City of Chico CDBG-Public Service Grant

The City of Chico is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services funding. This program aims to support nonprofit organizations or local programs with a fiscal sponsor in delivering social services to low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with the capacity to meet HUD’s regulatory requirements, including collecting income and demographic information from those served. Applications must be submitted electronically by January 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to the Housing Division via email at cityhousing@chicoca.gov. The estimated funding allocation for the program year is $144,124, pending federal approval. Organizations may request a minimum grant of $20,000. Historically, four to six organizations have been funded annually. Public Service funding priorities include assisting people experiencing homelessness, supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities, providing childcare and legal services, delivering meals to homebound individuals, and offering rehabilitative health services. Applicants must align their programs with one or more of these priorities to qualify. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility in February by City staff and the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational workshop on January 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 421 Main Street. This session will provide an overview of the application process and allow applicants to ask questions. Selected applicants will present their proposals to the CAC on February 27, 2025. Final recommendations will be incorporated into the City’s draft Annual Action Plan by April 1, 2025, with final approval expected by May 6, 2025. The program year begins on July 1, 2025. Applicants are evaluated based on administrative capacity (25 points), project effectiveness and feasibility (35 points), fiscal responsibility (30 points), and compliance with grant regulations (10 points). Proposals must clearly outline program goals, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and include sustainability plans. Budgets must be well-defined, reasonable, and supported by other funding sources. Additional points are awarded for leveraging non-CDBG funds and for demonstrating strong organizational capacity. To apply, applicants must submit a completed application form (nine pages) along with supporting documents such as program and agency budgets, a board of directors list, financial statements or audits, articles of incorporation, and adopted bylaws. Submissions must follow the naming conventions and formatting guidelines provided in the application materials. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact the Housing Division at (530) 879-6304 or via email at cityhousing@chicoca.gov. Application forms, budget templates, and detailed instructions are available on the City of Chico’s website at www.chicoca.gov/housing. This funding opportunity provides vital support to organizations working to improve the well-being of Chico residents.