HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Award Range
- Allocated by formula
- Deadline
- Formula allocation (no application window)
- Time Remaining
- No application window: funds are allocated by formula to entitlement cities and urban counties, and states for smaller communities.
- CFDA Number
- 14.218
The HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application through the government that receives the formula allocation.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Entitlement grantees (principal cities of metropolitan areas, other metropolitan cities of 50,000 or more, and qualified urban counties of 200,000 or more), states for non-entitlement areas, and insular areas. At least 70% of funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons over a one- to three-year period.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Community Development programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Know how the money flows. This program allocates funds by formula to eligible governments. Individuals, businesses and most nonprofits cannot apply to the federal agency directly.
- Find the recipient near you. Contact the state, city or county agency that receives the allocation and ask how it passes funds to local projects, often through its own application or a public planning process.
- Read the official program page. It explains who receives allocations and how the funds may be used.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) |
| Funding Agency | Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) |
| CFDA Number | 14.218 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | Formula allocation (no application window) |
| Category | Community Development |
| Matching Required | No match for entitlement communities; states match administrative costs above $100,000 |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Community Development grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
Entitlement grantees (principal cities of metropolitan areas, other metropolitan cities of 50,000 or more, and qualified urban counties of 200,000 or more), states for non-entitlement areas, and insular areas. At least 70% of funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons over a one- to three-year period. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)?
The current deadline is not applicable: funds are allocated by formula to entitlement cities and urban counties, and states for smaller communities. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) require matching funds?
No match for entitlement communities; states match administrative costs above $100,000. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.