Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The City of Marietta Community Development Division is opening its Public Services grant cycle for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by the City of Marietta. The purpose of this grant is to support eligible public service activities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Marietta. The program is governed by HUD’s national objectives, primarily focusing on services benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals through limited clientele or area benefit eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed service constitutes either a new activity or a quantifiable increase in service levels. CDBG funds must be used for programmatic costs related to service delivery. Administrative overhead, food, entertainment, fundraising, and other ineligible expenses cannot be reimbursed. CDBG funds are reimbursable only and cannot be used to supplant existing programs. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit 501(c)(3) agencies, institutions of higher learning, for-profit entities supporting microenterprises, City departments, and community-based development organizations. All applicants must serve residents of Marietta. Religious institutions may apply for non-religious purposes. Individual persons and businesses are not eligible. Attendance at the mandatory virtual application meeting on December 4, 2025, is required to be eligible to apply. The application period opens on December 4, 2025, and closes at 12:00 PM on January 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted in hard copy and digital form to the Community Development Office. A complete application includes 16 required components such as a cover sheet, project narrative, budget forms, financial policies, staff resumes, and documentation of nonprofit status. Failure to provide a complete application or attend the application meeting will result in ineligibility. Submitted applications undergo a threshold review, evaluation by staff and a review committee, and final approval by the Marietta City Council. Key evaluation criteria include alignment with national objectives, demonstrated need, public benefit, outcome measurement, leverage of other funding, organizational capacity, and collaboration with other service providers. All awarded organizations must execute a contract with the City, comply with performance benchmarks, submit quarterly reports, and adhere to CDBG conflict of interest and financial accountability regulations. Renewal funding in future years depends on satisfactory performance, increased service levels, and compliance with CDBG guidelines. The application and further guidance are available on the city's website or by contacting the Community Development Manager.

Ensure the service is new or expanded; document low-income targeting; submit both hard and digital copies; attend the mandatory meeting