2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 1
2024 Community Development Program
Application Guidelines
$2.2 million available:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP)
Key Dates:
Information Session: October 9, 2022 at 11 AM
Pre-Applications Due: October 31, 2023 at 5 PM
Applications Due: December 15, 2023 at 5 PM
Application Contacts:
For all questions: cdbg@cityofvancouver.us
Samantha Whitley, samantha.whitley@cityofvancouver.us
Ann Hawkins, ann.hawkins@cityofvancouver.us
Hayley Woodbridge, hayley.woodridge@cityofvancouver.us
Tasha Slater, tasha.slater@cityofvancouver.us
City of Vancouver Economic Prosperity and Housing
P.O. Box 1995 Vancouver, WA 98668-1995
www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 2
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Eligible Projects 4
Available Funding By Project Type 5
Accessing The Application 6
Timeline 6
Mandatory Pre-Application Workshop 6
Questions 6
Funding Period 2024 Program Year 7
Project Eligibility Requirements 7
Other Programmatic Requirements 8
Funding Terms9
Zoomgrants
Information 10
Prioritization Process 10
Prioritization Factors 10
Appendix A: Income And Rent Limits 12
Appendix B: Application Scoring Guide 13
Appendix C: City Of Vancouver 2024-2028 Consolidated Housing And Community Development Plan Goals 16
Appendix D: Preapplication Questions And Required Submittal Documents 17
Appendix E: Application Questions And Requirement Submittal Documents 18
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 3
INTRODUCTION
The City of Vancouver is accepting applications for the 2024 Economic Prosperity and Housing funding cycle. The
City anticipates making approximately $2.2 million available from the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs including HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP)
for eligible housing and community development projects. The federal funds through CDBG and HOME will be
available July 2024.
The City’s Housing funds support projects and programs that benefit people experiencing low to moderate income
and create lasting community improvements. Please refer to Appendix A, page 12, in the appendix for program
income limits and guidance for all funding sources.
Staff will assist in determining the funding source based on the type of project, funding available, and alignment
with program objectives.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Federal funds – $950,000
o Benefits people experiencing low- to moderate- income (80% of the area median income (AMI) or less) by
funding projects that revitalize neighborhoods, increase affordable housing, expand economic opportunities,
and/or improve community facilities and services.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Federal funds – $750,000
o Supports a wide range of activities that build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or
homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to people experiencing low-income (60% AMI for rental units
or 80% AMI for homeowner units)
HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) – Federal funds - $500,000
o Funds must benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless or in other vulnerable populations.
Eligible activities include tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) and provision of supportive services.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 4
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
CDBG AND HOME PROJECTS
1. Housing Acquisition, Construction and Rehabilitation Projects (HOME)
Housing projects that increase and preserve affordable housing opportunity for households experiencing low-
income and people experiencing homelessness through the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of rental or
homeowner housing and homebuyer assistance programs. Housing assisted with City of Vancouver funds must
include units meeting the following affordability requirements:
Rental housing: At or lower than 60% AMI
Homeowner housing: At or lower than 80% AMI
Non-congregant Shelter: People experiencing homelessness and at or lower than 60% AMI
2. Rental Assistance & Housing Services Programs (HOME, HOME ARP, CDBG)
Rental assistance and housing services programs can provide up to 24 months of rental assistance (HOME) and
case management (CDBG) to house people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing
homelessness. Participating households must have income of 60% AMI or less. HOME ARP can also be used for
other homeless supportive services.
3. Public Services (CDBG)
Public services aim to reduce poverty, increase stability and prevent and address homelessness for individuals
and families through services focused on homelessness, poverty reduction, youth programs, financial
empowerment, housing system coordination, promoting public health and increased food security, etc. To be
eligible for CDBG funding, a public service must be a new service or demonstrate a quantifiable increase in the
level of an existing service above that which has been provided in the previous 12 calendar months. Participants
must have an income of 50% AMI or less.
4. Microenterprise Business Assistance (CDBG)
Microenterprise business assistance activities increase economic opportunity by supporting small businesses within
Vancouver city limits. Activities may include technical assistance and resources (e.g. grants, loans) to current and
prospective business owners. Funds are targeted to serve microenterprises (up to 5 employees) and other small
businesses with a focus on historically underutilized businesses. Participants must have an income of 80% AMI or
less.
