CDBG Public Service Agency Grants

The City of Portsmouth's Community Development Department administers the CDBG Public Service Agency Grant Program, an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Designed to support non-profit public service agencies, the grant program specifically benefits individuals and families in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, whose income levels fall within HUD-defined thresholds for very low, low, or moderate incomes. The initiative reflects HUD’s broader mission of promoting community development and addressing the needs of underserved populations through localized partnerships and federally backed resources. This competitive program aims to enhance the services available to economically vulnerable populations by providing financial assistance to non-profit organizations. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $20,000 and may be used to cover operational and programming expenses directly related to service delivery. Eligible expenses include costs associated with labor, supplies, and materials needed to serve qualifying clientele. However, strict federal guidelines prohibit the use of these funds for political activities or direct financial assistance to individuals or families in the form of food, clothing, rent, or utilities. Furthermore, available funding is limited due to federal regulatory caps placed on CDBG allocations for public services. To qualify for this program, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and must demonstrate that at least 51% of their clients meet the income criteria set forth by HUD. In addition, if an agency has previously received CDBG funding, it must either increase the number of clients served or expand its services in the upcoming fiscal year. Organizations based outside of Portsmouth may apply only if the services they offer are not currently available to qualifying Portsmouth residents. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and funds are issued on a reimbursement basis for approved expenditures during this timeframe. The application process for the FY 2027 grant cycle requires interested agencies to submit a complete application by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Applications must be submitted directly to the City of Portsmouth’s Community Development Department. New applicants are encouraged to contact Community Development Director Elise Annunziata to discuss their proposals prior to submission. Only one application per agency will be accepted. All applications will be evaluated by the Citizens Advisory Committee, which reviews proposals and makes funding recommendations based on alignment with program goals and community impact. The selection process is competitive, and funding decisions are contingent upon the City of Portsmouth receiving its own FY 2027 (HUD FY 2026) CDBG allocation from HUD. Additional information about the grant program, including application materials and eligibility guidance, can be obtained by contacting the Community Development Department via email at [email protected] or by phone at (603) 610-7281. Full program guidelines are available in the official PDF notice.