Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant - Public Facilities (CDBGPF) program is administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), specifically through the Division of Local Government (DLG). The program provides financial support to non-entitlement municipalities and counties within Colorado to carry out critical public infrastructure and community development projects. Funding for the program originates from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with DOLA serving as the pass-through entity for eligible local governments in the state. The CDBGPF program encompasses two distinct funding tracks: the Design, Engineering, and Environmental Clearance (DEEC) Grant and the Construction Grant. The DEEC Grant supports the pre-development stages of a project, including planning, engineering, feasibility analysis, and environmental clearance. The maximum grant award under the DEEC track is $100,000. DEEC applications are accepted twice annually: from July 1 to September 1, and again during a spring cycle that runs from March through May. An informational overview meeting for prospective applicants is scheduled for June 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. The Construction Grant track provides up to $600,000 in funding for shovel-ready public facilities and infrastructure projects. Eligible activities under this track include acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and installation of public improvements and facilities. To qualify for construction funding, applicants must have completed their project’s design, engineering, and environmental clearance phases. The Construction Grant application window opens annually from March through May. Eligibility for the CDBGPF program is limited to Units of General Local Government such as cities, counties, or other municipalities located in non-entitlement areas—meaning they do not receive CDBG funds directly from HUD. To qualify, projects must benefit communities where at least 51% of residents are low- to moderate-income or where at least 51% of the project’s direct beneficiaries meet the low-income threshold. Local governments may also apply on behalf of nonprofit partners. Ineligible jurisdictions include several large counties and cities in Colorado that already receive CDBG funds directly from HUD, such as Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and others. The application process requires eligible applicants to first consult with their designated Regional Manager to review the proposed project and application details. Applications must be submitted through the online grants portal. Applicants need to create a portal account, fill out application sections, and upload all required documentation. Mandatory uploads include a Citizen Participation Plan, Public Hearing Template, Project Budget, Financial Information form, and Environmental Worksheet. These documents are provided in downloadable Word formats for applicants’ convenience. Program oversight and compliance reporting are integrated into DOLA’s existing frameworks, with the CAPER Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and the Consolidated Plan serving as key planning and reporting mechanisms. Technical questions about the application process can be directed to either the appropriate Regional Manager or to the CDBG Program Manager, James Spiers. General inquiries can be submitted via email at dola_dlg_helpdesk@state.co.us or by phone at 303-864-7720. The program’s administrative office is located at 1313 Sherman Street, Suite 521, Denver, CO 80203.

Review project with Regional Manager before applying. Download required documents in advance.