Community Development Block Grant Public Service Program

The Community Development Block Grant Public Service Program administered by the City of Lawton Housing and Community Development Department is a federally funded initiative supported through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and is designed to improve the quality of life for residents by supporting public service activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income individuals. The City of Lawton acts as the local administering agency, distributing funds to eligible organizations that can address critical community needs aligned with its Consolidated Plan. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support public service projects that enhance the availability, accessibility, and affordability of essential services for low- and moderate-income populations. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, employment assistance, crime prevention, childcare, healthcare services, substance abuse treatment, education, housing counseling, and emergency assistance such as food, rent, utilities, and shelter. The program emphasizes projects that represent either a new service or a measurable expansion of an existing service, ensuring that funds do not replace existing local or state funding but instead increase service capacity. Funding for this program is determined annually and is subject to federal appropriations. For the 2026 program year, the City of Lawton estimates a total CDBG allocation of $742,497, with a maximum of 15 percent, or approximately $111,150, designated for public service activities. Administrative costs are capped at 20 percent. Eligible costs include personnel, supplies, materials, equipment, and certain operational expenses directly tied to service delivery. However, funds cannot be used for general government expenses, political activities, or direct income payments beyond limited emergency assistance. Eligibility is limited to private nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status registered in Oklahoma and public agencies. All proposed projects must serve residents within the Lawton city limits and must demonstrate that at least 51 percent of beneficiaries are low- to moderate-income individuals. Additional requirements apply for projects serving homeless populations, including mandatory participation in the regional Continuum of Care and use of the Homeless Management Information System. Faith-based organizations are eligible but must separate any religious activities from federally funded services. The application process requires submission of a complete application package by May 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., including all required documentation such as organizational records, financial statements, project descriptions, and supporting materials. Applications must be submitted physically and cannot be sent via email or fax. Applicants may seek pre-application technical assistance from the Housing and Community Development office. The review process includes a staff technical assessment, evaluation by the City Planning Commission, and final approval by the City Council. Projects are evaluated based on community need, project design, organizational capacity, and financial feasibility, with a maximum score of 25 points. Additional threshold criteria include consistency with the City’s Consolidated Plan and alignment with identified priority needs. Final funding decisions are contingent upon federal funding availability and compliance with all applicable regulations. The program operates on a defined timeline, with applications opening in March 2026, review processes occurring in May 2026, and final submission of the Annual Action Plan to HUD by July 31, 2026. Funded projects will operate during the program year from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Award recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including monthly and annual performance reports, and demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with HUD performance standards.

Focus on demonstrating clear alignment with top community needs and measurable outcomes; ensure project represents new or expanded services rather than replacement funding; provide strong documentation of low- and moderate-income benefit; ensure completeness and timely submission