CDBG Planning Grants
now open for applications

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs' Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant program is now open for applications. First quarter applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 16, 2024, via the Indiana Electronic Grants Management System, found here. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to 4 p.m. ET on Feb. 16, 2024, as technical assistance will not be available after that time.

The following plan types will be open as part of the first quarter round:

COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan
Comprehensive Plan
Water Infrastructure Plan
Broadband Readiness Plan
Economic Development Plan
Environmental Assessment
Public Facilities Feasibility Study
Historic Preservation Plan
Downtown Revitalization Plan

While a formal site visit is not required for this program, applicants must contact their OCRA community liaison to 1) notify the office of their intention to submit an application and 2) to receive technical assistance on the planning process. A map of community liaison districts can be found here.

Important notes:

All income surveys initiated under OCRA’s current policy for this planning round must be approved by OCRA in eGMS ahead of the application due date of Feb. 16, 2024.
All completed income survey documentation for this planning round should be submitted for final approval in eGMS by Feb. 2, 2024, to ensure OCRA has the full 10 days to complete its review.
As a reminder, the new Qualifications Based Selection Planning Grant Procurement Policy is in effect as of Aug. 15, 2022. In accordance with the policy, procurement of professional services for the planning study must be completed prior to the submission of the planning grant application in eGMS for quarter one of 2024.

The next round of planning grants is expected to continue quarterly until funds have been exhausted.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ (OCRA) mission is to work with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to assist communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development. For more information, visit ocra.in.gov.