Community Development Block Grant

What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program?

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides annual grants to states, cities, and counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income people. The CDBG program's flexibility empowers communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities. for more information on the CDBG program, visit HUD's website: Community Development Block Grant Program | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The City of Gardner receives CDBG funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), which receives an annual allocation of CDBG funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gardner has been designated as a Mini-Entitlement community, which means that the city is eligible to apply annually for a designated amount of funds. The Commonwealth designates municipalities as Mini-Entitlements through a formula based on statistical indicators of need, such as the poverty rate. For more information on the State's CDBG program, visit EOHLC's website: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) | Mass.gov.

How are CDBG projects selected in Gardner? 

Prior to submission of an annual grant application, the City’s Department of Community Development and Planning issues a Request for Proposals to invite interested parties to develop and submit applications to be considered for inclusion in the City’s application for CDBG funds. Responses to the RFP are reviewed by the CDBG Steering Committee during a public hearing where the Committee develops a proposed CDBG funding plan for submission to the Mayor and the City Council. Each proposal must meet CDBG program requirements – be eligible and meet a national objective. Proposals must also address other requirements such as the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to carry out the project, their readiness to proceed, and the reasonableness of the proposed project budget. Upon approval, the Community Development and Planning Department submits the application for CDBG fund to EOHLC for approval. Awards are typically announced in the fall. 

What are the current/recent projects being carried out with CDBG funds in Gardner? 

FY2025 CDBG Projects

• Downtown Improvements Phase V – Improvements to Willow St. between Main and Pleasant Streets
• Waterford Street Community Center – Fire Emergency Electrical System Upgrade
• Gardner Community Action Committee – Food Pantry Expansion
• Gardner School Department – Gardner Athletic Program Scholarships
• Voices of Truth – Domestic Violence Prevention and Assistance
• Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center – Veterans Assistance

FY2024 CDBG Projects

• Gardner Community Action Committee – Food Pantry Expansion
• Gardner Emergency Housing Mission – Homelessness Prevention
• Gardner School Department – Gardner Athletic Program Scholarships
• Voices of Truth – Domestic Violence Prevention and Assistance

FY2022-23 Projects

• 205-213 Main Street Demolition
• Downtown Improvements Phase IV – Improvements to the intersection of Oak, Nichols, Park and West Streets
• Greenwood Pool Demolition
• Gardner Community Action Committee – Food and Heating Assistance Expansion
• Gardner Emergency Housing Mission – Homelessness Prevention
• Gardner School Department – Gardner Athletic Program Scholarships
• Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center – Veterans Assistance Expansion

What does low- to moderate-income mean? 

A low- and moderate-income person is defined as a member of a family or household having an income that is less than or equal to 80 percent of the median family income for the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). HUD publishes income limits annually, and these income limits are used to qualify persons as eligible beneficiaries of CDBG-assisted activities. Gardner is part of the Leominster-Fitchburg, MA Urban Area. Current income limits for the area are shown below.