The City of Hickory is currently accepting applications for nonprofit Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These funds are intended to support public service programs that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals within the city, aligning with the city's broader housing and community development goals. Previous recipients of the grants have utilized the funding to support initiatives such as feeding and sheltering the homeless, assisting those affected by HIV/AIDS, providing tutoring services for youth from low- to moderate-income households, and offering other public services. The city is particularly focused on addressing the needs of its most vulnerable residents through these funding opportunities.

For the 2025-2026 funding cycle, the City of Hickory anticipates a total of up to $40,000 in the Community Development Block Grant program. Successful applicants will be awarded grants in the range of $5,000 to $15,000. However, it is important to note that the exact allocation available will depend on the final funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and approval from the City Council. Applicants will need to be flexible in their expectations given the dependency on external funding and local approval processes.

The City of Hickory will host public meetings where interested applicants can learn more about the CDBG program and the application requirements. These meetings are scheduled for Thursday, January 23, at 6 p.m. at the Z. Ann Hoyle Community Room at the Ridgeview Branch Library and Thursday, February 6, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building. These sessions will provide an opportunity for potential applicants to ask questions and get more information about the grant application process.

Applications for the CDBG funds must be submitted online and received by the Community Development Division no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28. The city has made the application forms available online for convenience, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications ahead of the deadline to ensure timely processing.

For additional information, individuals may contact Anna Beth Walker in the Community Development Division. She can be reached by phone at 828-323-7414 or by email at awalker@hickorync.gov. The City of Hickory is dedicated to fostering development and improving the quality of life for its residents, and this funding opportunity is an important part of that ongoing effort.