Community Development Block Grant Last updated or reviewed on February 24, 2026 FY 2026 – 2027 CDBG Application is now closed. What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program? The 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 the Community Development Block Grant program visit HUD’s CDBG Webpage. 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 and Section 3) Equal Opportunity 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 2026-2027 CDBG funding is now closed. Contact information If you would like to receive email notifications of upcoming grant deadlines and Funding Committee meeting, contact: CommunityDevelopment@ashevillenc.gov If you are looking for affordable housing, suffering a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance or down payment assistance, or you have concerns about our homeless community, please call 211. The service is free, confidential and available in any language.
If you are looking for affordable housing, suffering a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance or down payment assistance, or you have concerns about our homeless community, please call 211. The service is free, confidential and available in any language.
