CDBG Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

The City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department, under the direction of Mayor Michael E. Duggan, is soliciting applications for the 2026–2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Public Service program. This funding opportunity is designed to support nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations operating within Detroit that aim to deliver impactful public services aligned with the City’s five CDBG priority areas: Education, Health, Public Safety, Youth Recreation, and Senior Services. The initiative is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with all supported programs required to benefit low- and moderate-income residents in accordance with HUD regulations (24 CFR §570.200 and §570.201(e)). Eligible applicants may request grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 for each public service program. The funding is intended for new programs or expansions of existing services that demonstrate a quantifiable increase in service delivery within the last 12 months. Proposals must align with HUD's public service criteria and directly benefit low/moderate income residents. Applicants must provide a minimum of 7% of the requested funding in operating cash or working capital. Acceptable proof includes a recent bank statement, letter of credit, or a notarized award letter dated August or September 2025. These funds must be directed toward CDBG-eligible activities within the funding period. The five eligible service categories have clear scopes. Education programs should emphasize academic support, GED preparation, literacy, and job training. Senior programs may include transportation for medical appointments and health services for older adults with cognitive disorders. Health initiatives must focus on non-transportation-related services such as nutritious meals, recreational therapy, medication management, and family counseling. Public safety activities include neighborhood patrols, violence prevention, grief counseling, and code enforcement. Youth recreation proposals may incorporate sports, arts, and cultural enrichment. To be considered, organizations must meet specific threshold requirements. These include nonprofit status (with proof of 501(c)(3) designation), two years of operational history, a five-member board meeting at least biannually, and a clean record regarding governmental audits or tax liabilities. Required documents include articles of incorporation, a 2025 Certificate of Good Standing, most recent financial statements, annual reports, and proof of cash on hand. Applicants must also have attended or viewed a mandatory NOF workshop and signed all required certifications. Applications that do not meet these prerequisites will not advance to the Phase II review stage. The evaluation process uses a 100-point scoring system across categories such as organizational qualifications, project description, measurable outcomes, and financial viability. Applicants must score at least 80 points to be recommended for funding. Reviewers assess capacity to deliver results, strength of partnerships, alignment of budget and scope, defined performance metrics, and the potential for long-term community impact. For existing subrecipients, compliance with prior contractual obligations and timely reporting may affect scoring. Applications must be submitted through the City of Detroit’s Oracle procurement system by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025. Paper applications will not be accepted. Oracle registration is required prior to submission. Assistance with registration or application submission is available via eprocurement@detroitmi.gov or by contacting Cedric McCree at 313-670-7878. Award announcements are contingent upon the City receiving adequate CDBG funding from HUD. Selected programs will be implemented during the City’s FY 2026–2027 cycle.

Applicants are more likely to succeed by attending the application workshop, responding to all questions thoroughly, demonstrating strong financials, documenting board and staff experience, and showing alignment between budget, goals, and community needs