2010 APPLICATION FOR FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM

Available Funds

The Township’s CDBG entitlement for the 2010 federal fiscal year is anticipated to be at least approximately 323,526. The final federal grant dollars though enacted by Congress for Federal year 2010 has not been finalized at this time. The program year will start September 1, 2010. A maximum of 20% ($64,705) can be allocated for planning and administration, resulting in $258,821 available for housing rehabilitation, public improvements, facility improvements and public services (limited to 15% of the grant or $48,529).

Program Information Most eligible activities must either benefit low/moderate income persons directly (i.e. housing rehabilitation program, public services) or benefit an area where a majority of the residents are low and moderate income. HUD Income Guidelines for Franklin Township (effective 03/19/2009) are as follows:

 

Household

 Size

Low
Income

Moderate
Income

1

$35,050

$44,800

2

$40,050

$51,200

3

$45,050

$57,600

4

$50,050

$64,000

5

$54,050

$69,100

6

$58,050

$74,250

7

$62,050

$79,350

8

$66,050

$84,500

Funds may be used for the following activities which include, but are not limited to:

  • acquisition of real property; 
  • relocation and demolition; 
  • rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures; 
  • construction of public facilities and improvements; 
  • public services, within a 15% cap;
  • provision of assistance to profit-motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention activities. 

Eligible applicants must be incorporated as New Jersey-based non-profit organizations, as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.501 (a)).

Criteria for funding: Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Eligibility of the activity under CDBG;
  • Compliance with a CDBG national objective;
  • Consistency with the community development priorities and objectives of the Township;
  • Prior experience with CDBG and other grant programs;
  • Prior experience in the type of project/activity being proposed;
  • Organization’s administrative and financial capacity to carry out the proposed activity, and
  • Appropriateness of the design of the project or delivery approach.

 

 


 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The following outlines the information required to apply for 2010 CDBG funds.  Applicants are advised to read the information on the Township’s website and distributed by the Township concerning the block grant program, eligible activities and the application process. This information is also available at the Franklin Township Public Library located at the Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane. Applicants are strongly advised to discuss their projects with the Grants Consultant (deborah.mitchell@twp.franklin.nj.us) to predetermine eligibility for funding before developing a lengthy application.

Provide a narrative (not more than four one-sided 8 ½ X 11 pages) that includes the following information:

  • Name and Address of applicant agency
  • Agency Contact (name, title, phone and fax numbers and email address)
  • Mission of the Agency, services provided and clients served.
  • Project Name, Location and Amount of CDBG Funds Requested.
  • Project Category (Public Improvements, Public Facilities, Public Service, Housing or Economic Development) and Project Type (Designated Service Area, Limited Clientele or Categorically Eligible)
  • Project Description:  Answer the following:
  • What will CD funds be used for?
  • What Community Development  Need(s) are addressed by the project?
  • Who will implement the project?
  • Who benefits from the project?
  • What percentage of beneficiaries are low and moderate income persons or households and how is this documented?
  • For Public Service Projects: Explain how this project is a new public service or how the current public service is being expanded or increased.
  • Project Implementation Schedule: (Projects can begin no earlier than September 1, 2009 and must be substantially underway within a year from that date.)
  • Provide Total Project Budget Cost including identification of CDBG and other funds and the sources of other income.
  • The Chief Executive Officer must sign and date the project narrative. An electronic signature is acceptable.
  • If desired, maps, pictures or brochures maybe be included and referenced in the narrative. If the application is submitted on-line these items must be mailed or delivered to the municipal building at the address shown below.

Applications are available at www.franklintwpnj.org and may be submitted on-line to Pat.Loehle@twp.franklin.nj.us or in person to the Office of the Grants Coordinator, Franklin Township Municipal Building, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ 08873 BY 4 PM, MARCH 16, 2010.

A public hearing is scheduled for MARCH 23, 2010 AT 7 PM. While attendance is not required, during the hearing applicants will have an opportunity to present their proposed projects to the Township Council.