Federal Grant Programs

HUD seal

Federal Funding Overview

The U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. Communities statutorily entitled to these grants are called "entitlement communities". These programs provide annual grants to communities throughout the United States. The assistance each city or town receives is based on both formulas written into federal law and an annual appropriation by the U. S. Congress. The formula determining Cambridge’s level of support considers the City’s degree of poverty, age of housing stock and population growth lag.

Community Development Block Grant

The CDBG program represents a consolidation of several federal funding programs, dating to 1974. Funds can be directed to a wide range of community development activities, including affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improved facilities and public services. The broad scope of eligible activities gives communities a great deal of flexibility in directing resources to their areas of greatest need. All eligible activities must primarily serve low and moderate income residents, and other special populations of need.

Learn more about the CDBG program.

HOME Investment Partnership

The HOME Program was enacted as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. HOME focuses specifically on affordable housing, as the program seeks to provide decent housing for lower-income households, expand the capacity of nonprofit housing providers, strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing and to leverage private sector participation.

Learn more about the HOME program.

Emergency Solutions Grant

ESG was by the HEARTH Act of 2009, and emphasizes homeless prevention and re-housing activities. While relatively small in size, the ESG program delivers crucial funding to local shelters and transitional housing programs.

Learn more about the ESG Program

For More Information

For more information please contact Robert Keller, rkeller@cambridgema.gov, at 617/349-4602.