CDBG Program

CDBG Physical Improvements and Public Services applications are now open. Applicants must submit an application online by clicking here.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal grant program that provides funding for cities to address the causes and consequences of poverty. CDBG funds can be used for home rehabilitation, social services for low- and moderate-income residents, affordable housing acquisition, and physical improvements to parks, public facilities, and infrastructure. All CDBG activities must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income people.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards CDBG grants annually to cities like Malden. The City’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) administers Malden’s CDBG program in accordance with CDBG laws and regulations.

Applicants for CDBG Physical Improvements and Public Services funding can apply online here during the application period, which typically begins in January and ends in February each year. Applicants for CDBG Rehab funding may apply at any time by clicking here.

Benefit to Low- and Moderate-Income People

Programs and projects funded by CDBG must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) people, defined as households earning 80% of the Area Median Income or less. CDBG activities can meet this requirement in different ways. For example, public services programs must document that at least 51% of clients served are LMI by collecting self-declaration of income forms. Park improvement projects, on the other hand, document LMI benefit by considering the income levels of the surrounding area using the LMI Area Map. HUD also presumes that certain populations are LMI, allowing programs designed specifically to serve these groups an easier path toward meeting the LMI requirement. These "presumed beneficiaries" include abused children, the elderly, domestic violence survivors, people who are homeless, adults with disabilities, adults who are illiterate, people with AIDS, and migrant farm workers. The LMI benefit is one of three National Objectives of the CDBG program. The other two National Objectives, which have to do with elimination of slum/ blight and urgent needs, are rarely used in the Malden CDBG program. Contact the Community Development Director if you have questions about meeting the LMI benefit requirement.

Eligible Activities

Federal laws and regulations governing the CDBG program are extensive. While many activities that meet the LMI requirement are eligible, others are not. Activities that generally cannot be funded using CDBG program funds include: 

  • Assistance for buildings or portions of buildings used for the general conduct of government.
  • General local government operating and maintenance expenses.  CDBG activities cannot supplant services or expenses currently paid for by local government.
  • Partisan political purposes, including voter registration.
  • Certain equipment purchases.
  • Entertainment/refreshments - the cost of food, beverages, snacks and any related expenses for utensils, etc.

Recipients or applicants should contact the Community Development Director with questions about CDBG eligibility.

CDBG Program Calendar

CDBG funding for physical improvements and public services follow an annual cycle. Funding for home rehabilitation is available year round on a rolling first-come, first-served basis. The Program Year 2022 calendar is below:

Tuesday, January 10, 2023: Community Meeting #1 at 6:00pm via Zoom. This meeting includes an overview of the CDBG and HOME programs, including discussion of current programs, strategies, priorities and needs. Community input is strongly encouraged.

Monday, January 16, 2023: CDBG applications available. Applications will be available online at https://www.cityofmalden.org/864/CDBG-Program. Applications must be submitted through the Neighborly Software application portal no later than 5:00 pm February 16, 2023.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023: CDBG Application Technical Support at 6:00pm via Zoom. This is for potential CDBG applicants to receive technical assistance regarding their applications and the Neighborly Software program.
Thursday, February 16, 2023: Applications due by 5:00pm through the Neighborly Software application. Applications submitted through other means will not be considered.
Monday, April 3, 2023: The draft Annual Action Plan is released and public comment period begins. Comments may be submitted to apratt@cityofmalden.org with subject line “AAP Public Comment” or to Alex Pratt, OSPCD, 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148 by 5:00pm Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The draft Annual Action Plan will be available online at https://www.cityofmalden.org/864/CDBG-Program.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023: Community Meeting #2 at 6:00pm via Zoom. This meeting includes discussion and public feedback on the draft Annual Action Plan.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Public Comment Period ends at 5:00pm.
Monday, May 15, 2023: Annual Action Plan submitted to HUD.
Saturday, July 1: Program Year 2023 (City Fiscal Year 2024) begins and runs through June 30, 2024.

All Zoom log-in information will be posted online at https://www.cityofmalden.org/calendar.aspx.

Information for Grantees, Subrecipients, and Contractors

All grantees, subrecipients and contractors awarded contracts funded with Federal dollars or receiving CDBG funds must register with the federal debarment clearinghouse System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and must provide proof of active status on SAM.gov in order to comply with Federal regulations. Registration is free, though it can take several weeks to become active. If a grantee, subrecipient or contractor does not register, they will not be considered qualified and, therefore, will not be able to contract with the City of Malden for activities funded with CDBG and/or other Federal dollars. Get SAM.gov information and registration directions here. SAM.gov registration is free for all users.

Grantees, subrecipients, and contractors must also follow other CDBG program requirements. Different activities may be subject to different requirements, including environmental reviews, Davis Bacon wage requirements, Section 3, and 2 CFR 200. Please contact the Community Development Director with questions about your specific project.

Section 108 Loan Program

The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program allows cities that receive annual CDBG funds to fund larger CDBG-eligible projects through a federal loan paid for by the community’s CDBG program. Section 108 Loans must meet eligibility requirements for the CDBG Program and are paid back using the City’s CDBG budget. Cities can borrow up to five times their annual CDBG grant amount. Malden's annual CDBG grant ranges year to year, but is typically around $1.4 million. The maximum Malden can borrow under the Section 108 program, therefore, is approximately $7.1 million. Previous Section 108 projects include $2.4 million in road improvements, $3 million for the Senior Center Rehabilitation and Housing Task Force projects, and $1 million for the construction of Lincoln Commons. For information on the Roosevelt Park Project, which anticipates Section 108 funding, click here.

CDBG Reports and Notices

Before receiving federal funds for the CDBG and HOME programs, the City of Malden develops a five-year strategic plan called the Consolidated Plan that identifies the City's community development needs and goals. For each year during the Consolidated Plan, the City submits an Annual Action Plan to HUD detailing the specific programs, activities, and budget it will use to achieve Consolidated Plan objectives. At the end of each program year, the City completes the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) describing the City's progress toward meeting those goals. These plans, reports, and important notices about these programs are available under the HUD Reports and Notices page.