Community Development Block Grant Program

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the City of Mentor is a federally funded initiative originating from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City of Mentor serves as the local administering agency for these funds, which are allocated annually to support community development activities that align with federal priorities. The program is designed to address critical local needs, particularly those affecting low- and moderate-income residents, and to improve the overall quality of life within the community. For the program period covering October 1 through September 30 of the following year, the City of Mentor anticipates approximately 160,000 dollars in total available funding. These funds are subject to federal spending caps, including a maximum of 20 percent for administrative costs and 15 percent for public services. The program supports a wide range of eligible activities including property acquisition, demolition and clearance, economic development initiatives, housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, relocation assistance, and public services that either introduce new offerings or significantly expand existing services. All funded projects must meet at least one of three federally mandated national objectives. These include benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, addressing slum or blight conditions, or responding to urgent community needs where public health or safety is at immediate risk. While many activities may be technically eligible under federal guidelines, actual funding decisions are guided by local priorities established in the City of Mentor’s Consolidated Plan, which determines which needs are most critical for the funding cycle. Eligibility to apply for funding is limited to qualified subrecipients that meet strict federal and local requirements. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, maintain a physical office, demonstrate sound fiscal management, and be properly registered with federal systems such as SAM.gov. Additionally, applicants must possess a federal tax identification number and a DUNS number. All proposed programs must directly benefit residents of the City of Mentor and primarily serve low- to moderate-income populations. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal including organizational information, project details, measurable goals and outcomes, and a detailed budget. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as financial statements, audits, board member lists, and proof of nonprofit status. For construction-related projects, additional materials such as cost estimates, site maps, and photographs are required. Applications may be submitted via hand delivery, mail, or email to designated city officials. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on May 4, and late submissions are not accepted. The City of Mentor offers technical assistance to applicants throughout the process, providing support in proposal development and compliance with program requirements. Key contacts include Grant Supervisor Kevin Grippi and City Planner Larry Rastatter, who are available via phone or email to assist prospective applicants. Following submission, applications are reviewed based on compliance with eligibility criteria, alignment with national objectives, and responsiveness to community needs. Selected projects are expected to adhere to federal regulations throughout implementation, including Section 3 requirements that promote employment and contracting opportunities for low-income residents. Funded projects must be completed within the designated program period and are subject to monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

Ensure project clearly meets one national objective and prioritizes low to moderate income benefit; align proposal with Consolidated Plan priorities; provide complete and accurate supporting documentation