Community Development Block Grant CARES Act

Please note that at this time HCR is only accepting proposals for assistance under the 2025 CDBG-CV Food Services Request for Applications (RFA). Applicants are not guaranteed CDBG-CV funding and proposals will be accepted and awarded based on the availability of uncommitted funds. See below under “Food Services Grants” for materials related to the current opportunity.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit community food service providers such as food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries that are proposing to expand services as a result of receiving CDBG-CV funds.

Applicants may request funds to expand a program that provides food and supplies to low-to moderate-income communities to improve health outcomes, address food insecurity, and secure those populations against Coronavirus and future pandemics. Applicants can propose purchasing food supplies and distributing them through established networks.

All proposed activities must meet critical thresholds that include but are not limited to; can be completed by June 30, 2026, compliance with HUD’s National Objectives and explicitly prevent, prepare for and respond to Coronavirus.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal’s Office of Community Renewal (OCR) administers CDBG funding to support communities throughout the state by providing funding for decent housing and suitable living environments for low-and moderate-income persons.

The 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or commonly referred to as the CARES Act, allows CDBG-CV funds to be used to prepare, prevent, and/or respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. CDBG-CV funds are available to both non-entitlement and entitlement communities. OCR will utilize up to $127 Million in CDBG-CV funds for a series of activities to prevent the spread of the virus, respond to the impacts of the virus, safely reopen and prepare businesses and facilities for new safety protocols. The approved uses of CDBG CARES funding fall under four general categories: Small Business Assistance, Public Facilities/Infrastructure, Housing Improvements, and Public Services.

Please review full Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Request for Applications (RFA) for details and requirements.

For a copy of the NYS CDBG-CV CARES Act Information Webinar conducted on Thursday, January 13, 2022, click on link below:

NYS CDBG-CV CARES Act