Small Cities Development Program Call for Application
The Small Cities Development Program Call for Application funds science-based community revitalization projects in Minnesota, focusing on housing, commercial, and public facility improvements for underserved areas.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Due Dates: November 25, 2026 (Preliminary Proposal) | April 14, 2027 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Single Purpose: up to $600,000 | Comprehensive: up to $1.4 million | Typical grant term: 30–36 months
Summary: Supports housing, commercial, and public facility rehabilitation in non-entitlement Minnesota communities, focusing on LMI households and community revitalization.
Description
The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) offers competitive grants to cities, townships, and counties in Minnesota that do not qualify as federal entitlement areas. The program aims to address critical community needs—such as owner-occupied and rental housing rehabilitation, commercial building improvements, and public facility enhancements—primarily benefiting low-to-moderate income (LMI) households or addressing slum/blight or urgent threats to public health and safety. Funding is made available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Projects must demonstrate need, impact, cost-effectiveness, and involve the public in the planning process.
