Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Economic Development Program is defined as to attract and support existing businesses, to promote and improve the economic wellbeing and quality of life for the community; by building local wealth, diversifying the economy, creating and retaining jobs, growing small businesses in the area.

Eligibility

• Program recipients must be a 501(c)(3) as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Project must serve “At-Risk” populations.
• Reasonableness of cost will be considered in evaluating all applications.
• For-profits and individuals are not eligible.

Economic Development can encompass a number of activities. Below is a partial list of services that can be funded.

• Job creation.
• Employment/Job training services.
• Job retention.
• Acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, or installing commercial or industrial buildings, structures, and other real property equipment and improvements.
• Technical assistance to businesses.
• Commercial rehabilitation.
• Public facilities and improvements.

The Economic Development Program is closed.

The Minor Home Repair Program is designed to provide assistance in the form of a grant to eligible low-income homeowners in City of Sanford, who would not otherwise be able to make necessary repairs to correct safety concerns and improve the immediate livability of their homes. In order to be eligible for the program, the homeowner must be residing in the home as their primary residence and have a total household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The five trades in which assistance can be provided are roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating and cooling systems), and repairs to improve accessibility for household members.

The Minor Home Repair Program is now closed.

Activities involving acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of public facilities and improvements carried out by the City of Sanford or other public or private nonprofit entities. Congress established the Section 3 policy to guarantee that the employment and other economic opportunities created by Federal financial assistance for housing and community development programs should, if possible, be directed toward low- and very-low income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing. Activities funded under this category will be expected to reach out to LMI residents, businesses owned by LMI residents, and/or business that hire LMI residents to offer employment or other economic opportunities to the greatest extent feasible. In addition, Davis-Bacon and Related Acts requires that all on-site employees (laborers and mechanics) be paid fair wages, benefits, and overtime (prevailing wage) weekly while working on government-funded construction projects at a minimum threshold of $2,000.00.

• Program recipients must be a 501(c)(3) as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Project must serve “At-Risk” populations.
• Reasonableness of cost will be considered in evaluating all applications.
• The long-term viability of the project will be considered in evaluating applications; particularly housing projects.
• Awarded applicants will be reimbursed for services provided in their agreement. In some cases, the City may pay the awarded applicant’s vendor directly for services provided in their agreement. However, funds will not be advanced to awarded applicants.
• If the assisted facility is owned by a nonprofit, the CDBG regulations stipulate that the facility must be open to the public during normal working hours.

The Public Facility Program is now closed.

The Public Services Program recognizes the need to supplement social service programs intended for low-to-moderate-income residents. Each year a maximum of 15% of the City’s CDBG Entitlement funding is set aside to fund Public Service Programs that will serve the needs of income-eligible households of the City.

The City has established priorities (outlined in our consolidated plan) with the limited funding available for the Public Services category. Public services can encompass a number of activities. Below is a partial list of services that can be funded.

• Financial Literacy (Asset Building)
• Job Training and Job Creation Programs
• Public Safety Programs
• Recreational Programs
• Wellness Programs
• Alternative Education Programs
• Services for Youth – (Must Be 18 Years of Age or Younger)
• Transportation Services

The Public Service Program is now closed.

The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program is intended to meet the housing rehabilitation needs of income-eligible households and to preserve affordable housing in City of Sanford. The program provides funding in the form of an interest-free, deferred payment loan to qualified homeowners who need more extensive repairs than what can be provided under the Minor Home Repair Program. Eligible repairs are completed by City approved licensed building contractors, and are restricted to repairs necessary to improve the health, safety, and well-being of the household or contribute to the structural integrity and preservation of the home. In cases where the structure has deteriorated to a point of being unsafe and no longer habitable, and rehabilitation would not bring the dwelling to property standards, the existing home may be demolished and a new home constructed under this program.

The Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Program is now closed.  

The Safety Home Repair Home Repair Program is designed to provide assistance in the form of a grant to eligible low-income homeowners in City of Sanford, who would not otherwise be able to make necessary repairs to correct safety concerns and improve the immediate livability of their homes. In order to be eligible for the program, the homeowner must be residing in the home as their primary residence and have a total household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Repairs will be for the following items, 1 trade and up to $10,000:

• Water Heater
• Windows
• Doors
• Septic Tank
• ADA security (fences, tree trimming)
• Trip hazards (unleveled flooring)
• Exterior Paint & Pressure Washing

The Safety Home Repair Program is now OPEN! Click here for the application. 

The City receives CDBG funds from HUD and must evaluate how the funds are best used to provide and develop a plan for the expenditure of these funds. It is the desire of the City to involve citizens in the development and decision making process of the annual funding plan. In order to achieve the desired goal and mandate, the City Commission of the City of Sanford has determined that it is wise, prudent and advisable to create and appoint a “CDBG Advisory Board”. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Commission and the staff of the City to oversee an annual community needs assessment and determine funding priorities, evaluate funding proposals and make funding recommendations to the City Commission and the staff of the City and review performance and program revisions by funded agencies.

CDBG Advisory Board Members:

• Shane Lillibridge, Chair
• Christopher Lemon
• Kemedontae Tillman
• Dr. Erika R. Tillman
• RT Hillery
• Athenia C. Singleton