San Rafael, CA – Although Marin County has one of the highest median incomes in California, many households struggle to meet basic needs with housing, basic health and child care. To encourage nonprofits to help solve the issue, federal funding is available for community development activities such as housing and services for low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Marin County.
Federal block grant applications are assessed partly for how they serve local protected classes based on race, gender, disability and other factors. (Photo provided by Performing Stars of Marin)The
Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) has opened its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), designed to improve living conditions for low-income residents. Both are managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds are available for public services for low-income households such as programs for seniors or legal assistance. Funds can also be used for capital improvements such as a park in a low-income neighborhood or for affordable housing throughout the county.
Nonprofits may apply between October 15 and November 16 through CDA’s Housing and Federal Grants Division. Individuals may not apply for the grants. Public service grants are typically $10,000 to $30,000, but capital improvement grants can be as much as $150,000 and housing grants can approach $500,000. In Marin, the annual allocation has been about $1.4 million for CDBG funding and about $800,000 for HOME.
Applications are assessed for how they further fair housing practices and serve local protected classes based on race, gender, disability and other factors. Organizations may only apply for one project, which is a change from past years. CDA staff will review applications and make recommendations to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in May 2019.
Grant applications may be submitted via email to federalgrants@marincounty.org or mailed to Federal Grants Division, Community Development Agency, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive #308, San Rafael, CA 94903.
Learn more on the County’s Federal Grants Division webpage.