Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): who gets it and how to apply
CDBG is a HUD program that gives annual formula grants to states, cities and counties. It is not an open competition you apply to on Grants.gov: individuals, businesses and nonprofits get CDBG help through their local government. Here's how it works, from HUD's own program page.
What CDBG is
HUD's Community Development Block Grant program "provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons." It is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Who receives CDBG funds
- Principal cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas
- Other metropolitan cities with populations of at least 50,000
- Qualified urban counties with populations of at least 200,000 (excluding entitled cities)
- States and insular areas. 49 states and Puerto Rico run a State CDBG Program, which awards grants to smaller, non-entitlement local governments. HUD runs the program directly for Hawaii's non-entitled counties.
Can I apply for a CDBG grant as an individual, business or nonprofit?
Not directly. HUD says it "does not provide CDBG assistance directly to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations or other non-governmental entities." Contact your city or county community development office to learn how the program works locally. Each local government decides which projects to fund, and requirements differ from place to place.
What CDBG can pay for
Examples HUD lists: buying property, relocation and demolition, rehabilitation of homes and other buildings, public facilities such as water and sewer lines, streets and neighborhood centers, limited public services, energy conservation, and help for businesses doing economic development and job creation. Each activity must benefit low- and moderate-income people, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or meet an urgent community need. At least 70 percent of funds over a 1-, 2- or 3-year period must benefit low- and moderate-income people.
Related open federal grants
Other community development funding is posted on Grants.gov. See open community development grants, housing grants, HUD grants and grants for local governments, all sorted by deadline.
Source: HUD: Community Development Block Grant Program. Last reviewed Oct 14, 2026. Grant Deadlines is independent and not affiliated with HUD. Not legal or financial advice.