Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant Program funds research-driven community development, housing, and infrastructure projects in rural California, managed by the California Department of Housing & Community Development.
Funder: California Department of Housing & Community Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (waiver/exception requests) | January 2027 ('Planning Related to Another Activity' authorization) | February 2027 (portal opens) | April 2027 (application due)
Funding Amounts: ~$27 million total; up to $3.6M per jurisdiction; activity limits: $3.3M (projects), $1.5M (programs), $300k (public service/planning); 33-month grant period.
Summary: Supports rural California cities and counties in improving housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.
Key Information: Only non-entitlement jurisdictions may apply directly; nonprofits/tribes only as subrecipients.
Description
The California Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) is administered by the California Department of Housing & Community Development to assist rural, non-entitlement cities and counties in enhancing the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. The program funds a wide range of activities, including housing, public facilities, infrastructure, economic development, and planning, with a focus on developing viable communities, providing decent housing, and expanding economic opportunities. The CDBG program operates on an annual competitive cycle, allocating funds to address pressing community needs, prevent or eliminate slums and blight, and respond to urgent local challenges.