5. Public Facilities and Shelter (CDBG)
Funds are available for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of public facilities that serve people
experiencing low- to moderate-income and homeless overnight shelters (up to 24- months). Shelters may apply
for operating expenses as a stand-alone request or paired with acquisition, construction or rehabilitation costs.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 5
Summary of Eligible Projects and Funding Sources for 2024 Application Process
Activity CDBG HOME
Rental Housing Acquisition, Construction or Rehabilitation
X
Single-family Housing Acquisition/Construction or Homebuyer Assistance
X
X
Rental Assistance / Housing Services
X
X
Public Services for Priority Populations
X
Microenterprise Business Assistance
X
Public/Nonprofit Facility Acquisition, Rehabilitation or Construction
X
Shelter Operating
X
Shelter Acquisition, Construction or Rehabilitation
X
Homeless Supportive Services
ARP
AVAILABLE FUNDING BY PROJECT TYPE
Approximate funding is outlined for each project category. Amounts are subject to change to account for final HUD
allocations, community needs, strength of applications and other factors.
*Maximum request is based on previous year’s applications. The City will consider viable applications with a demonstrated
need and available support beyond the suggested amounts. Minimum requests: $100,000 (Housing Acquisition, Construction,
Rehabilitation and Homebuyer Assistance projects); $50,000 (all other project types).
Project
Amount
Available
Funding Source
Maximum
Request*
Housing Projects (Acquisition, Construction,
Rehabilitation and Homebuyer Assistance)
$500,000 HOME
$250,000
Rental Assistance & Housing Services
$250,000
$100,000
HOME
CDBG
$250,000 HOME
35% CDBG
Public Services $200,000 CDBG
$50,000
Microenterprise Business Assistance $400,000 CDBG
$250,000
Public Facilities $250,000 CDBG
$250,000
Homeless Supportive Services & Rental
Assistance
$500,000 HOME ARP
$250,000
TOTAL (Estimated) $2.2 million
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 6
ACCESSING THE APPLICATION
Applications will be submitted through ZoomGrants. A link to the online application, these guidelines, and previously
funded projects will be available on October 2, 2023 through the City’s website at: www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg
TIMELINE
October 2, 2023 Applications available at 8 AM
October 9, 2023 Application Info Session (mandatory) 11 AM via Teams
October 31, 2023 Pre-application due at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
December 15, 2023 Final application due at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
February 5-9, 2024 Applicant presentations (conducted remotely)
February 2024 Project prioritization by Grant Review Committee
March/April 2024 Funding recommendations to City Council
April 2024 City Council public hearing to adopt funding recommendations
May 2024 Action Plan Submitted to HUD
July 2024 Funding Available
MANDATORY PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP
A mandatory online information session for interested applicants will be held Monday, October 9 at 11:00 AM via
Microsoft Teams. Meeting details are below or available at www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg. If agency does not
attend pre-application workshop, they will not be able to move forward in the application process unless prior
authorization is provided by City staff.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 221 414 327 71
Passcode: fPnhky
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Or call in (audio only)
+1 347-941-5324,,930201429# United States, New York City
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QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this application and funding notice, please contact cdbg@cityofvancouver.us. All
questions and answers from the workshop and submitted via email will be posted on the City CDBG webpage.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 7
FUNDING PERIOD 2024 PROGRAM YEAR
CDBG and HOME funds can be used for activities between July 2024 through December 2025 with the following
parameters:
Funding for HOME projects shall be contracted within two years and expended within five years. Acquisition,
construction, or rehabilitation activities must commence within two years from the date City Council awards the
funding.
To meet HUD program year funding restrictions, all public service activities using CDBG funds must end by June
30, 2025, which may result in a contract agreement that is less than 12 months.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible Applicants
Nonprofit agencies and public organizations may apply for funds. Private individuals are not eligible for funding
awards. Applicants proposing Housing Projects must demonstrate, or have partners that demonstrate, experience
developing, owning, and/or managing multifamily or homeowner housing.
