Feb. 19 is the deadline to apply for more than $3.6 million; Webinars set for Jan. 29
Special to The Post
An annual funding opportunity is now open for developers and nonprofits considering projects focused on the creation of affordable housing, community infrastructure and other services in Marin County – especially those designed to assist local lower-income households. All told, $3.6 million is on the table.
As of Jan. 22, applications are being accepted within the County of Marin’s annual funding cycle for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grants. Both are administered by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA), which leverages several local, state, and federal funding sources for the programs.
CDA also administers the State of California’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation, including a 1-to-1 match from the Marin Affordable Housing Fund. This year, in partnership with the City of San Rafael, applicants may also apply for City of San Rafael Affordable Housing Trust Funds (AHTP) through the same application.
Local agencies have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, to apply for the funds. Application webinars will be held online Wednesday, Jan. 29, to provide details to potential applicants.
Many residents struggle to meet basic needs with housing, health, childcare, and food security. Marin has one of the highest median household incomes in California – $186,600 for a family of four. However, it also has some of the highest home prices and development costs in the country. The median local price for a single-family, detached home has neared $1.8 million in recent months, and typical rents range from $2,500 to $3,400.
There is increasing pressure on charitable organizations to provide help. The federal grants program offers funding to those nonprofits delivering key services to the community with a minimum grant size of $15,000.
Application materials for the 2025 cycle are available on CDA’s Notice of Funding Availability webpage and in CDA’s Marin County Civic Center office at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308, in San Rafael. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. 4 p.m.
Applications are assessed on how they meet funding priorities and goals, affirmatively further fair housing, serve low-income residents and serve local members of protected classes based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. The grants are not available to individuals; those in need of housing assistance and resources are encouraged to review the County’s Housing Help webpage.
During the Jan. 29 webinars, participants will learn more about the application process, types of eligible projects, and new project requirements. The sessions are organized into two distinct presentations:
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Community Infrastructure (Capital) and Public Service Projects
- 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Housing Projects
CDA staff members are available throughout the application process to consult with organizations unable to attend the online sessions. Office hours will be held throughout the application process; register via the division’s webpage. For more details, email the Housing and Federal Grants Division.
Staff will review applications and conduct public hearings about recommended allocations this spring. By June, the Board of Supervisors will hold a final public hearing and make recommendations to be submitted to the federal government. Approved allocations would be received by the applicants by autumn.
The County of Marin Media Relations Department is the source for this story.