Community Development Block Grant
Community Development Block Grant supports Tennessee city and county governments with infrastructure, revitalization, and public health and safety projects to improve quality of life.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Due Dates: February/spring 2027 (anticipated regular round) | Outside annual round (Imminent Threat and Urgent Need) | October 22, 2026, 10:30 am CT (2027 program public meeting)
Funding Amounts: Up to $420,000 for non-construction projects; up to $1,000,000 for construction projects
Summary: Supports Tennessee city and county governments with community infrastructure, revitalization, and public health and safety projects.
Key Information: Only city and county governments outside CDBG entitlement communities are eligible; previous projects must close before another regular-round application.
Description
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) administers the “Small Cities” Community Development Block Grant program. Its regular round supports quality-of-life projects, including public facilities, community infrastructure, revitalization, water and sewer improvements, and public health and safety. Projects must principally benefit low- and moderate-income people, eliminate slums and blight, or address imminent health and safety problems.
The program operates within Tennessee’s HUD-required Consolidated Planning process. A five-year Consolidated Plan assesses affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, while annual plans specify intended funding uses. Local officials and the public are consulted annually on goals and priorities. A separate Imminent Threat and Urgent Need pathway allows qualifying critical projects to seek funding outside the annual round.