Eligible Project Costs
Eligible project costs for acquisition, construction or rehabilitation activities (Housing Projects, Public Facilities, and
Shelter Capital Projects) include but are not limited to the following:
Appraisals
Architectural fees
Closing costs
Homebuyer down payment assistance
Inspections and surveys
Insurance
Construction, including sales tax
Interest
Development fees and permits
Financing fees
Engineering fees
Environmental assessments and fees
Gap financing
Professional services
Project management
Purchase/acquisition
Eligible program costs for Rental Assistance and Housing Services, Public Services, Microenterprise Business
Assistance, Homeless Supportive Services, and Shelter Operating proposals include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Personnel costs (salary and benefits)
Operating supplies
Rent, telephones and computers
Travel and training
Outreach
Administrative costs specific to City-funded
program
Insurance
Income and Rent Limits
Projects funded must be located within the city limits of Vancouver.
HUD establishes income and rent limits annually; see most current Income and Rent Limits for each funding
source in the Appendix A.
People served with CDBG funds must earn 80% or less of area median income (AMI).
Public service programs must serve people earning 50% or less of AMI.
Housing assisted with HOME funds must serve people earning 60% of AMI (rental units) or 80% AMI
(homeowner units) or less.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 8
Project Location Requirements
CDBG and HOME projects that serve people county-wide must apply for funding through Clark County and may
require a proportionate contribution of County CDBG or HOME funds based on the percentage of clientele living in
and outside city limits. The final award may be adjusted based on funding/service proportionality with Clark
County. https://www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-applications
Capital projects located outside of Vancouver in Clark County may be funded with City CDBG or HOME funds, if
Clark County also awards funding and the project also benefits city residents.
OTHER PROGRAMMATIC REQUIREMENTS
Environmental Review
As part of the contract preparation process, the City will conduct an environmental review under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). No funds will be formally committed nor expended, and NO work can be
undertaken until the completion of this review.
To expedite the process, the City proceeds with the required environmental review and information gathering prior
to the contract being signed. The agency may be required to furnish data, information and assistance as part of the
environmental review.
Completion of the environmental review process is mandatory, before taking any choice-limiting actions, including
the expenditure or commitment of federal or non-federal funds. Prohibited actions include any physical action on a
site such as demolition, movement, rehabilitation, conversion, repair or construction. Further, the agency may not
execute a purchase and sale nor a construction contract prior to environmental clearance.
Davis Bacon/Prevailing Wage
Federal Davis Bacon and Washington State prevailing wage rules are in effect for any construction activities. These
require the tracking and payment of Davis Bacon/prevailing wage rates and may increase the overall project cost.
Exceptions to prevailing wage (not Davis Bacon) requirements may apply when the City funds only pay for non-
construction costs (e.g. land acquisition or soft costs) or are provided in the form of an interest-bearing loan.
Buy America, Build America (BABA) Act
Recipients of an award of Federal financial assistance from a program for infrastructure are hereby notified that
none of the funds provided under this award may be used for a project for infrastructure unless:
(1) all iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States--this means all manufacturing
processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States;
(2) all manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United Statesthis means the
manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of the
manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55
percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard for
determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product has been established
under applicable law or regulation; and
(3) all construction materials are manufactured in the United Statesthis means that all manufacturing processes
for the construction material occurred in the United States.
The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into,
or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as
temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure
project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 9
portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project, but are not an integral
part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.
Affordability Period (Housing Projects)
The incomes of tenants in units acquired, constructed or rehabilitated with City funds will be reviewed annually
throughout the affordability period to verify eligibility. The affordability period is up to 20 years.
Underwriting Parameters (Housing Projects)
Housing Projects (acquisition, construction and rehabilitation) will be subject to underwriting prior to contracting. The
review includes an evaluation of the developer’s capacity and experience as well as the project’s finances, including
commitment of all funding sources and ability to repay any City- provided loans. Applicants are asked to submit a
development budget and operating pro-forma as part of the proposal; these will be evaluated using the
underwriting parameters included in the Appendix.
Insurance
Agencies that are awarded funds shall obtain insurance coverage that meets City of Vancouver standards. Please
contact City of Vancouver staff for questions on the required level of insurance.
Fair Housing
The City of Vancouver’s policies and procedures are developed in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing laws
(Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title VIII as amended, Executive Order 11063, as amended by Executive Order 12259,
implemented at 24 CFR 107). Contracts awarded under this funding source will require compliance with these laws.
