through designated program contacts and help desks for system-related issues. Overall, the program is structured to ensure that funds are directed toward impactful, well-planned projects that improve community conditions and support long-term development goals across Virginia.

Ensure all required attachments are complete and aligned with narrative; clearly demonstrate benefit to low- and moderate-income populations; provide detailed and accurate project maps and budgets