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.
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 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 2023 Information
FY2023 Draft CDBG One Year Action Plan
CDBG Application Guidance for FFY22/23 Combined Application
FY 2022/2023 CDBG Application Training Notice
2023 Proposed Changes Public Information Session Notice
FY 2022 Information
Public Comments and Responses to Draft FFY22 CDBG One-Year Action Plan
FY 2021 Information
CDBG FFY 2021 Application Guidance
FFY 2021 CDBG Application Training
Draft 2021 CDBG One Year Action Plan
FY 2020 Information
FY 2020 Draft CDBG One Year Action Plan
2020 CDBG Application Training
Public Information Session FY 20 CDBG Proposed Changes
FY 2019 Information
Labor Standards Training 5/22/2019
FY2019 CDBG Draft One Year Plan
2019 CDBG Application Training
Public Information Session FY 19 CDBG Proposed Changes
FY 2018 Information
Application Information
CDBG LMI Score 2022/2023 Combined Application
CDBG FY 2020 Application Guidance
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 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 4-27-22
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
Professional Services Contract FY2021
Single Case Waiver Instructions/Form
Additional Reference Material
Designing/Constructing Public Facilities
Chapter 30B Procurement Manual