Community Development Block Grants (OR)

The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program, administered by Business Oregon, aims to enhance urban living conditions for low and moderate-income individuals. By providing funding and technical assistance, the program supports various projects, including public infrastructure, community facilities, and housing rehabilitation. Eligible applicants include non-metropolitan cities and counties in rural Oregon, while urban areas and specific counties are excluded. Grant amounts vary based on project needs, with maximums reaching up to $2.5 million for public works.

NOTE: Business Oregon must be contacted prior to submitting an application. Contact your Regional Project Manager​ to develop a project concept and complete a pre-application form. See Pre-proposal deadline above. If a proposed project meets funding criteria and funds are available, an application will be invited and a provided form will need to be completed and submitted by the application deadline. See Full Proposal deadline above.
Background
Grants and technical assistance are available though the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program to develop livable urban communities for persons of low and moderate incomes by expanding economic opportunities and providing housing and suitable living environments.
Funding Needs
All projects must meet one of three national objectives:
Benefit low- and moderate-income individuals;Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; orHave an urgent need that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.
Eligible Projects
A broad range of projects may be assisted with the CDBG funds. Typical projects funded by this program include:
Public Works Infrastructure including water and wastewater treatment plants, public water and sewer pipe, and water reservoirs. (Note: Applicants must apply for either final design or construction.);Community Facilities including libraries, head start centers, emergency/homeless shelters, transitional housing, shelters/workshops for people with disabilities, non-profit health clinics, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and senior centers;Regional Housing Rehabilitation programs for single-family housing occupied by low- and moderate-income persons; andMicroenterprise—training to microenterprise owners and persons developing microenterprises.​
Funding
The following are the maximum grants possible for any individual project, by category:
Microenterprise: $100,000Public Works Water and Wastewater Improvements: $2,500,000Community/Public Facilities: $1,500,000Community Capacity/Technical Assistance: no specific per-award-limit but limited overall fundsRegional Housing Rehabilitation: $400,000 - $500,000Emergency Projects $500,000
Funding amounts are based on the applicant's need, the availability of funds, and other restrictions as defined in the program's guidelines.

Eligibility

Non-metropolitan cities and counties in rural Oregon can apply for and receive grants.

Ineligibility

Oregon tribes, urban cities (Albany, Ashland, Beaverton, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Grants Pass, Gresham, Hillsboro, Medford, Portland, Redmond, Salem, and Springfield), and counties (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion) that receive funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are not eligible.​This program does not fund planning activities or feasibility studies.