Community Development Block Grant

Last updated or reviewed on February 4, 2026

FY 2025 – 2026 CDBG Application is now closed.

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 closed.

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
X