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Public Service Agency Grants

Public service agencies strengthen communities by addressing residents' needs and supporting economic development.  Funds are available annually to public service agencies through a competitive application process to carry out eligible activities. Nonprofit agencies that benefit low- and moderate-income persons through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- eligible activities are invited to apply.

Public Service Program Guidelines and Requirements

Must be a nonprofit entity with an active System of Award Management (SAM) registration 

Service/activities must meet one of three CDBG national objectives:

  • Benefit to low and moderate-income (LMI) persons
  • Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight
  • Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as urgent need)

CDBG eligible activities include the following:

  • Employment services (job training)
  • Crime prevention and public safety
  • Childcare
  • Health services
  • Substance abuse services (counseling and treatment)
  • Fair housing counseling
  • Education programs
  • Energy conservation
  • Services for senior citizens
  • Services for persons experiencing homelessness
  • Welfare services (excluding income payments)
  • Down payment assistance
  • Recreational services

Criteria for Evaluating Public Service Agency Applications

  • Completion of Application
  • Eligible Activity
  • Community Need
  • Outcomes, assessing the project's intended results
  • Leverage of both resources and funding
  • Capacity to achieve results
  • Operational performance
  • Fiscal and administrative capability
  • Project feasibility (applicable to physical improvement projects).
  • If previously received funding from CDBG, how is this different

CDBG funds may be used to pay for labor, supplies and materials as well as to operate and/or maintain the portion of a facility in which the public service is located. This includes the lease of a facility, equipment, and other property needed for the public service.