City of Bloomington Accepting Applications for 2021 Community Development Block Grant Funds

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department (HAND) invites Bloomington-based organizations serving low- and moderate-income residents to apply for the federal funds the department administers through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program.  The CDBG program provides annual grants to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.  Local CDBG funded programs are divided into two categories: physical improvements and social services. 

Organizations interested in submitting proposals for 2021 CDBG funding must first submit a “Letter of Intent” to the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department by 4 p.m. on Monday, October 19 in order to be considered for funding. The Letter of Intent should include the following information:

• Name of the organization 

• Type of organization 

• Name of the program or project for which funds are requested

• Whether the program is new or existing 

• Amount of request 

• Description of the program or project  

An early adopter of the CDBG program, Bloomington has accomplished significant improvements using these federal funds since the 1970s.  In recent years, the City has leveraged the program to construct sidewalks along West Adams Street between Kirkwood and Patterson, install accessibility ramps in the Bloomington Housing Authority’s Crestmont neighborhood, provide facility improvements for LIFEDesigns’ group homes and the Boys and Girls Club’s Ferguson Crestmont Club, and install sanitary sewers in the Broadview neighborhood, among many other infrastructure improvements.  Just since 2000, the City has invested approximately $3 million of this funding in City housing programs, directly benefiting residents through owner-occupied restorations, home modifications for accessible living, and emergency home repairs.  

“CDBG funding has been important to getting crucial community projects accomplished in Bloomington over the years,” said HAND Director Doris Sims.  “As we work our way toward economic recovery in 2021, I urge our local nonprofit partners to apply for these federal funds.”  

An informational meeting about the CDBG application process will be held on Thursday, October 29 at 10:00 am via Zoom.  Questions or comments should be directed to Matt Swinney for physical improvement applications or Cody Toothman for social service funding at the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, phone 812-349-3401 or by email at swinneym@bloomington.in.gov or cody.toothman@bloomington.in.gov. 

More information on the Community Development Block Grant program can be found at this link: CDBG Entitlement Program Eligibility Requirements.