Community Centers, Senior Centers, Storm Shelters, Parks & Libraries

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Community Centers, Senior Centers, Storm Shelters, Parks & Libraries

Increasing opportunities for community engagement, health, connectedness and vibrancy, this program provides funding to help in the construction or renovation of public recreational facilities and libraries.

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FUNDING

Up to $2,000 per
beneficiary with a
maximum of

$650,000

<5,000 Population

$800,000

>5,000 Population

MATCH

25%

of the total project cost

APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 1, 2024

HOW TO APPLY

Qualify

done
Have an acceptable use project
done
Benefit low-to-moderate income households
done
At least 25% matching funds

SEE IF YOUR COMMUNITY QUALIFIES

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Program Overview

Total Funding

$4.2 million has been allocated for the Community Centers, Senior Centers, Storm Shelters, Parks, & Libraries Grant program in 2024. Communities can receive up to $2,000 per beneficiary up to $650,000 (<5,000 population) and $800,000 (>5,000 population). Administrative costs are limited to $25,000.

Qualifying Projects

This program funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectedness and vibrancy in communities. Eligible expenses include:

Construction or renovation of new or existing community centers, libraries, or parks.
Installation of benches, playground equipment, splash pads, restrooms, picnic areas, or renovations to existing swimming pools.
Engineering and architectural costs and fees.
Administration costs for grant funds.

Selection Criteria

Grant applications are evaluated for funding based on project need, readiness, impact, sustainability and matching funds source and availability.

Key considerations include:

Demonstrating that alternative solutions were examined to address the facility need.
Projects that leverage local match amounts of 50% of the total costs will score higher.
At least 51% of all program participants must meet LMI (low-to-moderate income) requirements – which is at or below 80% of the Average Median Income for the county in which the family resigns.
Communities who have not been awarded a CDBG Grant in the annual competition within the last five years in Housing, Community Facilities, or Water and Sewer will receive 10 bonus points on their application rating.
10 bonus points will be awarded if at least 10% of local match comes from other private sources such as foundations (not bonds or state and federal agencies).
Download grant guidelines for more information on program requirements.

FAQs

What are the rules if we are purchasing an existing building?

The grantee must follow Uniform Relocation Act (URA). If CDBG is paying for the building or will be counted for the match, do not sign a deed, you only need an option to purchase.

Is it possible for the community center or library to work with another entity (school district, hospital, senior center, etc.)?

Yes, the partnership details will be defined in the interlocal agreement.

Can an established community center or library apply for renovations and updates to their building with CDBG funds?

Yes, updates and renovations of the facility are eligible items with grant funding.

Can our community center have a workout room and a gymnasium?

Yes, those are eligible spaces to house within the facility. The purchase of the equipment to place in those spaces is not eligible. Only the construction of the building is eligible.

Are fire stations and/or fire trucks available for CDBG funding under community facilities?

Fire stations are eligible for 2024 CDBG funding under the Community Centers category. Fire trucks are not eligible for 2024.

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Tips for Success

Community Centers, Parks and Libraries typically are city wide projects. To determine if that is the case, please contact the CDBG team for approval of your project area prior to application.

Ten Bonus Points for all CDBG Applications are available for applicants who have not had a Housing, Community Facilities or Water/Sewer project with CDBG within the last 5 years. Securing at least 10% of a project’s matching funds from a private funding source will result in an additional ten bonus points on applications.

If your community does not automatically qualify as a 51% LMI (low-to-moderate income) community, an income based survey can be conducted in most circumstances to evaluate the current income climate of the community.

Gathering letters of support is a great way to enhance your grant application. Get a broad base of community leaders to confirm the importance of your project.

Community Showcase Map

See other communities that have received funding in past years

How to Apply

Qualify

Select City or County

LMI help The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requires that each CDBG funded activity must either principally benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or meet a community development need having a particular urgency.

View LMI Family Income Limits for

Persons in Family	LMI Family Income Limit*
1
2
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4
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8

*LMI calculations are from the 2020 Census and LMI by household are from 2024 HUD Section 8. Final LMI will be confirmed upon application review.

Find Assistance

Assistance from a professional with CDBG grant experience can help you streamline and strengthen your application. Some or all of the costs to engage help can be covered by your award.

Find Pros in Your Area

Application

Grant Guidelines (.pdf) Application Checklist and Documents (.pdf) CDBG General Application Requirements (.pdf) view all resources Application

Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Get notifications for this year and next year

Have Questions?

Email Ginny Eardley, CDBG Specialist,
[email protected]
(785) 230-6319