Home improvements are necessary to maintain the value of your home in the market, and they make your daily living experience easier and more enjoyable as well. Unfortunately, they can also be expensive, and if you don't have any extra money, it may seem like you'll never get them done. Luckily, you can get a community-based home improvement grant through several programs.
Instructions
1. Understand that these grants are actually administered by your local government or municipality. You cannot receive a community-based home improvement grant directly from the federal government or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) works by providing grants to smaller groups, who then select individuals or projects that get the money.
2. Determine where you live in terms of HUD's jurisdictions, so you know where to look for grant money. You need to know if you live in an entitlement or non-entitlement community. Entitlement communities consist of metropolitan/urban areas, and funds are administered directly by the jurisdictions. Non-entitled communities are rural areas and small towns. The state governments administer these grants.
3. Decide what home improvements you intend to make with the money. Examples of successful project proposals include roofing, siding, windows, energy-efficient improvements, structural improvements, upgrades in plumbing and electricity, even kitchen and bath remodels. It's best to have a clear understanding of what you want before you apply.
4. Contact your jurisdiction administrator for an application. You can start by contacting officials of your city, municipality or county. If you aren't getting answers there, try contacting your HUD Community and Planning Development field officer (see Resources). Community Action Agencies and state Housing Development Authorities are also great resources, and many of them will help you fill out the applications as well and answer any questions you might have.
5. Fill out the application, neatly and completely. Turn it in before the deadline, if there is one. (Some programs have them; others have revolving applications with waiting lists and release funds as they become available.)
Tags: community-based home, community-based home improvement, home improvement, home improvement grant, improvement grant, these grants
