The City of Salem is inviting local non-profits and for-profit organizations to apply for federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs for the 2025 Program Year, which starts on July 1, 2025. These funding opportunities aim to support initiatives that benefit Salem residents in line with the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The plan's priorities include efforts to combat homelessness, expand affordable housing, support public service programs, enhance public facilities access, and foster economic development.

For the 2025 funding cycle, approximately $1.714 million is available, with $910,000 allocated for CDBG projects, $200,000 earmarked for CDBG public service programs, and $604,000 dedicated to HOME funding. The funding will support projects that align with the objectives of each program. CDBG funds target low- to moderate-income households by revitalizing neighborhoods, creating affordable housing, expanding economic opportunities, and enhancing community services. HOME funds focus on activities that develop, purchase, or rehabilitate affordable rental housing and provide rental assistance to low-income individuals.

The pre-application process opens on October 18, 2024, at 8 a.m. and closes on October 25, 2024, at 5 p.m. Pre-applications must be submitted through the designated online portals (ZoomGrants), and only those approved will receive a link to the full application. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. To guide potential applicants, the City is offering two mandatory virtual technical assistance workshops on October 14 and October 16. Attendance at one session is required to qualify for funding consideration, and participants must RSVP in advance.

Prospective applicants should ensure their projects meet the eligibility criteria, which include serving low- to moderate-income residents and addressing one or more priority areas outlined in the Consolidated Plan. The workshops will provide an opportunity to clarify the application requirements and address any questions.

For more information, applicants can visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for detailed program guidelines or contact Tiffany Ottis, the City of Salem Federal Programs Manager.