Spring 2012 process begins
As part of the City’s Competitive Process for allocating federal and local funds, the City of Fort Collins is currently accepting applications for the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and the City’s Human Services Program monies. Nearly $1,500,000 is available for distribution. We have three submittal categories:
1.) Housing – acquisition and construction of affordable housing projects, including land purchase, housing rehabilitation and some soft costs related to affordable housing development. Must be located in Fort Collins.
2.) Public Service – non-profit agencies serving a majority of people (51% or more) who are below 80% AMI (Area Median Income) living in Fort Collins.
3.) Public Facility – there is limited funding in this category.
how to apply
We continue to use a web-based application and review format. It is more streamlined and user-friendly and helps with our sustainability and efficiency goals. All three proposal categories (housing, public service and public facility) have been combined into one application. There are two components to the proposal; a pre-application and an application. If the pre-application is eligible, City staff will notify applicants within two business days of receiving the pre-application. Once notified, applicants can proceed with the application. Important dates to be aware of:
• Thursday, January 5 – Applications are available on our website through ZoomGrants™
• Tuesday, January 17 – Pre-applications are due at NOON
• Wednesday, January 18 – Mandatory Training for Public Service applicants
(9:00 AM in the Community Room at 215 N. Mason St.)
• Thursday, January 19 – Mandatory Training for Public Service applicants
(1:00 PM in the Community Room at 215 N. Mason St.)
• Wednesday, January 25 – Mandatory Training for Housing applicants
(9:00 AM at Advance Planning, 281 N. College Ave.)
• January 30 through February 10 – Mandatory Technical Assistance
• Thursday, February 16 – Applications due at NOON
• March 27 – March 29 – Presentations by applicants to CDBG Commission
Background Info
Want to know more about the Competitive Process? Read the Competitive Process FAQs.
 Take Me to ZoomGrants |
Completing the Application
By using ZoomGrants,™ the entire Competitive Process moves onto the ZoomGrants™ website. Select on the link to the right to begin your pre-application.
Pre-application Deadline - Noon, Tuesday, January 17, 2012
You will be notified by City staff within two business days of your submittal as to the proposal’s eligibility to move forward.
Application Deadline - Noon, Thursday, February 16, 2012.
All Applicants:
Materials to upload with your online application:
- List of Board Members and Qualifications/Relevancy
- Board of Directors Approval of Submission (minutes or brief memo)
- If a non profit, IRS 501(c) 3 designation: 1 page
- One (1) copy of your organization’s latest audit.
Housing Applicants: Also Upload with Your Online Application
- Project Operating Budget Worksheet
- Sources and Uses Worksheet
- Funding Sources Summary
- Board of Directors Acknowledgement
- Letters of Financial Commitment From Other Funders (loan commitments or letters of interest)
If applicable, rehab projects must also upload:
- a copy of the relocation letter and method of delivery.
- a census of current residents.
Open Process
The City of Fort Collins works to maintain an open process and encourages applicants to ask for help or information at any time. Any information related to the Competitive Process is always available to applicants. Please contact Sharon Thomas, Grant Programs Administrator, at 970-221-6595 or for assistance.
After Your Application is Submitted
’s proposal, you will be contacted by staff. Applicants will respond back to staff, who then forwards your answers to the Commission.
Applicant Presentation Dates
Applicants will make presentations to the CDBG Commission. The presentations will take place on the evenings of March 27, March 28 and March 29 in the Community Room at 215 North Mason Street. Applicants will receive notification of a scheduled presentation time by City staff. All members of your presentation team should arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes early.
Presentation Format
Housing: 5-minute presentation, 15-minute question and answer period.
Funding Recommendations
The CDBG Commission formulates its funding recommendations on Thursday, April 12, 2012 beginning at 6:00 PM. This is open to the public. Applicants are welcome to attend the meeting, but in fairness to other applicants, may not speak. Final recommendations are not confirmed until the end of the meeting, so those in attendance should plan to stay for the duration of the meeting (several hours). Applicants are notified of the outcome of the Commission’s deliberation session on Friday, April 13, 2012. If you have an issue with the Commission’s funding recommendation on your proposal, you are encouraged to contact Sharon Thomas, Grant Programs Administrator, at 970-221-6595 or as soon as possible so an attempt can be made to resolve concerns.
Final Fort Collins City Council Decision
City Council holds a public hearing to make final funding allocation decisions for the Spring 2012 competitive process on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 6:30 PM, City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue. Staff will then work with funding grantees on additional due diligence items and contract execution.
For More Information
Please contact Sharon Thomas, 970-221-6595, .