Community Development Block Grant

Last updated or reviewed on January 20, 2026

FY 2025 – 2026 CDBG Application now open. Closes January 27

What is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federal grant program through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) providing grant funds for a variety of projects and programs that serve low and moderate income residents or eliminate slum and blight.

For more information on Community Development Block Grant visit hud.gov

What’s New?

Community Development Block Grant Application is now open.

The Community Development Block Grant Application period opens at 8:00 a.m. on December 17, 2025 and closes on January 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. 
To complete the application, please register with Neighborly here.

Public Notice: 

The City of Asheville’s Community Development Division will be accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the upcoming fiscal year (FY) 2026-2027. The application will open for submissions on December 17, 2025 at 8:00 am ET and will close at 5:00 pm ET January 26, 2026. Applicants can apply through our Neighborly software portal.

The City of Asheville is seeking agencies to carry out activities that revitalize neighborhoods and public facilities, improve infrastructure, assist homeless persons and those at-risk of becoming homeless, provide homebuyers with downpayment assistance, and support microenterprises, all of which are goals under our 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.

The City’s Community Development Division hosted one application information webinar on January 6, 2026. This webinar provided information on the application process as well as technical assistance.

If you missed the presentation, the slides can be found on a presentation.

The CDBG program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program and the City of Asheville, as an entitlement community, receives funding directly from HUD to develop decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

The City of Asheville’s Community Development Division administers these funds and partners with organizations to support projects and programs that serve City of Asheville residents. Interested organizations can and must apply on an annual basis for CDBG funding.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The City of Asheville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, handicap, sex or sexual orientation.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), THIS NOTICE AND DOCUMENTS LISTED CAN BE REQUESTED IN ALTERNATE FORMAT. AUXILIARY AIDS OR SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST, WITH AT LEAST THREE DAYS’ NOTICE.

FY 22/23 CDBG Information Training Sessions (TBD)

CDBG City Policy

 

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) can be used for a wide range of activities including:

  • Acquisition of real property
  • Public facilities
  • Public infrastructure
  • Social services (up to 15% of the CDBG budget)
  • Housing rehabilitation (owner-occupied or rental)
  • Home-ownership assistance
  • Commercial or industrial rehabilitation
  • Historic preservation
  • Removal of barriers for persons with disabilities
  • Economic development (e.g. business loans)
  • Activities of Community Based Organizations (CBDOs)
  • Program administration, planning and capacity building (up to 20% of the budget)

CDBG cannot be used for the general conduct of city government, political or religious activities, fund raising, cash payments to individuals, or construction of new housing (except by CBDOs)

How do these grants make a difference in Asheville?

The CDBG program in Asheville serves the city of Asheville only. Every CDBG-funded activity must be located within the city limits and must either benefit low/moderate income persons or eliminate slum and blight. The City receives about $1.5 million each year. Much of this is sub-granted to non-profit agencies. The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan guide the mission of the CDBG program in Asheville.

Federal Compliance Requirements

Activities using CDBG funds must meet a number of federal standards. Specific information about each federal requirement can be found by contacting Community Development Department staff.

  • Environmental Review
  • Labor Standards (Davis Bacon)
  • Equal Opportunity – Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3
  • Accessibility for Disabled People
  • Record-keeping and Reporting
  • Acquisition and Relocation Regulations
  • Lead-Based Paint Elimination
  • Income Verification and Documentation
    • Financial Assistance or Housing Client
    • Public Service Client
      • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
      • Purchasing Standards

How does my agency apply for CDBG?

Applications for Community Development Block Grants are typically open between mid-December and early February, with funding recommendations made by the Housing and Community Development Committee in late March. The application period for 2020-2021 CDBG funding is currently open. Links to the webinar and application can be found at the top of this page.

Contact information

If you would like to receive email notifications of upcoming grant deadlines and Funding Committee meeting, contact:

Sofia Bonilla
sbonilla@ashevillenc.gov 

Updated 1/20/2026
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