SAM Registration
Applicants must have, or obtain, an active registration with the federal System for Award Management (SAM). To
register and get a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number visit: https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration. Registered
entities UEI should be entered in the appropriate field on the ZoomGrants application. SAM registration expires
after one year. There is no cost for SAM registration.
FUNDING TERMS
CDBG and HOME funding for non-capital projects will generally be provided as a grant.
CDBG and HOME funding for acquisition, construction or rehabilitation activities will generally be awarded as half
grant, half loan with repayment at 0%-1% interest over a 1020-year term. The loan shall be secured by a
Promissory Note and Deed of Trust. Projects may also have a restrictive Covenant placed on the land to ensure that
the project continues to comply with eligibility requirements. A waiver may be applied for in consultation with the
Program Manager, but it is not guaranteed.
CDBG funds in support of HOME TBRA will be limited to 35% of total HOME award for staffing.
The 2024 awards for CDBG Public Services will end by June 30, 2024. Contracts may be awarded for less than 12
months to meet this deadline.
HOME-ARP Supportive Services must prioritize people living in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites for assistance.
Supportive services may include childcare, food, education or employment services, legal services, mental health and
other outpatient health services, including substance use treatment. Supportive services are detailed in the HOME-
ARP guidelines, which can be found at www.cityofvancouer.us/cdbg.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 10
ZOOMGRANTS
INFORMATION
The application is accessible through the ZoomGrants link on the City’s website at www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg.
Online Application
The application consists of the following (see Preapplication Questions, Application Questions and Required
Submittal Documents in the Appendix for a full list):
Preapplication questions
Application questions
o Follow up questions, if necessary
Finance Sources and Uses tab
Required documents (upload to Documents tab)
For any questions regarding program policies or the content of the application, contact cdbg@cityofvancouver.us.
For Technical Assistance, please contact ZoomGrants directly at 1-866-323-5404 or by email at
PRIORITIZATION PROCESS
A volunteer committee composed of City employees and community representatives will review applications and
complete the scoring process.
Applicants will be asked to give a short presentation to the Grant Review Committee in February 2024 (conducted
remotely using Microsoft Teams; dates and details to be provided).
Proposals will be scored by City staff and the Grant Review Committee using the Application Scoring Criteria
included in the Appendix.
Once the Grant Review Committee has prioritized projects, City staff will present funding recommendations to City
Council for review. A public hearing with City Council will be held for final approval, during which applicant and
citizen comments will be accepted. Written comments may also be submitted.
Following the hearing, notification will be provided to applicants regarding their project’s funding status. All projects
awarded CDBG, HOME, or HOME ARP funds will be subject to an administrative review prior to contracting.
Agencies may be asked to submit organizational and program policies and procedures and/or additional
information regarding the project’s finances.
PRIORITIZATION FACTORS
Funding priority will be given to projects that meet the following criteria. See Application Scoring Guide in the
Appendix for additional information.
Are clearly defined as to scope, location, need, budget, and goals
Align with the 2024-2028 Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan Goals (see Appendix C)
Can begin as soon as funds are available and finish within the contracted time
Demonstrate the applicant has the capacity to carry out the project successfully
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 11
Demonstrated ability to follow and comply with funding requirements as outlined in the documents linked
below:
o CDBG and/or HOME Policies and Procedures www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg
Establish means for program evaluation and accomplishment tracking
Have adequate community support and address an identified community need
Address equity regarding race, ethnicity or other protected classes
Impact a significant number and/or percentage of persons experiencing low to mod income
Maximize the use of outside funds
Coordinate with other public and private efforts
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 12
APPENDIX A: INCOME AND RENT LIMITS
CDBG & HOME FUNDED PROGRAMS INCOME LIMITS
CDBG Income Limits - HUD Exchange
Fair Market Rents
Use with HOME TBRA programs
Source: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html; https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home/home-rent-limits/
Note: Fair market rents (FMRs) serve as the monthly rent limits for tenant-based rental assistance funded by the City of Vancouver. Rents
include utilities.
