Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages

The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), specifically under the Office of Public and Indian Housing. This program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and guided by regulations in 24 CFR Part 1003. The ICDBG program has a long-standing history of supporting Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages in developing viable communities. The funding aims to assist in creating decent housing, providing suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, with a primary focus on serving low- and moderate-income individuals. The fiscal year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), numbered FR-6900-N-23, makes available approximately $70,000,000 in competitive Single Purpose Grants. These funds are allocated across Area Offices of Native American Programs (ONAPs) according to regional needs, with expected awards totaling around 50 grants. The minimum award is set at $500,000, and the maximum at $2,000,000. Grants may support housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects, but at least 70 percent of funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Program regulations prohibit use of funds for certain unallowable costs, cap administrative expenses at 20 percent of the grant plus program income, and limit public service components to 15 percent of the total grant. Eligibility for this funding is restricted to federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and eligible tribal organizations authorized by concurring tribal resolutions to apply on behalf of tribes. Individuals and non-tribal entities are not eligible. Applicants must also comply with federal registration requirements, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and submit complete applications by the deadline. No cost sharing or matching is required, but leverage of other resources is encouraged and rewarded through additional points during the review process. Applications are due by November 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. HUD anticipates announcing awards by March 24, 2026, with projects beginning on or after March 25, 2026. The performance period can extend up to five years, ending by March 24, 2031. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov unless an approved waiver for paper submission has been obtained. The application package includes required federal forms such as SF-424, HUD-424B, HUD-2880, HUD-4123, HUD-4125, and additional certifications and supporting documents. Narratives must address rating factors covering applicant capacity, need, soundness of approach, leveraging, and coordination. HUD evaluates applications through a multi-step process beginning with a threshold review to confirm eligibility and compliance, followed by a merit review assigning up to 100 points based on criteria such as applicant capacity, demonstration of need, project design, and leveraging of resources. Preference points are available for projects aligned with Promise Zones or located in Opportunity Zones, for a total possible score of 104 points. Risk review follows to assess the applicant’s financial and management systems before final selections are made. Post-award requirements include compliance with HUD’s general administrative and policy provisions, environmental review under 24 CFR Part 58, and applicable federal regulations such as those governing procurement, civil rights, and reporting. Grantees must submit timely performance and financial reports, adhere to Build America, Buy America Act provisions for awards obligated after September 30, 2024, and meet closeout requirements. HUD reserves the right to recapture funds if progress is not made in line with the approved implementation schedule. Technical assistance and additional guidance will be provided to ensure compliance and project success. For technical and programmatic inquiries, applicants are directed to the agency contacts listed in the NOFO under the Contact and Support section. Support is also available through Grants.gov and SAM.gov. HUD encourages potential applicants to subscribe to its listserv for updates and to consult Codetalk, its online portal for tribal programs. All prospective applicants should register early in federal systems and prepare complete and well-documented proposals to maximize competitiveness in this national funding opportunity.