Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides funding for community and economic development projects in order to encourage additional federal, state and private resource investment. Communities receiving CDBG funds use the grants to provide safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the CDBG program for most of the state. Due to population size, some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of the CDBG program in their communities. DED receives federal funds for CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.

Communities can apply to use those funds for the planning and construction of projects that:

• Benefit low and moderate-income persons.
• Prevent or eliminate slum or blight conditions.
• Solve catastrophic health and safety threats.

Is my community eligible?
Every Nebraska county or incorporated municipality not designated as a CDBG Entitlement Community is eligible to apply for funding through DED. The CDBG Entitlement Communities of Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue and Grand Island administer the program in their own areas. Based on the category of CDBG funding requested, general rules regarding eligibility can differ; refer to the CDBG Application Guidelines for more detailed information on eligibility.

How can my community apply?
If an applicant’s project addresses a CDBG national objective and meets other eligibility requirements, a completed application for the appropriate funding opportunity is submitted to DED by a deadline. Applicants submit their proposals via an application portal. Once the application portal becomes available, links to each open funding opportunity will be listed below. Typically, successful applicants complete their project within 24 months of an award.