Show All Answers

1. What is the Community Development Block Grant?

CDBG stands for Community Development Block Grant. CDBG is a federally funded program that Congress budgets every year. The City receives its share of CDBG funds from the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) to address a wide range of community development needs, ranging from neighborhood improvements, public services, economic development to affordable housing – just to name a few.
In the City, CDBG funds are managed by the Community Services Department and are distributed according to community needs as determined by the annual Consolidated Planning process. The Mayor, City Council and community members have an opportunity to provide input and then funds are allocated to various City departments and nonprofit organizations to implement needed activities. You might see these funds being used in the City through services provided by House of Ruth, YMCA, the Chino Hills Branch Library, or through various community improvements.

2. Can I get CDBG funds?

CDBG funds are not available to individuals or awarded directly to people. Rather than individual distribution, the city distributes CDBG funds to programs such as the Adult Literacy Program offered by the Chino Hills Branch Library or affordable childcare services offered by the YMCA. Some of these programs are managed by City Departments and others are operated by nonprofit or other public organizations. In those cases, the City will solicit applications for CDBG funding each year from local nonprofits for projects that meet HUD/CDBG objectives and filling gaps in local service and meeting local priority needs. Although you cannot individually receive these specific funds, you could and should be involved in the decision making process. Everyone is encouraged to attend our Community Outreach Meetings.

3. What is required to receive CDBG funding?

Programs or projects must meet a national objective of the program and also must be an eligible activity. Programs or projects must be consistent with the needs identified in the City’s five-year Consolidated Plan. CDBG community development projects must be located within designated eligible neighborhoods, target areas, or demonstrate a benefit to low-moderate income persons. In most cases, such projects must be undertaken by either the City, or a non-profit organization. Funding requests are made through a formal application process that is competitive. Funds are awarded by the City Council through a public hearing process.