The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) is seeking applications for $62.8 million in Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program FY 2015 funds. The purpose of the ICDBG program is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities to principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribally authorized organizations applying on behalf of tribes. A webinar for prospective applicants will be held on September 17 from 2-5 PM EST. Applications are due October 22.
Funding Opportunity Description. There are two types of awards: Single Purpose Grants ($58.8 million available) and Imminent Threat Grants ($3.9 million available).
Single Purpose Grants can be used for a wide variety of activities from economic development to housing construction. The FY 2015 application adds the following sentences to clarify that grant funds may be used for projects which benefit tribal youth: “Applicants can use these funds for a multitude of community development purposes including those that improve the lives of tribal youth by creating and providing protective factors that build an individual’s resiliency. Accordingly, funds can be used to develop Head Start facilities, Boys and Girl Clubs, recreational centers, and job training programs as well as to improve the living situations of entire families.” Funding is allocated among the Area ONAPs. Grant ceilings differ by Area ONAP and by population. Awards will range from $500,000-$1 million. No matching funds are required. Of the $58.8 million available, HUD expects to make roughly 75 awards.
Imminent Threat Grants are to alleviate or remove a threat to health or safety that requires an immediate solution. An application for Imminent Threat funds may be submitted at any time. Imminent Threat applications are funded on a first-come first-served basis until the amount set aside for this purpose is exhausted.
Additional Information
• Guidance is here.
• Detailed information on the grant program and how to apply is here.
• The application is here.
• Information on the September 17 webinar will be posted here.
Retirement at ONAP. On October 2, 2015, Rodger Boyd, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Native American Programs will retire. Lourdes Castro Ramirez, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public and Indian Housing, states that a temporary Deputy Assistant Secretary will be appointed soon. The Dear Tribal Leader Letter is here.
Please let us know if we may provide additional information regarding the Indian Community Development Block Grant.
