CDBG FAQs

What are CDBG funds?

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible program that provides communities with funding to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The program is authorized by Title I of the Community Development Act of 1974. Funds are used to assist in the development of decent housing, create suitable living environments, and expand economic opportunities primarily for persons of low and moderate income. All projects funded with CDBG must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Principally benefit low and very low income households;
• Reduce or prevent slum and blight; or,
• Meet an urgent need (emergency or natural disaster)

Who is an eligible applicant/recipients?

• City or County governments
• Public and private nonprofit organizations (501(c)3)
• Section 301(d) small business investment companies
• Local development corporations
• Private for-profit organizations may implement certain capital, economic development and microenterprise activities (please contact the Block Grant Administrator to confirm if your activity is eligible).
• Faith based organizations (restrictions may apply to ensure equal employment opportunity)
• Additionally, applicants must:
  • Demonstrate an active governing body or board of directors or other applicable leadership within your organization with skills and experience to provide leadership and direction to the agency.
  • Demonstrate the legal, financial, and programmatic ability to administer the proposed program/project; and,
  • Meet the City requirements for contracting agencies such as insurance requirements audit and financial requirements.
• See the latest CDBG Policy Plan for more information.

What are eligible activities? 

(Please note not all eligible activities will be funded)

• Acquisition of real property by purchase, lease, or donation
• Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public facilities and improvements
• Housing Rehabilitation
• Code enforcement in deteriorated or deteriorating areas
• Clearance, demolition and removal and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.
• Removal of material and architectural barriers
• Public services 
• Planning activities
• Assistance to Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO) to carry out projects
• Assistance to microenterprise businesses and economic development projects as defined under 24 CFR Part 570, Subpart C
• Housing services such as housing counseling and energy auditing
• Assistance to facilitate and expand homeownership opportunities for low and very low-income people
• Lead based paint hazard evaluation and reduction.
• See the latest CDBG Policy Plan for more information.

How much money is available? 

CDBG programs are federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding levels are determined by HUD after the Federal Budget is finalized, which often occurs after the program year has begun. The City of Bremerton estimates funding levels in order to start the grant application process; therefore, projects are funded based on estimates. If HUD allocates a different amount to these programs than what was estimated, actual funding awards will be increased or decreased to accommodate the discrepancy. The table below shows actual funding amounts from 2013 – 2023. 

How can I receive updates on the City's CDBG Program including important application dates? 

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