The Community Development Fund (CDF) awards grants to communities throughout the Commonwealth. This program helps eligible cities and towns to meet a broad range of community development needs in housing, infrastructure, revitalization, economic development and public social services. It supports CDBG eligible activities and encourages applicants to develop coordinated, integrated and creative solutions to local problems.
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 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
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 DHCD (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.
Information, Guides, and Reports
General Information
FY 2019 Information
2019 CDBG Application Training
Public Information Session FY 19 CDBG Proposed Changes
FY 2018 Information
LMI Score 2018 CDBG Application
CDBG FY 2018 Application Guidance
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J
Appendix K
Appendix L
Application Technical Assistance Guides
Infrastructure & Public Facilities
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
Model Forms
Single Case Waiver Review Form
Additional Reference Material
Designing/Constructing Public Facilities
Chapter 30B Procurement Manual