Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
The CDBG program improves the economic, social and physical environment of eligible, rural cities and counties to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents, thereby strengthening the entire community. The CDBG Program offers General Purpose grants.
Who can apply?
Small, rural cities/towns and counties that are not entitled to receive CDBG funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can apply for a state CDBG grant.
List and map of local governments served by state CDBG program
Special purpose districts, public housing authorities, community action agencies, economic development councils, other non-profit organizations, and Indian tribes are not eligible to apply directly to the state CDBG Program for funding but may be a subrecipient and partner with an eligible city, town or county applicant.
Is my project eligible?
Eligible Project Tests
CDBG Eligible Activities
The CDBG program can fund a wide range of activities including:
• Community facilities
• Housing rehabilitation, infrastructure in support of affordable housing
• Sewer, water, streets/sidewalks and other infrastructure
• Economic development, local micro-enterprise assistance programs
• Planning
• Public Services
Activities must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Low- and moderate-income is defined as 80 percent of county median income.
General Purpose Grants
Now accepting applications for 2024 General Purpose Grants.
Commerce currently has $2 million available and anticipates an additional $11 million in fall 2024 to help fund priority local projects throughout Washington that benefit low- and moderate- income people. Grants will be awarded on a fund’s available basis. Maximum grant award up to $2 million based on project type.
Please review the 2024 General Purpose Grant application materials before applying.
Public Services Grants
The state CDBG program annually awards Public Services Grants to 17 non-entitlement counties throughout Washington State. These grants support partnerships with regional community action agencies that provide services to address the root causes of poverty, and help low-income families and individuals regain or retain self-sufficiency.
Annual award amounts are formula-based on service area population and poverty rate. For the 2023 Public Services Grant program year (July 1,2023 – June 30, 2024), eligible counties will receive the 2023 CDBG Public Services Grant Amounts through a contract amendment as supplemental funding.
Contact your CDBG contract manager to amend your Public Services Grant contract.
Entitlement and Indian CDBG Programs
Contact information for urban city and county CDBG Entitlement Programs that receive CDBG funds directly from HUD rather than through the state.
Contact information for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program
Program links
Need help?
Jon Galow, CDBG Section Manager
Jon.Galow@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 509-847-5021
Stacey Voigt , CDBG-CV Section Manager
Stacey.Voigt@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-4047