High and Low HOME Rent Limits
Effective June 15, 2022
Source: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home/home-rent-limits/
Use with HOME rental housing projects (not TBRA)
Note: Projects with one to four HOME-assisted units are required to have rents not exceed the lesser of the Fair Market Rent or High HOME
Rent. Projects with five or more HOME-assisted units are required to have 20% of assisted unit rents not exceed the Low HOME Rent and
80% not exceed the lesser of the Fair Market Rent or High HOME Rent. Rents include utilities.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 13
APPENDIX B: APPLICATION SCORING GUIDE
City staff and the Grant Review Committee will score applications according to the factors shown below. Scores
serve as a guide for prioritization by the Committee. Funding recommendations are presented to City Council for
final approval.
Objective Scoring 25 Points (completed by staff)
Category Max. Points
Committed Match Funds
Based on committed funds as share of total project cost
0% = 0 pts 41-60% = 6 pts
1-20% = 2 pts 21-40% = 4 pts
61-80% = 8 pts 81-100% = 10 pts
10
Risk Assessment Score
Timely reports, spending,
New: financials, staff experience with services
10
Equitable Outcomes
Beneficiaries, at the very minimum, have outcomes reflect the census data for racial equity.
5
Total Points Objective Scoring
25
Committee Scoring – 75 Points
Category
Max. Points
Scope and Capacity
High Score (11-15): Project is well-planned, with a detailed description provided. Agency has
demonstrated experience on projects of similar size and scope.
Mid-Range Score (6-10): Project and agency experience described but lacking in detail.
Low Score (0-5)
: Project not clearly defined and/or agency lacks demonstrated experience on
projects of similar size and scope.
15
Need
High Score (11-15): Project meets a critical community need and cannot move forward without
requested funding.
Mid-Range Score (6-10): Project meets a high community need and requested funding is
essential to budget.
Low Score (0-5): Project is a medium need and could seek other funding options or wait for
future funding cycle.
15
Impact
High Score (11-15): Project will have a large or long-lasting positive impact on
people/households experiencing low or moderate income.
Mid-Range Score (6-10): Project will have a moderate or medium-term impact on
people/households experiencing low or moderate income.
Low Score (0-5): Project will have a limited or short-lived impact on people/households
experiencing low or moderate income.
15
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 14
Financial Feasibility
High Score (4-5): Agency has or will secure other financing needed to carry out project and, if
applicable, ensure its long-term viability.
Mid-Range Score (2-3): Agency has identified some but not all funding needed to carry out
project.
Low Score (0-1): Most of the funding for the project is unidentified, and no resources are
available for long-term support, if applicable.
5
Readiness
High Score (4-5): Project can begin within one year (for programs/services) or two years (for
projects involving acquisition, construction or rehabilitation) of funding award.
Mid-Range Score (2-3): Project anticipates possible delays and/or does not have all other
funding in place.
Low Score (0-1): Project is unlikely to begin within one year (for programs/services) or two
years (for projects involving acquisition, construction or rehabilitation) of funding award.
5
Equity
High Score (11-15): Provides clear and compelling commitment to equity, including program,
policies and demonstrated outcome examples.
Mid-Range Score (5-10): Describes some understanding of equity, few details or examples.
Low Score (0-5): Provides little to no understanding or examples of equitable project delivery.
15
Collaboration
High Score (4-5): Clearly details coordination with partners or community.
Mid-Range Score (2-3): Provides some details regarding coordination with partners or
community.
Low Score (0-1): Provides few details about coordination or operates independently.
5
Total Points Committee Scoring
75
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 15
Housing Development Underwriting Parameters
Development Budget
Construction contingency
Minimum 5%* for new construction Minimum 8%* for rehabilitation
*Higher contingency is encouraged, if project budget permits
Soft cost contingency
Maximum 5%
Developer fee
Projects with Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing: Maximum 15%
Non-LIHTC projects:
Maximum 17% for projects with up to 20 units
Maximum 15% for projects with 21-60 units
Maximum 12% for projects with 61 or more units
Operating Pro Forma
Vacancy rate
5-10% - below 5% allowable if agency can document a
historical pattern of lower vacancy rates for this project (in
the case of rehab/acquisition) or other comparable projects
(in the case of new construction)
Inflation factor
Minimum 2%
Replacement reserves for maintenance and repair
Minimum $300 per unit per year
Management fee 5-12%
Operating reserve 6-9 months of costs
Debt Coverage Ratio
(Net Operating Income ÷ Debt Service)
1.05 or greater for term of loan
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 16
APPENDIX C: CITY OF VANCOUVER 2024-2028 CONSOLIDATED HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN GOALS
Category Goal Example Activities Outcome Indicator
Increase and
preserve
affordable
housing
Increase and preserve
affordable housing
opportunity for low-
income households and
people who are
experiencing
homelessness.
