Frequently Asked Questions – CDBG

C1. Is a program to perform minor external preservation work on homes of low income households an eligible Rehabilitation Project for CDBG?
Yes, minor rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes is eligible, including external preservation work such as replacing doors and windows for energy efficiency and is considered a Rehabilitation Project under CDBG Regulations.

C2. We are interested in applying for CDBG Public Service funding but are curious about what the reporting looks like. Would it be possible to share an example of a report document with us?
To get an idea of the basic information required for a Public Service monthly report, refer to the CDBG Monthly Report Form found online. Other reporting information is dependent upon the scope of work of the project.

C3. How would we need to document individuals served if a CDBG project served all students in an entire school?
There are several ways to document that HUD funds are used to serve low and moderate income individuals: 1) Obtain income records 2) if serving a Head Start school, provide Head Start data, 3) if serving a school consisting of public housing residents, obtain information from Tulsa Public Housing or 4) if serving a school of abused or homeless children, HUD will presume they are low and moderate income individuals.

C4. What is the CDBG process for submitting expenses for reimbursement? What types of documentation is required regarding salaries, supplies and other program expenses?
Documentation requires signed time and activity reports, payroll and fringe benefit information, financial reports, and invoices and/or receipts for any funds that will be requested for reimbursement.

C5. If we are serving a school, can free/reduced lunch numbers from the school be used to verify that at least 51 percent of participants are L/M income individuals? At the school we would be serving, 100 percent of students qualify for free/reduced lunches. 
Yes, by identifying the school location the organization will be serving and where the source documentation is derived from to support that 100% of the students qualify for free/reduced lunches.

C6. Is there a recommended % of CDBG funds requested vs. funds leveraged from other sources?
At this time, there is not a recommended identified percentage of CDBG funds requested in relation to the percentage of committed leverage to specifically support the program/project. 

C7. Is there a recommended threshold (such as 10%) for administrative costs charged to a CDBG grant? 
Thirty percent or less (30%) is the recommended threshold for administrative costs charged to a CDBG grant.