Nonprofits, Prepare Your Testimony For Community Development Block Grants

At their meeting on Monday the 26th, Rockville’s Mayor and Council will here proposals from nonprofits interested in applying for funding from the city’s community development block grant program. This is a Federally-funded program designed to help moderate- to low-income residents.

Here’s the press release from the city:

The Rockville Mayor and Council will receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) proposals to be funded for Fiscal Year 2011 at a public hearing Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Any nonprofit organization interested in presenting a proposal at the public hearing should call the City Clerk’s Office at 240-314-8280 by 4 p.m. Oct. 26.

The Community Development Block Grant is a federal grant for housing and community development programs. Federal grant funds are awarded to the City and distributed to local programs. Rockville expects to receive up to $300,000 for FY11.

To be eligible for funding, all projects must principally benefit low and moderate-income people. Projects must serve Rockville residents.

Block grant funds can be used for the following:

• Buying property for public uses (recreation, public facilities, historic preservation, neighborhood conservation);
• Building public facilities (roads, curbs, sidewalks, parks, neighborhood facilities, sewerage collection systems, water distribution systems, flood and drainage systems);
• Providing public services;
• Removing architectural barriers for people with disabilities and the elderly (widen doors, install wheelchair ramps);
• Providing loans and grants to rehabilitate houses and apartments;
• Implementing economic development activities (training programs, energy conservation programs, commercial revitalization); and
• Paying for planning and administrative costs (studies, staff salaries).

Applications for grants are available at the Department of Community Planning and Development Services at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave. Applications for FY11 funds are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.

For further information regarding proposals, contact the Department of Community Planning and Development Services at 240-314-8200.

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