Develop and preserve multifamily
affordable housing.
Create affordable homeownership
opportunities.
Fund rehabilitation of owner-
occupied homes.
Support alternative housing models.
Rental units constructed
Housing units
rehabilitated
First-time homebuyer
housing added.
Homeless and at-risk
households receiving
rental assistance.
Reduce Poverty,
increase stability
Reduce poverty,
increase stability, and
prevent and address
homelessness for
individuals and
families. Where
possible, support
existing City and
community initiatives..
Support service system that
addresses needs of people who are
homeless
Promote public health and increase
food security.
Provide job training and
educational programs.
Offer financial counseling and legal
aid to reduce barriers.
Persons assisted.
Increase
Economic
Opportunity
Increase economic
opportunity by
supporting small
businesses.
Provide technical assistance and
resources to current and prospective
small business owners.
Businesses assisted.
Create and
Preserve Public
Infrastructure
Create and preserve
community buildings
and spaces ensure
access to resources and
opportunities
Purchase, construct and improve
community centers, homeless shelters,
nonprofit social service offices, or
other facilities serving local residents.
Improve sidewalks, streets, parks, or
other public infrastructure to increase
livability, safety and accessibility.
Persons assisted.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 17
APPENDIX D: PREAPPLICATION QUESTIONS AND REQUIRED SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
1. Select any of the following that describe your organization.
Private Non-profit 501(c)(3)
Public Organization
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)
Faith-based Organization
Other:
2. Briefly describe the program in one sentence. Include program name.
3. Estimate the number of unduplicated persons OR households that will benefit from this proposal
according to the Area Median Income (AMI) categories listed below.
For housing and Microenterprise Business Assistance activities, count households served. For all other services,
count individual persons served.
Persons: 0 - 30% AMI
Persons: 31 - 50% AMI
Persons: 51 - 80% AMI
Households: 0 - 30% AMI
Households: 31 - 60% AMI
Households: 61 - 80% AMI
4. Describe the populations served. Include service area for programs, program office address and/or
project site address.
5. Describe how the funds you are requesting will support project costs. Include specific examples.
For example, staffing, construction, program supplies, administration costs, etc.
6. Are you applying for or have you received funds from Clark County for this project? If YES, list amount
below.
Non-Profit Facility/Capital Improvement Projects that serve people countywide must also apply for funds
through Clark County. https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-applications
7. Is your agency currently involved in any pending legal or disciplinary actions? Has your agency filed
for bankruptcy in the past five years?
If yes on either item, please explain below.
8. Describe your organization’s fiscal management.
For example, record keeping, financial reporting, accounting systems, payment procedures, and/or audit
requirements.
9. Has your agency had a change in leadership of agency, program or financial staff in the past year?
If yes, please describe below.
10. Enter the name and title of staff that attended mandatory virtual information session on October 9th.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 18
APPENDIX E: APPLICATION QUESTIONS AND REQUIREMENT SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
Project Questions
1. Select activity that best describes your proposed project.
Rental Housing
Homeowner Housing (acquisition/construction/rehabilitation)
Homebuyer Assistance (down payment assistance)
Rental Assistance / Housing Services
Public Services
Microenterprise Business Assistance
Public/Non-Profit Facility
Homeless Shelter
Homeless Supportive Services
Other:
2. Please describe the target population that you plan to serve with the proposed project.
For example, persons experiencing homelessness, persons with disabilities, specific ethnic and/or race
populations, etc.
3. State your proposed activities, outcomes and measurement tools.
Example: Through our program, we aim to serve 100 people experiencing homelessness by giving an
assessment. Out of these individuals, 70 people will be placed in safe and permanent housing.
