Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages | FR 6700 N 23

ICDBG (Indian Community Development Block Grant) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the ICDBG program?

The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding opportunity for federally recognized Indian tribes and eligible Alaska Native communities. It is designed to strengthen and improve long-term community well-being through community development activities.

2) What is the main purpose of ICDBG funding?

The core purpose is community development, including supporting the creation of decent housing, improving living environments, and expanding economic opportunities. The program places a clear emphasis on serving people with low and moderate incomes.

3) What kinds of outcomes does ICDBG aim to support?

Based on the program description, ICDBG aims to support outcomes such as: decent housing, improved living environments, and expanded economic opportunities within eligible tribal and Alaska Native communities, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents.

4) What regulations govern the ICDBG program?

The ICDBG program is governed by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 1003. Funded projects must generally demonstrate that they principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents, consistent with 24 CFR 1003.208.

5) What is the low- and moderate-income (LMI) benefit requirement?

Projects funded under ICDBG must generally show that they principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents. This requirement is referenced in 24 CFR 1003.208 and is a central threshold for eligible activities under the program.

6) What are the two main grant pathways under this opportunity?

This opportunity includes two main pathways: (1) the Single Purpose Grant (the competitive track described in the NOFO) and (2) the Imminent Threat Grant (a set-aside for urgent public health or safety threats, accepted on a rolling basis).

7) What is a Single Purpose Grant?

The Single Purpose Grant is the competitive portion of the ICDBG program described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Under this track, eligible applicants propose a specific community development project that aligns with ICDBG goals and meets the low- and moderate-income benefit requirement.

8) How are Single Purpose Grant applications funded and selected?

Single Purpose Grant applications are evaluated against the NOFO criteria, and funding is awarded to the highest-ranked submissions until available funds are exhausted.

9) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for the NOFO referenced in this listing?

The NOFO associated with this listing is identified as Funding Opportunity Number FR 6700 N 23.

10) Is this a discretionary or formula funding opportunity?

This listing describes it as a discretionary grant opportunity.

11) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number for this opportunity?

The CFDA/Assistance Listing number provided is 14.862.

12) About how many awards did HUD anticipate making?

HUD anticipated making about 80 awards under the NOFO referenced in this listing.

13) What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount shown?

The award ceiling is listed as up to $5,000,000, indicating the program can support projects ranging from smaller targeted efforts to major community investments depending on NOFO parameters and need.

14) What is an Imminent Threat Grant?

An Imminent Threat Grant is a set-aside funding pathway intended for urgent situations that pose an immediate negative impact on public health or safety for tribal residents. It is designed for circumstances where waiting for a competitive grant cycle would leave residents at continued risk.

15) Do Imminent Threat Grants follow the same deadline as the competitive NOFO?

No. Unlike the Single Purpose Grants, Imminent Threat requests are not tied to the NOFO application deadline. They are accepted on a rolling basis.

16) How are Imminent Threat Grants awarded?

Imminent Threat Grants are funded on a first-come, first-served basis until the imminent-threat set-aside is fully spent.

17) Where do applicants submit an Imminent Threat Grant request?

Applicants must submit Imminent Threat requests to the appropriate HUD Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) Area Office for their region.

18) What guidance applies to Imminent Threat Grant requests?

Applicants must follow ONAP Program Guidance 2018-04 (Imminent Threat Grants) along with the requirements in 24 CFR part 1003, subpart E.

19) Who is eligible to apply for ICDBG under this listing?

Eligibility includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments and certain Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments, as specified in the opportunity listing.

20) Which federal agency issues this funding opportunity?

The issuing agency is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

21) What was the original closing date and time for the competitive Single Purpose Grant applications in this posting?

The original closing date shown for this posting was September 5, 2023, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern time.

22) When was this NOFO posting created (as shown in the timeline provided)?

The creation date shown for this specific posting is June 22, 2023.

23) What is the main difference between the Single Purpose and Imminent Threat pathways?

The Single Purpose Grant pathway is competitive and awarded based on NOFO scoring and ranking, with a fixed application deadline. The Imminent Threat pathway is designed for urgent public health or safety threats, accepted on a rolling basis, and funded first-come, first-served until the set-aside is used up.

24) Does ICDBG combine planned community investments with emergency-response funding?

Yes. As described, the program combines a standard competitive grant mechanism for planned community development investments with a separate faster-response option intended for serious and immediate public health or safety threats.