Community Development

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.

FY 2028 (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028)

The FY 2028 Community Development Fund Pre-Application is due on August 5, 2026 by 5:00pm EST.

FY 2028 Application on Neighborly

FY 2028 Application Process Overview

FY 2028 Application Materials:

• FY 2028 Community Development Fund NOFA PDF
• FY 2028 Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 139KB) - updated July 30, 2026
• Project Budget Template
• FY 2028 NOFA Workshop Recording
• Evaluation and Scoring Criteria by Track:
  • Community Development Grants Track Evaluation Criteria(PDF, 185KB)
  • Economic Development Grants Track Evaluation Criteria(PDF, 185KB)
  • Innovation Small Grants Track Evaluation Criteria(PDF, 169KB)

Important Dates:

• August 5: Pre-Application Deadline
• September 16: Full Application Deadline

NOTE: All prospective applicants will be required to participate in at least ONE (1) technical assistance offerings for their application to be considered for funding for FY 2028.

• FY 2028 NOFA Workshop (July 13, 2026, 2pm-3pm) -OR-
• Technical Assistance Office Hours:
  • Community Development and Innovation Small Grants Track TA:
    • Pre-Application Office Hours (July 6-August 4) -OR-
    • Full Application Office Hours (August 10-Sepember 15)
  • Economic Development Grant Track TA:
    • Economic Development Grant Track Office Hours (July 6-September 15)

FY 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)

FY 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

• FY 2026 Budget Summary
• Subrecipient Workshop Recording
• Subrecipient Workshop PowerPoint(PDF, 842KB)

FY 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)

• FY 2025 Budget Summary
• FY 2025 Funded Programs

FY 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)

• FY 2024 Budget Summary
• FY 2024 Funded Programs
• Subrecipient Workshop Recording

FY 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023)

• FY 2023 Budget Summary
• FY 2023 Funded Programs

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.

Learn more about the CDBG.

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.

Learn more about the CSBG.

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.

Learn more about the AHIF.