Pittsburgh nonprofits can apply for CBDG grant money through May

Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget announced last week that it has launched the annual Community Development Block Grant Public Service grant program.

The CDBG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Grants are intended for nonprofits serving low-income Pittsburgh residents.

Nonprofit organizations can apply online through May 6.

The Office of Management and Budget’s Community Development team will host virtual question-and-answer sessions, including an overview of the application process, via the online application Teams from noon to 1 p.m. April 22 and from 5 to 6 p.m. April 28. Registration is required, and people can register online.

A prerecorded video explaining how to apply will be available online beginning April 11.

Nonprofits can apply for between $5,000 and $150,000, though the majority of award recipients last year received less than $10,000, according to city officials.

The CDBG funds are available through reimbursement grants, meaning the organizations who receive money must show proof of payment before the city releases the funds. Costs incurred between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023 will be eligible for reimbursement.

The grants can be used for a variety of projects that serve Pittsburgh residents with low and moderate incomes. Examples of past grant-funded programs include senior activities, after-school programs, food pantries, programs serving people with disabilities and job training centers.

Organizations that are awarded money through the program will be notified in August.