As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Minnesota received a $37.6M special allocation to address community needs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. After an open community input process on how to use the money, and an approval from the Housing and Urban Development agency (HUD), we’ve received clearance to open up this grant program and are excited to receive applications.

DEED is administering this Small Cities Coronavirus Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and we encourage cities and counties across Minnesota to consider applying. Cities and counties of all sizes in Minnesota – including both entitlement and non-entitlement jurisdictions – are eligible for funding.

Eligible activities include $5M for COVID-19 emergency assistance, $4.5M in rehabilitation of buildings critical to pandemic response, and $25.5M in broadband infrastructure.

Grant applications are now being accepted and the deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021. DEED is hosting a webinar at 1:00 p.m. this Friday, April 23 to provide potential applicants with an overview of the process and program and to answer any questions.

Applications in this competitive grant process will be rated according to need, impact and cost effectiveness. Funds are intended for projects that are focused on the locality and that will be used primarily for low-and-moderate income residents.

Here’s more on the program:

In the public service category, funding is earmarked for projects that provide a new or increased level of public service in specific areas:

• $3M will be available for subsistence assistance to income-eligible residents economically impacted by the pandemic for rent payments, mortgage assistance, or utility payments.
• $1M will be available for testing kits, personal protective equipment and other related items to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• $1M will be available to support food shelves/pantries that provide increased access to food and delivery support to those impacted by COVID-19.

In the retrofitting buildings and commercial rehabilitation category, $4.5M has been allocated for projects that would address a wide range of improvements and rehabilitation activities related to food shelves, social distancing requirements, HVAC systems, patient treatment centers, existing shelters or other facilities used for emergency shelters.

The state has earmarked about $25.5 million for broadband infrastructure to support increased connectivity for telework, telemedicine, telelearning and televisits. See the program page for more about what broadband projects would qualify.

Call for Applications and Webinar

• Here is information on the Call for Applications.
• DEED will host a webinar to provide potential applicants with an overview of the program and to answer any questions. This Microsoft Teams meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 23.
• You can Join on your computer or mobile app or call in (audio only): 1- 651-395-7448 (Phone Conference ID: 687 187 744#).