Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of Mentor administers the Community Development Block Grant program with funding allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For the upcoming program year, Mentor anticipates $162,638 in available funding to support community development initiatives. These funds are directed toward projects that align with one of three federally mandated objectives: benefiting low- and moderate-income residents, preventing or eliminating slums and blight, or addressing urgent community needs that pose an immediate risk to health or welfare. The program period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Eligible activities under this program are broad but must demonstrate alignment with federal guidance and the City’s Consolidated Plan priorities. They may include acquisition or disposition of property, demolition and clearance, economic development, rehabilitation of housing or commercial buildings, relocation assistance, and improvements to public facilities. Public service activities are also eligible but capped at 15 percent of the total annual allocation. Administrative costs may not exceed 20 percent of the total. The program strictly prohibits funding for political activity, fundraising, marketing, debt service, or personal entertainment and furnishings. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, an established board of directors, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and demonstrated fiscal accountability. They must maintain a physical office, provide services to Mentor residents, and remain active in the federal System for Award Management (SAM). Subrecipients are also required to have a federal tax identification number and a DUNS number. Construction projects must provide supporting documentation including maps, photographs, and third-party cost estimates. Additional required attachments include an IRS determination letter, proof of good standing in SAM, financial audits, resumes of program administrators, and a timeline of proposed activities. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 5, 2025. Submissions may be delivered by hand, mail, or email. Hand-delivered applications should be submitted to the Department of Planning & Development at Mentor’s Civic Center offices, while mailed applications should be addressed to the City Manager’s Office. Applicants choosing electronic submission must send their materials to both Kevin Grippi, Grant Supervisor, and Larry Rastatter, City Planner, using the listed email addresses. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstance. The City of Mentor provides technical assistance to applicants to ensure proposals are complete and competitive. Contact may be made with Grant Supervisor Kevin Grippi at 440-974-5714 or City Planner Larry Rastatter at 440-974-5740. Both officials are also accessible via email for guidance on application content or submission logistics. Evaluation will consider adherence to federal eligibility criteria, local priorities, and the measurable benefit to low- and moderate-income residents. This grant opportunity recurs annually, with funding expected to remain stable in subsequent program years. The application process provides organizations an opportunity to align projects with HUD’s national objectives while addressing local community development priorities. Selected projects will be implemented in alignment with the October through September performance year, ensuring both compliance and timely delivery of benefits to the City’s residents.

Ensure alignment with HUD national objectives and City Consolidated Plan; confirm SAM registration; provide full attachments especially for construction projects