Planning Grant for long-term Holistic Improvement in Indiana

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant Program, a state-level initiative supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program aims to promote long-term, strategic improvements in eligible rural communities by funding comprehensive and specialized planning projects. These planning activities form a crucial foundation for infrastructure development, economic growth, and community revitalization. The program is highly competitive, and communities must meet strict federal and state requirements to be considered for funding. The Planning Grant Program is designed to encourage local governments in non-entitlement areas of Indiana to develop plans that address various aspects of community development. Eligible planning types include Broadband Readiness Plans, Comprehensive Plans, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plans, Downtown Revitalization Plans, Economic Development Plans, Environmental Assessment Plans, Feasibility Study Plans, Historic Preservation Plans, and a tiered structure of Utility Study Plans (single, two-utility, or master utility). Each plan type has a corresponding set of maximum allowable grant funding and specific requirements for scope and deliverables. For instance, a three-utility study that includes drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure can receive up to $90,000, while a single utility study may be awarded up to $30,000. To be competitive, projects must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the National Objectives outlined in the Housing and Community Development Act, such as providing benefits to low- and moderate-income persons or eliminating slums or blight. Applications must also show a significant community need, readiness to proceed, demonstrated commitment, and the potential for sustainable impact. In particular, Downtown Revitalization Plans are only eligible for applicants with either an active Indiana Main Street (IAMS) designation or Nationally Accredited Main Street (NAMS) status. All planning efforts must be completed within 12 months of grant award, and matching funds of at least 8% of the total project cost are required, with in-kind contributions allowed upon pre-approval. The submission process includes a one-stage application, to be submitted through Indiana’s Electronic Grants Management System (GMS) by a certified grant administrator. For the 2026 Cycle 1 round, applications are accepted from January 29 through March 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants are encouraged to submit before 3:00 PM ET on February 27 due to the cessation of technical assistance after that time. An “Intent to Apply” must be submitted by February 13, 2026, and pre-approvals for in-kind matches or overdue documentation must also be completed by this date. Two public hearings are required — one before application submission and one after the draft planning study has been reviewed and approved. Applications are evaluated on a 700-point scale covering National Objective, Community Distress, Local Match Contribution, Project Design, and Program Specific Points. Bonus points are available for communities with recent Presidential Disaster designations or that demonstrate resilience planning. Point deductions apply for communities submitting similar planning types within a five-year window. Award announcements are expected in April 2026. Following an award, draft plans must be submitted within nine months, with final plans adopted and submitted after a second public hearing to close out the grant. Communities are encouraged to collaborate with OCRA Community Liaisons to maximize the competitiveness of their applications.

Submit applications early to receive technical assistance before Feb 27 at 3 PM ET. Strong community engagement improves scores.