City of Lorain Public Services Grant

The City of Lorain's Public Service Grant for FY2025 PY2026 is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are allocated to develop viable communities by ensuring decent housing, providing a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities. The City utilizes Public Service funds specifically to address targeted community needs directly, as outlined in its 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan. These focus areas include health services, mental health services, youth and senior services, homeless services, food accessibility programs, and operations and programming for community and recreation centers. To qualify for funding, applicants must be a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with active registration at the state and local levels and a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov. The applying organization must be based in the City of Lorain or provide substantial services to its residents. Projects must either constitute a new service—defined as one not offered in the past 12 months—or demonstrate a quantifiable increase in the level of service. For example, increasing service reach based on demand data such as waitlists. The funding is provided on a reimbursable basis and can cover operational costs such as labor, supplies, and equipment. However, certain costs are ineligible, including food and drink, political activity, vehicle purchases, and general administrative overhead. Emergency Services are a specialized subset of the Public Service funds and are intended for projects addressing immediate threats to community welfare, such as disaster response or aid to homeless populations. These services must still meet all CDBG and Public Service requirements. Projects may receive both Emergency and general Public Service funds. Grants will be available starting January 1, 2026, and all funds must be used by December 31, 2026. The application process includes submission of a completed form and required documentation, followed by review by city staff and a formal scoring committee. This review assesses completeness, organizational capacity, community impact, alignment with city priorities, and financial soundness. Applications are accepted via mail, email, or in person, but must be received by 3:00 PM on August 29, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected. Applicants must also provide a proposal document with specific content such as a detailed project description, target population and goals, operating and staffing plans, marketing strategies for reaching Lorain residents, budget information, and sustainability plans. Required supporting documents include articles of incorporation, board lists, IRS filings, business registration, audit records, insurance proof, and procurement policy. If a fiscal sponsor or co-applicant is involved, corresponding documents must also be submitted. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Hannah C. Kiraly-Frilling at (440)204-2087 or Hannah_Kiraly@cityoflorain.org, or Desiree A. Thompson at (440)204-2308 or Desiree_Thompson@cityoflorain.org.