NEWS

2021 CDBG Proposals Available

Click HERE to view the proposals and 2021 Target Areas

2021 Non-Social Service Priority: 

To continue meeting the goals of the community’s Master Plan and 2018 Community Development Strategy by focusing efforts on target areas in the Town Center, East Amherst Village Center, and the East Hadley Road/Pomeroy Village Center.

2021 SOCIAL SERVICE PRIORITIES:

  Household stabilization: including housing stabilization, individual, and family
  Support services for those experiencing homelessness
  Youth services/development
  Economic self-sufficiency (adult education)
  Food and nutrition
 

June 16, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING

The CDBG Advisory Committee is holding a public hearing on June 16th at 7 PM to hear comments on priorities for the 2021 grant process. Meeting information can be found on the Town Calendar.  The Public Notice can be viewed here.

May 27 public hearing

The CDBG Advisory Committee is holding a public hearing on May 27th at 7 PM to hear comments on current activities and to hear comments on priorities for the 2021 grant process. Meeting information can be found on the Town Calendar.  The Public Notice can be viewed here.

2021 CDBG Update

DHCD has posted an updated plan on their website that has the 2021 grant process open in June and applications due to DHCD in September. 

2021 Application Process Meeting Dates:

May	September 27, 2021-- CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing to review current activities and hear comments about priorities and ideas for 2021 grant process.
June	June 16, 2021--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing and Public Meeting to receive comments on 2021 priorities and finalize Request for Proposals.
	June 18, 2021--Request for Proposals are published and available
July	July 27, 2021--Proposals due by noon to Town Staff
August	August 6, 2021 (estimated date)--Committee questions sent to applicants
	August 12, 2021 (estimated date)--Applicant deadline to respond to questions
	August 17, 2021--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Meeting to review and prioritize proposals, and make recommendations for funding to the Town Manager
	August 26, 2021--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing to receive comments on recommended activities
September	September 10, 2021--Town CDBG application due to the MA Dept. of Housing and Community Development

Introduction

 For Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Amherst can apply to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for a Mini-entitlement Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant. Each year the Town can apply to receive federal funds administered by the DHCDe, which are awarded primarily to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst's low and moderate income residents (defined as individuals or families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income as determined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD), and be located in an identified neighborhood or target area.

 Application Process

Amherst must apply each year to DHCD to receive the funding with applications typically due in February - March. The CDBG Advisory Committee, with assistance from Town staff, oversees the public input process by holding Public Hearings and Public Meetings so that Amherst residents and Boards & Committees have an opportunity to discuss priorities and target areas. The CDBG Advisory Committee also solicits proposals from the community to help determine which projects receive funding. These proposals can be submitted by various parties, including but not limited to a single individual (i.e. a developer), a Town Board / Committee, or a non-profit organization. Those interested in making a funding request are encouraged to contact Town staff.

During the application process, Amherst residents have an opportunity to discuss the following components of the Town's application to DHCD:

1. Community Priorities: A summary of community development goals that will have a positive impact in Amherst, especially low and moderate income residents. 
2. Map of Target Areas: A map that identifies areas in Town that are a priority to receive funding.
3. Project Proposals: Proposals are submitted to the CDBG Advisory Committee for review and prioritization as part of the Town's CDBG application.  

 

Project Proposal Submission Guidelines

:

 

 

National Objective: All projects social service activities receiving CDBG funds are required to serve a majority low and moderate income population

• Location: Non-social service activities are required to be located in a Target Area
• Detailed Budget: An itemized budget for the project including total budget and all other sources of funding.
• Feasibility: A project timeline showing that the project can be completed within 12-18 months
• Project Description: A narrative description that summarizes the project
• Project Need: A statement that clearly outlines the need for the project
• Project Impact: Description of positive impact of project on identified needs of community
• Community Involvement: Demonstrate the support of other Amherst Town Boards and Committees with responsibility over relevant public interest 
• Demonstrate consistency with the Community Priorities
• Demonstrate consistency with Amherst's Master Plan
• Provide supporting documentation as necessary