The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Imminent Threat (IT) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Office of Public and Indian Housing. The ICDBG-IT initiative is designed to provide emergency funding to Tribal communities facing urgent threats to public health or safety. This funding mechanism supersedes earlier guidance and raises the grant ceilings based on inflation and construction costs. The statutory authority comes from Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and the program is governed by regulations under 24 CFR Part 1003.

The ICDBG-IT program targets non-recurring and verified threats that could result in immediate adverse effects on community health or safety. These threats must impact an entire service area and be independently verified by an external and qualified authority. Examples include natural disasters, hazardous infrastructure failures, and other emergencies that necessitate immediate response. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. HUD reserves the right to modify requirements and set aside funds for Tribes with the most critical needs.

Eligible applicants are federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations as specified in 24 CFR §1003.5. There is no limit on the number of applications an eligible entity can submit, and cost-sharing or matching is not required. Eligible activities include construction and rehabilitation of public facilities, clearance of debris, provision of emergency public services, relocation assistance, housing support, and acquisition of property or utilities directly tied to the mitigation of imminent threats. ICDBG-IT funds cannot be used for activities typically considered recurring maintenance.

Applications must be submitted to the ONAP-ICDBG@hud.gov email and not through grants.gov. Required components include standard federal application forms, detailed budgets, timelines, descriptions of the threat and proposed activities, verification letters from third parties, and documentation showing that other funding sources are unavailable. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and maintain active status during the application and grant period.

Applications are assessed based on completeness and timeliness. If missing any elements, applicants are notified and can resubmit, but their place in the queue is reset. Risk assessment also factors into evaluations, including financial stability, prior performance, audit results, and overall capacity to manage federal funds. Once approved, funds are released via HUD’s electronic Line of Credit Control System (eLOCCS) following a signed grant agreement.

Post-award, grantees must adhere to specific regulatory requirements, including environmental review compliance, regular progress and financial reporting, and transitioning to new HUD grants management systems. Noncompliance can result in penalties including withholding of funds or termination of the award. The ICDBG-IT grant can also be funded by amending existing ICDBG Single Purpose grants, with prior HUD approval.