For Immediate Release
Feb. 29, 2024
Contact: Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer
robyn.stanicki@bangormaine.gov, 207-992-4280
City of Bangor invites applications for funding of community improvement efforts
BANGOR, Maine – The City of Bangor is accepting applications for 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from eligible organizations through March 31, 2024. In addition to providing funds for projects sponsored by non-profits, the City will program a portion of its CDBG allocation toward other community improvement initiatives.
These may include City infrastructure projects in income-eligible neighborhoods and affordable housing activities targeted for income-eligible households. Information and applications regarding those programs will be included in the Program Year 2024 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The City expects to make approximately $300,000 in CDBG funds available through this application cycle.
The City’s homeownership programs provide separate, non-competitive funding support to homebuyers and property owners on a rolling basis throughout the year. More information about these opportunities can be found on the Housing page.
Non-profit organizations may apply for CDBG funds to support new or expanded public service activities or to complete capital improvement projects that meet federal eligibility criteria. The City is especially interested in proposals that leverage other funding and increase agency capacity to serve the community. All CDBG-funded activities must benefit low- to moderate-income Bangor residents and address one of the Fiscal Year 2024 funding priorities.
Those interested in applying will find guidelines and application materials below, beginning on March 1, 2024.
2024 Annual Action Plan
Project selection for the 2024 Annual Action Plan is underway. The City uses CDBG to undertake community and economic development activities that are primarily to benefit low- and moderate-income residents. This competitive grant process will also award funding for our Downtown Façade Program for businessowners to enhance the appearance of their downtown buildings.
Capital Improvement and Service Provider grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and groups that serve Bangor residents and whose mission fulfills the needs of individuals or families within our priority focus areas. In 2024, the most responsive proposals will address housing and supportive services to increase successful housing outcomes. Please note that we cannot consider proposals for certain activities which are ineligible for funding, and which are also listed at the bottom of this page.
The grant application period opens March 1 and closes March 31.
Interested parties will be required to submit a pre-application to determine the best use of funds and to ensure that all proposals received are feasible projects.
As grant writers know, not all grant applications are successful and there are many reasons why a grant may not be funded. We will provide constructive feedback when we can.
While we aim to fully fund proposals making an impact in our focus areas, please recognize that the total requests for funding still exceed our available grant fund.
Grant applications are thoroughly reviewed by the Community and Economic Development staff, with final decisions on funding recommendations presented to the Director of Community and Economic Development, the Business and Economic Development Committee, and/or the Bangor City Council. Funds awarded will be available to grantees for their use on July 1, 2024.
2024 Grant Application, Resources, and Deadlines
Please download our 2024 CDBG Pre-Application and CDBG Applicant Guide to review the program requirements, prepare questions and gather information.
Here's a quick guide about how to write goals and objectives for grants.
And here are some important dates:
March 1, 2024 - Application period starts
March 8, 2024 - Application and funding workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
March 12, 2024 - Pre-application due
March 31, 2024 - Application period closes
Neighborly Portal
Applications and resources will soon be available on the City’s new portal, Neighborly. Electronic submissions in Neighborly will be reviewed by staff expeditiously, and will allow grantees to check their status or respond to additional requests for information, and receive technical assistance from the Community Development Division throughout the grant year.
Our new platform will be available beginning March 11, 2024. Until this is released, please refer to the submission requirements in the CDBG Applicant Guide for information about how to apply using our traditional application.
2024 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) – Will be live on March 1, 2024
2024 CDBG Pre-Application
Development Application
Service Provider Grant Application
2024 Downtown Façade Improvement Program Application