Fraud Alert

Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has received phone calls from people that were notified via social media that they had received grant funds. This is part of a scam that has impacted many people related to COVID-19 funding. Any real government agency, including Commerce, will never contact you via Facebook or other social media to announce you received grant funds and you will never have to pay someone an “upfront” fee to receive grant funds.  

Learn more about this scam and how to spot it:

State CDBG COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Commerce is distributing these CDBG funds for economic, housing and public services provided by local governments and nonprofits across Washington State.

  • $1.8 million has been distributed through the CDBG Economic Opportunity Grants for COVID-19 Response Services 
  • $38 million from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is being distributed in allocations as CDBG-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) grants for state and local activities that prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus. Please visit the state’s CDBG-CV Fund page for additional information on these funds.
Community Development Block Grant project

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 and Specialty 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.

Cities and towns with population less than 50,000, not participating in a CDBG Entitlement Urban County Consortium; and counties with populations less than 200,000.

Map of local governments served by state CDBG program (PDF)
List of local governments served by state CDBG program (PDF)

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 partner and sub-recipient in projects of funding with an eligible city/town or county applicant.

What can be funded?

The CDBG program can fund a wide range of activities (PDF) including:

• Sewer, water, streets/sidewalks and other infrastructure
• Community facilities
• Economic development, local micro-enterprise assistance programs
• Housing rehabilitation, infrastructure in support of affordable housing
• 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. Applicants may submit one request per fund each program year.

When to apply

General Purpose Grant Application — The 2021 CDBG General Purpose Grant Application cycle is now open.  Applications are due no later than June 2, 2021. 

Public Services Grant Application — Invitations to complete the online application will be sent directly to the participating jurisdictions in late February 2021.

Housing Enhancement Grant Application – Applications accepted through the Housing Trust Fund application process.

Economic Opportunity (EO) Grant Funds have been exhausted at this time. 

Is my project eligible?

Eligible Project Tests (PDF)

Local and Indian CDBG Programs

Contact information for urban city and county CDBG Entitlement Programs (PDF) that receive CDBG funds directly from HUD rather than through the state.

See this link for contact information for the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program offered directly from HUD.

Program links

CARES Act CDBG-CV Funds
CDBG General Purpose Grants
CDBG Specialty Grants
Consolidated Plan and Action Plan

Technical Assistance Resources

CDBG Fact Sheet – English (PDF)
CDBG Fact Sheet – Spanish (PDF)
Management Handbook & Forms
Guidance Materials
2019 HUD LMI data for non-entitlement jurisdictions (PDF)
HUD LMI Interactive Map
Drinking water and wastewater funding summary (PDF)
Public Works Board
Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC)
Municipal Research Services Center of Washington
SAM – System for Award Management
US Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Need help?

Jon Galow, CDBG Section Manager
Jon.Galow@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 509-847-5021

Kaaren Roe, CDBG-CV Section Manager
Kaaren.Roe@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3018