Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program

The City of Lynchburg’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program are federally funded initiatives managed through its Grants Administration Office, with allocations provided annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For Program Year 2026 (Fiscal Year 2027), which spans July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the City is accepting applications for funding to support housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community development efforts. These funds are awarded through a competitive process to eligible city departments, the Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (LRHA), and nonprofit or for-profit agencies that have formed partnerships with either a city department or LRHA. The CDBG program was established by Congress in 1974 to support local community development objectives and must meet one of three HUD-defined national objectives: to benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or address urgent community needs where no other financial resources exist. Lynchburg’s Consolidated Plan goals prioritize affordable housing development, housing rehabilitation, neighborhood infrastructure improvements, and services that promote self-sufficiency, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability. Public service agencies may only apply through a formal partnership with the City or LRHA. Individual applicants are not eligible for direct funding. The HOME program supports affordable housing initiatives such as property acquisition, new construction, rehabilitation, site improvement, demolition, and down payment assistance. Projects must serve households earning at or below 80% of the area median income. At least 15% of HOME funds must be allocated to Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). For the upcoming funding year, the City anticipates receiving $750,979 in CDBG funds and $320,517.96 in HOME funds—consistent with the previous year’s allocation. A portion of these funds is reserved for program administration: up to 20% for CDBG and up to 10% for HOME. Applications must be submitted in hard copy and electronic format and must be received by the Grants Administration Office no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Submissions must include a completed application packet (Parts A and B), required documentation such as 501(c)(3) certification for nonprofits, audited financials, board rosters and attendance, and minutes from board meetings authorizing submission. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be reviewed. All submitted applications will be reviewed by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) and recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for funding approval. Successful applications may receive funding below the amount requested. Final grant awards are contingent upon HUD approval of the City’s Annual Action Plan and execution of funding agreements. Selected projects will begin after July 1, 2026, pending completion of all federal and local requirements, including environmental reviews. To support equitable program oversight and compliance with federal law, awardees receiving $30,000 or more are subject to reporting requirements under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA). These include disclosures about project scope, recipient compensation (if applicable), and the use of unique identifiers such as SAM.gov registration numbers. Public hearings, rescheduled due to weather, are part of the City’s community engagement process in shaping the Annual Action Plan. The City encourages broad participation in setting priorities and ensuring transparency in the use of federal funds. Questions about the application process may be directed to Melva Walker, Grants Manager, or Gabrielle Bateman, Community Development Grants Coordinator.

Submit early; follow PDF format; partner with LRHA or City department; only full applications will be reviewed