Community Development Block Grant Agreement: A Guide
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal grant program dedicated to providing funding for local community development initiatives. CDBG funds are awarded annually to eligible local governments and non-profit organizations, and are used to support a wide range of activities, including affordable housing development, economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public services.
If your community has been awarded a CDBG grant, you will need to enter into a grant agreement with the federal government to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. This article will provide an overview of the key components of a CDBG grant agreement.
Grant Term and Budget
The grant agreement will specify the grant term, which is typically one year. The agreement will also outline the specific budget and allowable expenses for the grant period. It is important to carefully review the budget to ensure that it includes all relevant expenses and that all expenses are allowable under the CDBG program.
Reporting Requirements
As part of the grant agreement, you will be required to submit regular reports to the federal government documenting the progress of your project. These reports will typically include a description of the activities completed, a summary of any obstacles encountered, and an explanation of how the project aligns with the goals of the CDBG program.
Compliance Requirements
To ensure compliance with the CDBG program, the grant agreement will specify a number of requirements that must be met. These may include:
– Environmental review: Before undertaking any activities funded by the CDBG grant, you will need to conduct an environmental review to ensure that the proposed activities will not have any negative impact on the environment.
– Procurement: The grant agreement will outline the rules and regulations governing procurement of goods and services using CDBG funds. In general, procurement must be conducted in an open and competitive manner.
– Fair housing: The CDBG program has strict fair housing requirements, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
– Labor standards: The grant agreement will include provisions outlining the labor standards that must be adhered to when using CDBG funds. These may include wage requirements and other labor protections.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Finally, the grant agreement will specify recordkeeping requirements aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of CDBG funds. This may include requirements for maintaining financial records, project documentation, and other relevant information.
In conclusion, entering into a CDBG grant agreement is an important step in securing funding for your community development project. By understanding the key components of the grant agreement, you can ensure compliance with program requirements and maximize the impact of your project.