Community Development Block Grant

The City of Joliet has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Community Development Block Grant program, funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program represents a federally supported initiative administered at the local level, designed to address community development needs within Joliet. The City anticipates receiving an allocation of funding for the 2026 program year and is responsible for distributing these funds to eligible local projects that align with federal priorities. The program is rooted in improving conditions for low- to moderate-income populations and supporting community infrastructure, services, and development activities. The primary purpose of the funding is to support projects and programs that directly benefit low- to moderate-income individuals or are located within qualifying geographic areas. All proposed activities must demonstrate clear alignment with these income-based eligibility requirements. The funding scope includes a range of community development activities, potentially including facility improvements, service programs, and other initiatives that contribute to neighborhood stabilization and improved quality of life. Applicants must ensure that proposed uses of funds meet federal CDBG eligibility guidelines and are supported by local planning documents such as the City’s Consolidated Plan. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documentation to establish organizational eligibility and project readiness. Required materials include incorporation documents, governance details such as a board of directors list, financial records including IRS filings and financial statements, and proof of nonprofit status through a 501(c)(3) designation letter. Additionally, applicants must provide detailed budgets outlining both funding sources and expenditure plans. For projects involving construction or third-party services, multiple contractor estimates are required. Supplemental data specific to Joliet’s planning priorities must also be included to demonstrate alignment with community needs. The application process is administered through materials made available on the City of Joliet’s official website. Applicants are expected to complete and submit their applications within the defined submission window. The City provides a scoring rubric and resource tools to guide applicants in preparing competitive proposals. Applications are reviewed and evaluated based on this rubric, ensuring consistency and transparency in funding decisions. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the notice, applicants are encouraged to consult the provided resources for guidance on scoring priorities. The timeline for the funding opportunity is clearly defined. Applications open on April 1, 2026, and must be submitted by April 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The City offers technical assistance throughout the application period, including scheduled open office hours and opportunities for one-on-one support. These sessions are designed to help applicants navigate requirements, strengthen proposals, and ensure compliance with submission standards. No appointments are necessary for scheduled sessions, though individualized assistance can also be arranged upon request. Applicants may contact the City’s CDBG Manager, Brigette Roehr, for additional information, technical assistance, or guidance on submitting applications, including paper submission options. Contact is available via phone and email, and the City encourages prospective applicants to engage early in the process to clarify requirements and improve application quality. The program appears to follow an annual funding cycle based on the program year designation, suggesting that similar opportunities may recur in future years depending on federal allocations.