Activities are what your program provides. (100 people getting an assessment)
Outcomes are the improvements that occur because of the program services. (70 people being placed in safe
and permanent housing)
Measurement tool (assessment and signed leases)
4. Describe the steps your organization will take to achieve the outcomes in question 3.
5. Describe the community needs that would be addressed with this project. Describe any past actions
taken to address the identified need and how this project continues or builds upon those efforts.
6. Describe why City funds are needed to support this project, specifically what the funds will be used
for. What specific impact will a non or partial award have on services provided or outcomes desired?
7. Describe your organization's capacity, experience to undertake and complete the proposed project
within the established timeline and budget.
8. How will this project be supported in the future? What is its long-term viability?
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 19
9. For Public Services, Homeless Supportive Services, Microenterprise Business Assistance, Public Facility,
and Shelter projects only. Estimate the number of unduplicated persons that will benefit from this
proposal according to the Area Median Income (AMI) categories listed below.
If you answer question 9, question 10 should not be answered.
Funding does not support persons over 80% AMI.
Persons: 0 - 30% AMI
Persons: 31 - 50% AMI
Persons: 51 - 80% AMI
10. For Rental Assistance/Housing Services, Homebuyer Assistance (down payment), and New Housing
Construction projects only. Estimate the number of unduplicated households that will benefit from this
proposal according to the Area Median Income (AMI) categories listed below.
If you answer question 10, question 9 should not be answered.
Funding does not support households over 80% AMI.
Households: 0 - 30% AMI
Households: 31 - 60% AMI
Households: 61 - 80% AMI
11. If your project involves Homeless Supportive Services or HOME-ARP funding, how does your
organization intend to outreach and partner with Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.
Equity Questions
People of color struggle disproportionately with homelessness, displacement and unaffordable housing. The City
of Vancouver is committed to addressing this inequity by prioritizing opportunities to serve historically
underserved communities, removing barriers to fairness in representation, opportunity and access and providing
equal opportunity for very low-income families of all ethnic backgrounds.
12. Tell us about historically underserved communities in your project area. Include demographics and other
factual data in your response.
13. In planning for this project, how have you connected to the community(ies) described above. How will you
ensure your outcomes meet or exceed the underserved population demographics in your service area?
14. What is your plan for mitigating identified barriers to access?
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 20
Finance Sources and Uses (table included in ZoomGrants)
Finance Sources and Finance Uses tables provide a summary of the costs for the project and the sources of
funding. The sources and uses must equal each other. Please indicate the status (committed or uncommitted) for
each funding source.
Funding Sources and Uses Example
Applicants must fill out the Funding Sources and Funding Uses line items below for the project and complete the
narrative questions. Please note, this is not an agency budget, it is specific to the project. When listing other
(non-City) funding sources, please include amounts in the 'committed' and 'uncommitted' columns as appropriate
based on the current funding status.
REQUIRED: Finance Sources and Uses Narrative
Complete this narrative portion by describing the plan and timeline to obtain any uncommitted funding for this
project. Additionally, describe the impact on your project if awarded less than requested. Explain how this project will
move forward if uncommitted funds are not received.
2024 CDBG, HOME and HOME ARP Application Guidelines 21
Required Application Submittal Documents (Upload to Documents tab in ZoomGrants)
For Housing Construction, Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Public Facilities, Shelter Capital Projects
Upload a project timeline using the template provided in ZoomGrants.
Upload a line-item development budget. Please upload in Excel format.
Upload an operating pro forma that includes:
o 20-year cash flow projection for acquisition and new construction projects
o 10-year cash flow projection for rehabilitation projects
Shelter projects do not need to submit a pro forma
Upload an agency annual budget, YTD Financial Statement, and most recent audited financials.
If available, upload award letters/evidence of commitments from other funders that match sources and
uses table.
If available, upload a development team summary describing qualifications and experience. Include
information about the ownership entity, if different from the development team
If available, upload a copy of development pre-application meeting materials.
For Public Services, Microenterprise Business Assistance, Rental Assistance and Housing Services, Shelter Operating,
Homebuyer Assistance
Upload a project timeline using the template provided in ZoomGrants.
Upload a line-item program budget using the template provide in ZoomGrants. Please upload in Excel
format.
Upload an agency annual budget, YTD Financial Statement, and most recent audited financials.
If available, upload award letters/evidence of commitments from other funders that match sources and
uses table.