Cook County Community Development Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), represents one of the federal government’s primary mechanisms for fostering community development. The program's core mission is to create viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and opportunities for expanded economic development, especially for low- and moderate-income individuals. Since its inception, CDBG has served as a foundational support system for local governments and nonprofits, enabling them to deliver critical services and implement infrastructure improvements that address pressing local needs. In Cook County, Illinois, the Department of Planning and Development within the Bureau of Economic Development manages the CDBG program. The county prioritizes its allocation of CDBG funds toward capital improvement projects and public service/social services in suburban Cook County. Capital improvement initiatives often include projects targeting roads, sewers, and public facilities, while the public service component may involve homelessness prevention, development of public-private partnerships, and community planning efforts. The dual focus ensures that both infrastructure and social support systems receive necessary resources to improve living conditions and bolster community resilience. Eligible applicants for the CDBG program include municipalities and nonprofit organizations that operate in or serve suburban Cook County. However, eligibility is geographically limited—only specific suburban areas qualify, and not all suburbs within the county are eligible. Nonprofits may apply for one project under either the capital improvement, economic development, or demolition track, or one public service/planning project, but not multiple. This limitation helps ensure equitable distribution of funds and prevents redundancy in service delivery. The application process is conducted entirely online. Applicants must first review the appropriate application guide or manual—distinct documents exist for capital improvement, public service, and demolition tracks. Then, they are required to download the relevant fillable PDF application, complete it offline without scanning, and upload it via the designated submission form before the deadline. Supporting documents may also be required and must be included in the submission package. The application window for the 2026 program year opened on January 14, 2026, and will close on March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Submissions must be completed in full, as partial submissions cannot be saved or resumed. The grant selection process is competitive. The Department of Planning and Development evaluates each application based on compliance with program guidelines, community need, and the potential impact of the proposed project. A webinar held on February 4, 2026, offered detailed instructions on program compliance and application best practices, with recordings available for review. It was hosted jointly with the Department of Transportation and Highways, indicating a collaborative approach to development funding through the broader Invest in Cook initiative. Applicants with questions are directed to reach out via email: [email protected] for capital improvement inquiries and [email protected] for public service matters. While no specific award or performance period timelines are published in the overview, the annual cadence of the program suggests a consistent recurring schedule. The program is expected to continue in subsequent years, aligning with Cook County’s broader policy roadmaps and consolidated planning initiatives.