The City of Asheville’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is administered by the City of Asheville’s Community and Economic Development Department and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides federal CDBG funds to support community development activities that primarily benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents, improve affordable housing opportunities, and strengthen community resilience. Funds can support a wide range of eligible activities including housing rehabilitation, public services, economic development assistance, infrastructure improvements, and other eligible projects that meet HUD CDBG national objectives.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other eligible entities that propose CDBG‑eligible activities serving Asheville’s low‑ and moderate‑income population. Applicants must follow the City’s CDBG application instructions and submit their proposals through the City’s designated application portal. The program is administered locally by the City of Asheville and requires compliance with all federal CDBG rules and reporting requirements.
For the FY2025‑26 funding cycle, the City expected to award approximately $1,000,000 in CDBG funds. The application period was open until February 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and applicants were required to submit applications through the City’s Neighborly software portal. Questions regarding the process could be directed via email to the Community Development team at [email protected]
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During previous program years, CDBG funds supported a range of community initiatives. These included emergency shelter support for survivors of domestic violence, homelessness prevention legal services, and small business technical assistance programs that expanded access for low‑ and moderate‑income entrepreneurs, reflecting the diversity of eligible community impact activities.
The FY2025‑26 CDBG application period has closed, and there is no indication of a rolling application process. The CDBG program operates annually as part of the City’s HUD entitlement allocation, and future funding opportunities are expected with the next HUD program year; applicants should monitor the City’s website or contact the Community Development Department for updated timelines and application instructions.
Funding is subject to HUD allocations and City Council approval, and all proposed activities must meet federal CDBG eligibility criteria and address one of HUD’s national objectives. Compliance with federal regulations is required throughout the grant period for successful awardees.
Clearly demonstrate CDBG national objective compliance and measurable benefit to low/moderate-income residents.
