Eligible Applicants
Municipalities with a population of under 50,000 that do not receive CDBG funds directly from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are eligible for CDBG funding. Communities may apply on behalf of a specific developer or property owner.
MINI-ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM
Municipalities were selected to be Mini-Entitlement communities through on a formula calculation based on a high statistical indication of need, poverty rate and size.
Eligible Activities
Eligible CDBG projects include but are not limited to:
- housing rehabilitation or development
- micro-enterprise or other business assistance
- infrastructure
- community/public facilities
- public social services
- planning
- removal of architectural barriers to allow access by persons with disabilities
- downtown or area revitalization
Applications can be submitted by individual communities or regionally by multiple communities with one lead community.
How to Apply
This Application Guidance package explains how to apply to the Community Development Fund and Mini-Entitlement Program, including information on what to submit, deadlines, special eligibility standards, and the application review processes. The CDBG online application and grant management system can be accessed via this website. First-time users need to contact the CDBG staff at EOHLC (617-573-1100) prior to using the online system. Applications are accepted once per year, and, if funded, have an 18-month implementation timeline.
Funding Limits
Funding limits for all CDBG components are outlined in the One Year Plan.
Stakeholder/Grantee Surveys
CDBG Spotlight
Presidents Award Winner COSCDA 2023
In September 2023, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts received the 2023 President’s Award for Innovation from the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) at its annual conference. This award recognizes innovative activities, policies or programs that have been implemented at the state level, which have demonstrated success in solving community needs.
The award recognized the Community Development Block Grant CDBG-CV Food Insecurity effort, specifically the partnership between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and 2Gether We Eat. 2Gether We Eat was awarded CDBG-CV funds from the Greater Worcester CF to purchase two hydroponic container farms that were sited at two schools in LMI neighborhoods in Worcester. This was a fresh approach to address food insecurity and food deserts through hydroponic farming that resulted in increased access to affordable and nutritious food, that, in turn, will positively affect local public health.
Information, Guides, and Reports
General Information
FFY 2024 Information
FFY 2024 Draft CDBG One Year Action Plan
FFY 2024 Proposed Changes Public Information Session Notice
FFY 2024 Proposed Changes Memo
FFY24 CDBG Application Training Notice
FY 2023 Information
FY2023 Draft CDBG One Year Action Plan
CDBG Application Guidance for FFY22/23 Combined Application
Application Information
CDBG LMI Score 2024 Combined Application
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J
Appendix K
Application Technical Assistance Guides
Infrastructure & Public Facilities
FFY 2021 Start-up Training and Resources
RECOVERY HOUSING
Notice of 6/27/22 Public Hearing about the HUD Recovery Housing Program
HUD Recovery Housing Program Draft Action Plan June, 2022
Notice of Public Hearing about the HUD Recovery Housing Program
HUD Recovery Housing Program Draft Action Plan
Cares Act Information
CDBG Substantial Amendment #3 - Federal CARES Act Update 7/02/2021
CDBG Substantial Amendment #2 - Federal CARES Act Update 9/11/20
CDBG Substantial Amendment - Federal CARES Act Update 4/30/20
DHCD (now EOHLC) announced a NOFA on 5/15/20 through CommBuys for State CDBG-CV funds. The NOFA and additional documents are attached below. Applications are due by close of business June 12, 2020. DHCD will continue to accept applications after this date with first consideration for those submitted by June 12. Application decisions are expected within 1-2 weeks of submission.
CDBG-CV updated NOFA 5.26.2020
Environmental Review Exempt - CENST
CDBG-CV NOFA due date extended
Microenterprise COVID FAQs 10/15/2021
Community Foundations Food Security FAQ 5-11-23
Additional Program Information
Conflict of Interest Informational Memo
HUD Guidebook to State CDBG Programs
HUD Income Limit Area Definitions
Procurement of Services from CDCs
Procurement of a Social Services
Environmental Review
Chapter 10 Environmental Review
Statutory Checklist Guide
Environmental Assessment Checklist
Statutory Checklist
Grant Management Information/Procedures
Chapter 11 Financial Management
Chapter 20 Housing Rehabilitation
Model Forms
CDBG Professional Services Contract FFY22/23
Single Case Waiver Instructions/Form
Additional Reference Material
Designing/Constructing Public Facilities
Chapter 30B Procurement Manual
Fiscal Reporting Forms
Contact for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Phone
Please listen for phone menu options for EOHLC divisions