The City of Chico administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Program to distribute federal HUD funds to local organizations delivering critical services to low- and moderate-income residents. For the 2025–2026 program year, this competitive grant supports nonprofits and programs with fiscal sponsors that provide direct or indirect social services aligned with CDBG goals. While the exact federal allocation is pending, the City estimates approximately $144,124 will be available, with four to six grantees typically selected. The program aims to address a range of community needs, with past funding priorities including homelessness assistance, senior and disability services, legal aid, meal delivery, childcare, and rehabilitative health services.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or local programs with a fiscal agent and demonstrate the capacity to comply with federal CDBG regulations, such as demographic reporting, language accessibility, and reasonable accommodations. Funded organizations will enter into a formal agreement and must provide proof of required insurance before disbursement. Applications are due by Friday, January 31, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., and must be submitted electronically to the City’s Housing Division.
A mandatory component of the submission includes a completed application form, program and agency budget templates in Excel, and organizational documents such as bylaws and board lists. An informational workshop will be held on January 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Attendance is strongly encouraged as staff will answer questions and clarify the application process.
After submission, City staff will screen applications for eligibility and completeness. Qualifying proposals will be reviewed by the CDBG Ad Hoc Citizen Advisory Committee (CDBG-CAC), which evaluates applicants on administrative capacity, project effectiveness, fiscal responsibility, and compliance history. Presentations will occur on February 27, 2025, followed by public meetings in March and April for further deliberation and final funding decisions by City Council by May 6, 2025.
Performance expectations include detailed quarterly reporting, compliance with HUD monitoring, and timely expenditure of funds. Programs are expected to be operational by July 1, 2025, the start of the fiscal year. The CDBG Public Services Program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities contingent on federal allocations and City Council approval.
Attend info session; align with CDBG goals; justify need and sustainability; demonstrate reporting and budget readiness.
