The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the City of Naperville is a federally funded initiative designed to support projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. This program is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission to ensure decent, affordable housing, provide essential public services, create employment opportunities, and address urgent community development needs. Naperville is classified as an entitlement community, meaning it receives CDBG funding directly from HUD and manages its own application process and funding priorities.
Each year, the CDBG program in Naperville allocates its funding across several categories. Up to 15% may be used for public services, up to 20% for grant administration, and at least 65% is reserved for direct-benefit projects such as public facilities, infrastructure improvements, and housing programs. Typically, 10 to 15 subrecipient organizations are awarded funding to implement these initiatives. Eligible projects include acquisition of real property, demolition, rehabilitation of residential and non-residential buildings, public infrastructure construction, energy efficiency measures, and support for economic development.
The City of Naperville evaluates proposed projects based on their alignment with at least one of the three CDBG national objectives: benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, preventing or eliminating slums or blight, or addressing an urgent community need. Applicants must demonstrate both the capacity to carry out their proposed activities and a clear benefit to the local community. A completed eligibility quiz is required, and applicants must confirm nonprofit status and that their project supports a qualified CDBG objective.
The application process opens with a Pre-Application Workshop scheduled for September 11, 2025, at the Naperville Municipal Center. Applications open the same day and are due by October 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Awards are expected to be approved by the City Council in February 2026, with the program year beginning on April 1, 2026. Applicants must submit all required forms including project budget, source of funds, and beneficiary income documentation, along with agency information such as audits, articles of incorporation, and board authorization.
Subrecipients are required to maintain compliance with federal regulations and must submit quarterly and annual reports throughout the grant cycle. These reports help track demographics, financial performance, and project outcomes. Additionally, subrecipients must complete payment request forms monthly and adhere to prevailing wage standards if applicable. Changes to approved projects require formal amendment requests and city approval.
This grant opportunity is competitive and requires careful preparation of documentation and strong alignment with the City’s annual CDBG priorities. It represents a significant opportunity for nonprofit agencies to contribute to the development and improvement of Naperville’s infrastructure and services for vulnerable populations.
Ensure your project aligns with one of the three CDBG objectives and document eligibility clearly. Provide cost estimates and required attachments such as audit reports and board authorizations.
