The City of St. Louis – Community Development Administration (CDA) is now accepting proposals for the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cycle.
The CDBG program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is seeking proposals for projects that will improve neighborhoods, expand economic opportunity, and serve low- to moderate-income residents. This year’s process offers funding for a wide range of priorities, including the Commercial Facade Improvement Program.
Commercial Facade Improvement Program
For the second year in a row, the Commercial Facade Improvement Program is part of the CDBG process. This program provides 5-year forgivable loans to small businesses and commercial property owners to upgrade the character and physical appearance of building exteriors and storefronts. Eligible improvements may include façade restoration, signage, windows, doors, lighting, and accessibility upgrades.
2026 CDBG High Priorities Include:
🏠 Affordable Housing – Rental and homeowner assistance, new unit construction, and rehab of existing units 💼 Economic Development – Support for local businesses, job creation/retention, and micro-enterprise growth 🧒 Public Services: Youth – Childcare, healthcare, afterschool and workforce programs for low- and moderate-income families 🧱 Tornado Recovery – Housing repair, debris removal, mental health services, and beautification in affected neighborhoods
In addition to these priorities, the CDBG program also supports planning activities for low- to moderate-income areas, homeless services and outreach, public facilities and infrastructure, and program administration and compliance.
New Salesforce Application Portal
CDA’s new online grants management system, powered by Salesforce, makes it easier than ever to apply for CDBG funding. The application for the Commercial Facade Program is now conveniently available in CDA’s new Salesforce application portal. This mobile-friendly platform allows for multiple applications from a single account and even allows for document scanning directly from mobile devices. Team collaboration features will also be available soon.
Important Training Opportunity
CDA strongly encourages all applicants to attend the upcoming CDBG Virtual Capacity Building Training: Best Practices: Financial Management, Reporting & Recordkeeping. This training, which will be held on Zoom, will provide key tips for accurate financial reporting, effective recordkeeping, and meeting CDBG compliance requirements.
How to Apply
All application materials, instructions, and supporting resources for the 2026 cycle are posted on the CDA website at 🔗www.stlouis-mo.gov/CDA/cdbg/2026.cfm. This page includes the full 2025 CDBG Request for Proposals (RFP) document, as well as slide decks from public hearings. Applicants are advised to carefully review all requirements before beginning their application.
