Alabama Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Community Enhancement Fund

The Community Enhancement Fund is one of several funding avenues under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). This fund is supported through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and has been implemented by the State of Alabama since 1982. The CDBG program is tailored to benefit non-entitlement communities in Alabama—those that do not receive funding directly from HUD. All applicants must comply with one of the three federally defined national objectives: benefiting at least 51% low- to moderate-income individuals, addressing slum and blight, or responding to urgent community needs. The Community Enhancement Fund is distinct in its focus on supporting projects that directly improve the quality of life in local communities. These may include the development or rehabilitation of community-oriented infrastructure and public amenities. Examples of eligible activities under this fund include the construction or improvement of fire protection facilities, senior citizen centers, community centers, youth-oriented venues such as Boys & Girls Clubs, and recreational facilities. The overarching aim is to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive public spaces that foster community well-being and civic engagement. Funding through this program is made available to all eligible non-entitlement jurisdictions in Alabama. Applicants compete annually for awards, with funding announcements and deadlines communicated during an annual workshop held in the first quarter of each year. Each applicant must ensure that its proposal meets program thresholds and aligns with at least one of HUD’s three national objectives. The State of Alabama prepares and submits an annual action plan to HUD, outlining how CDBG funds will be distributed across programs, including the Community Enhancement Fund. The maximum grant award under the Community Enhancement Fund is $400,000. Applicants are encouraged to present cost-effective, need-driven proposals that demonstrate the positive impact on community living standards. Although the program description does not specify a mandatory local match, applicants are often more competitive when leveraging additional funding sources or in-kind contributions that enhance the overall value of the project. Submission requirements, while not fully detailed in the general program overview, typically include detailed project descriptions, proof of eligibility, and conformance with federal and state regulatory requirements. While specifics on evaluation criteria are not published within the fund summary, it is standard practice for such programs to weigh factors such as project feasibility, cost efficiency, and anticipated community impact during the application review process. The fund does not require any pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. The application deadline is announced during ADECA’s annual CDBG workshop held in the first quarter of the calendar year. Interested applicants are advised to attend or monitor these workshops for updates on submission timelines. For further assistance, applicants can contact ADECA directly via the general phone number listed: (334) 242-0492. Information about the program can also be found on ADECA’s official website under the Community and Economic Development Division. While no PDF application guide or NOFO was referenced in the source, potential applicants should consult ADECA’s CDBG Manual and additional documentation available online for further guidance.