CDBG Program

Delaware County is entitled to receive an annual grant from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program's goal is to enable local governments 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.

Delaware County has received an annual CDBG grant since the program began in 1974. All municipalities participate in the County's program except Chester City, Haverford and Upper Darby Townships which receive grants directly from HUD.

Since these funds come in a "block" and not in a predetermined spending package, communities are free to determine how the money is spent based on individual community development needs. This allows the flexibility to undertake projects which address specific objectives, provided that the project meets the following two criteria:

Program Eligibility
CDBG funding may be used for, but not limited to, the following activities: Acquisition of real property, relocation and demolition, rehabilitation of residential/nonresidential structures, construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, and neighborhood centers, and the conversion of schools for eligible purposes, handicap access to public buildings, streets, curbs and sidewalks, historic preservation, planning and fair housing. In addition, CDBG funds may be used to pay for public services within certain limits, and for activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources.

The types of activities that are generally ineligible include: buildings for the general conduct of government, political activities, certain income payments, maintenance, and construction of new housing.

Program National Objective
CDBG funds must also meet one of the following National Objectives: benefit low- and moderate-income persons; aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; and/or meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The County must also give priority to activities which benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

HUD’s Guide to National Objectives and Eligible Activities provides guidance on selecting eligible activities and addressing a national objective under the CDBG Entitlement Program. Public officials and citizens may find the guide helpful in selecting local projects for application to the County. While the statute, as amplified by the regulations, provides the authoritative version of program requirements, this guide organizes the information in a more understandable format.

Annual Funding Cycle
Applications are generally released in October and due to OHCD in January. A proposed list of projects are selected in April and the Plan is finalized in May, preceding a July 1st program year start.

Program Year (PY) 2025 CDBG Program Application