Corona Community Development Block Grant

The City of Corona Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grants program is administered by the City of Corona Housing and Homeless Solutions Division using federal Community Development Block Grant funding. This program is designed to support public service activities that directly benefit low- and moderate-income residents within the City of Corona. The funding opportunity is released through a Notice of Funds Availability and is aligned with federal regulations governing the use of CDBG funds, particularly those related to public services under 24 CFR 570.201(e). The program emphasizes addressing unmet community needs while building long-term service capacity among local providers. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund eligible public service programs that either introduce new services or provide a measurable increase in the level of existing services available to residents. Eligible service areas include fair housing, youth and senior services, transportation, substance abuse treatment, employment training, childcare, health and community services, domestic violence support, homeless services, and services for individuals with special needs. All funded activities must meet the national objective of benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, with at least 51 percent of program beneficiaries meeting income eligibility criteria or belonging to HUD-defined presumptive groups. Funding is awarded initially for a one-year period, covering July 1 through June 30 of the program year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four additional years based on performance, compliance, and availability of federal funds. The City anticipates awarding approximately five grants annually, with individual awards typically ranging from approximately 30,000 to 35,000 dollars. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to document eligible expenses in accordance with federal cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200. Allowable costs include direct program expenses and, where applicable, indirect administrative costs within federal guidelines. Eligibility for this program is limited to public agencies and nonprofit organizations that were established to conduct business in the State of California on or before a specified date. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, prior experience, and the ability to deliver services effectively. Programs must be located within the City of Corona and serve its residents. Additionally, applicants must show how grant funding will enhance their capacity to deliver services during and beyond the grant period. The application process requires submission through an online portal by a fixed deadline. Applicants must complete all required narrative sections, including project description, outcomes, and organizational capacity, and provide a detailed project budget and projected accomplishments. Required attachments include organizational documentation such as IRS determination letters, financial filings, governing documents, insurance certificates, and board information. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and then scored based on project need, anticipated outcomes, and organizational capacity. Evaluation involves a competitive scoring process conducted by City staff, with final funding decisions made by the City Council. Applicants may appeal eligibility determinations within a short timeframe. Successful applicants must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly performance reports, and must adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations governing the use of funds. Continued funding in subsequent years depends on satisfactory performance and compliance with grant requirements. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle tied to the City’s consolidated planning process. While the specific deadline for the referenced cycle was May 1, 2025, similar funding opportunities are expected to be released annually. Applicants are encouraged to participate in informational workshops and maintain communication with program staff to ensure compliance and competitiveness in future application cycles.

Focus on clearly demonstrating measurable outcomes alignment with community needs and strong organizational capacity including prior experience and compliance history