CDBG General Purpose Grant Program

The Community Development Block Grant General Purpose Grants program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is designed to improve the economic, social, and physical environments of rural communities across Washington State. It focuses on enhancing quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents by supporting infrastructure, community facilities, and economic development initiatives. The program operates as part of the broader federal Community Development Block Grant framework established under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The purpose of the General Purpose Grants is to provide financial assistance to eligible small cities, towns, and counties that do not receive direct federal CDBG allocations. Funding supports projects that meet at least one national objective, including benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, addressing slum or blight conditions, or responding to urgent public health and safety needs. Eligible activities include public infrastructure such as water and wastewater systems, streets, and sidewalks; community facilities such as fire stations, community centers, homeless shelters, and childcare facilities; infrastructure supporting affordable housing and rehabilitation; and economic development efforts such as microenterprise assistance. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis as funds are available, with approximately $11 million allocated annually for the program. Individual awards vary by project type, with a maximum of up to $2,000,000 for construction and acquisition projects, lower caps for housing rehabilitation and microenterprise assistance, and specific investment limits per household. The program does not fund new housing construction, government buildings, or maintenance and operational costs, and it prohibits funding for projects that have already begun construction prior to award. Eligibility is limited to non-entitlement jurisdictions within Washington State, specifically small cities, towns, and counties that do not receive direct funding from the federal government. While nonprofit organizations, public housing authorities, tribal entities, and special purpose districts cannot apply directly, they may participate as subrecipients or partners under an eligible local government applicant. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need, readiness to proceed with secured funding, active pursuit of other funding sources, and equitable distribution of funds to communities that have not recently received awards. The application process follows a structured two-step approach. Applicants must first submit an eligibility and readiness form. Those who meet threshold requirements and align with program priorities may be invited to complete a second stage application focused on public participation and full project details. Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round, and awards are issued on an ongoing basis as funds remain available. Evaluation of applications is based on program priorities including financial need, project readiness, demonstrated efforts to secure additional funding, and equity considerations. Funded projects must provide long-term benefits, typically for a minimum of ten years. Applicants are expected to comply with federal requirements, including environmental review processes and timing restrictions related to project initiation. For assistance or additional information, applicants may contact Jon Galow, Project Manager at the Washington State Department of Commerce, via email or phone. The program continues to operate on a recurring annual funding cycle aligned with federal allocations, ensuring ongoing opportunities for eligible communities to apply for support.

Applicants should demonstrate financial need, secure other funding sources prior to applying, and ensure readiness to proceed as these factors are prioritized in evaluation.