Community Development
Community Development programs help to improve the quality of life in Arlington by supporting public services, business development, job training, employment and affordable housing, particularly for low-income residents.
Through the Community Development Fund, the County provides funding and assistance to local community groups working to achieve the goals identified in the Consolidated Plan:
- Create and sustain affordable housing
- Promote healthy and self-sufficient families
- Stabilize families at risk of homelessness
- Foster vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods
Community Development Fund
The Community Development Fund provides grants through a combination of federal, state and local sources. There are currently two open Notices of Funding Availability.
Supplemental Community Development Fund NOFA
The supplemental NOFA is soliciting proposals for programs and services that serve low- and moderate-income residents in Arlington, and address a need related to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Eligible programs contribute to achieving the goals described in Arlington’s 2016-2021 Consolidated Plan, and must meet one of the following priority areas:
- HOUSING: assist residents to acquire new or retain existing housing, including eviction prevention, technical or legal assistance, mediation, and other related services.
- FOOD SECURITY: assist residents to become food secure, including purchase of food or equipment, developing food security network, and other related services.
- JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT: provide job training and upscaling for essential and supply chain occupations (such as health care, cleaning, and grocery), including industry in-demand certifications, as well as soft skills such as ESOL and computer training.
- SMALL BUSINESS RETENTION AND SUPPORT: design training and provide one-on-one technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs using tools such as the Business Model Canvas, providing direct assistance to entrepreneurs who need to pivot their existing business model.
Grant funds are expected to be available November 2020, and will be awarded for the eight-month period of November 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Grants are anticipated to be in the $50,000-200,000 range. Applications are due August 7th.
FY 2022 Community Development Fund NOFA
The FY 2022 NOFA is soliciting proposals for programs and services that help to improve the economic conditions and quality of life for low- and moderate-income individuals and households in Arlington. Eligible programs contribute to achieving the goals described in Arlington County’s 2016-2021 Consolidated Plan. Typical programs include economic self-sufficiency, business development, job training and placement, community development, and more.
Grants through the regular FY 2022 NOFA will be awarded for the period July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022, and are generally in the $20,000-$50,000 range. Applications are due September 11th.
FY 2022 (July 1 2021 – June 30, 2022
Applications period will open on July 6, 2020.
FY 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021)
Applications were due September 6, 2019.
FY 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020)
Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
An annual formula grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG helps the County to provide decent and affordable housing, clean and safe neighborhoods and to create economic opportunities.
Federal and State Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Program provides funding to Community Action Agencies and others working to address poverty at the community level. Arlington County can use these funds to address local needs for employment, education, income management, housing, nutrition, emergency services and health.
Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF)
The Affordable Housing Investment Fund (AHIF) is the County’s main financing program for affordable housing development. Since 1988, AHIF has helped create the majority of Arlington’s 6,500+ committed affordable rental units. The Fund provides low-interest loans to developers and subsidizes rehabilitation.
Eligible Areas Small Grants Program
The Eligible Areas Small Grants Program provides up to $1,000 to support neighborhood projects. Grants fund activities such as youth sports programs, community workshops, neighborhood festivals and job fairs.