Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of El Centro, through its Community Services Department’s Economic Development Division, has released the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services Program for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and has provided over $14.7 million in community development investments since 2004. The upcoming program year, running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, is expected to bring in an estimated $502,738 in federal CDBG funds and an additional $20,000 in state program income. This funding will be allocated among three key categories: program administration, public services, and other eligible community projects, with $75,410 specifically earmarked for public service initiatives. The CDBG Public Services Program is designed to serve low- to moderate-income individuals in El Centro, addressing a variety of local needs including senior meals, homelessness prevention, youth and at-risk youth programs, code enforcement, graffiti abatement, and public lighting improvements. Only nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, and applications must focus on providing direct services that align with HUD’s national objectives, which include benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, preventing or eliminating slums or blight, or meeting urgent community development needs. Importantly, projects must direct at least 70% of their services to low- and moderate-income populations. Eligible public service activities span a wide range of services, including employment support, crime prevention, childcare, health, education, and aid to populations such as abused children, battered spouses, elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, persons with AIDS, migrant farm workers, illiterate adults, and at-risk youth. However, applications proposing to use CDBG funds solely for personnel costs are not eligible and must ensure that such expenses do not exceed 20% of their total project budget. This restriction underscores the program’s intent to fund services rather than administrative overhead. The application process is competitive. Interested nonprofits must submit a completed application packet—including federal and state tax exemption documentation, IRS Form 990, a current board list and authorization documentation, a recent audit or financial statement, and proof of insurance—by January 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Submissions must be physical (electronic copies are not accepted) and delivered to the Economic Development Division at 1249 Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243. The application form has changed from prior years, and prior-year forms will not be accepted. All materials must be clearly organized and unbound. In support of the application process, the City has hosted public meetings to provide an overview of the funding cycle, eligibility, and application expectations. A second public meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2025, offering another opportunity for community members and potential applicants to provide feedback and receive guidance. The City Council will review submitted applications and select proposals during its February 17, 2026, meeting, with applicants being notified of decisions the following day. A public hearing for the draft Action Plan is scheduled for April 7, 2026, followed by a 30-day public comment period. Final submission to HUD is expected by May 15, 2026. Projects approved for funding may begin incurring expenses only after HUD has granted formal approval and a subrecipient agreement has been executed—typically between August and October 2026. Any costs incurred prior to formal agreement will not be reimbursed. The City encourages applicants to consider its funding priorities and to submit thoughtful, well-documented proposals that directly benefit El Centro’s most vulnerable populations. For questions or clarifications, applicants are encouraged to contact the Economic Development Division at (760) 337-4543.