Program Year 2027
Notice of Funding Opportunity

 Application Information
     • Application Period: 8/10/26 to 10/12/26 (application will be live by 8:30 AM on 8/10)
     • Pre-Application Summary Deadline: 10/6/26 by 4:00 PM
     • Full Application Deadline: 10/12/26 by 4:30 PM

⚠️IMPORTANT: No application will be accepted without a Pre-Application Summary.

Meeting Schedule
     • Public Hearing: 10/7/26 ~ 5:00 PM ~ City Hall ~ Maple Room 
     • Public Hearing: 10/12/26 ~ 5:00 PM ~ City Hall ~ Maple Room
     • Citizen Advisory Committee Working Session: 11/18/26 ~ 5:00pm ~ City Hall ~ Maple Room
     • Finance Committee: Approve Allocations ~ TBD ~ City Hall ~ Council Chambers
     • City Council: Approve Allocations ~ TBD ~ City Hall ~ Council Chambers
     • Proposed Activities Publication: TBD

Discuss Your Project with Us! 
If you’re interested in learning more about the Community Development Block Grant program or discussing a potential project, individual appointments can be scheduled any time throughout the year. To arrange a meeting, please contact the Development Department by Phone at 715-261-6680 or Email at wausaudevelopment@wausauwi.gov

 

CDBG Funding Eligibility & Program Requirements

CDBG funds must focus on projects that create a measurable community impact and fall within the eligible activity categories outlined by HUD. Eligible activities are those that align with the program's goals of benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, addressing urgent community needs, or eliminating slum and blight. 


CDBG Funding Eligibility: Not all activities within these categories are eligible for CDBG funding. For details on eligible projects, refer to the Guide to National Objectives & Eligible Activities.

  • Organizations may apply for multiple programs or projects; however, a separate application is required for each.
  • All funded projects must meet at least one CDBG National Objective, either benefiting low- and moderate-income persons or preventing or eliminating slums and blight.
  • Applications must address at least one City-identified High Priority Need from the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, including affordable housing, public services, or public facilities.

 
Funding Categories

Brick & Mortar Projects

  •  Brick and mortar projects are called Public Facility projects and include improvements to eligible streets, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds and public buildings.
  • City neighborhoods where brick and mortar projects can be carried out are those in which over 51% of the residents earn low or moderate incomes. U.S. Census Bureau data is used to define eligible neighborhoods. Census data is issued every ten years for the City as a whole, and for smaller geographic areas within the City called census tracts and census block groups.

Public Service Activities

  • Each fall, the CDBG competitive grant program makes available grants for operating costs to local non-profits organizations who assist low- and moderate-income residents as defined by HUD.

Eligibility Requirements
     • Must have a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption status.
     • Must have Unique Entity Identifier Number (UEI) issued through Sam.gov.
     • A minimum of 51% of persons assisted must be low- and moderate-income. 
     • A minimum of 75% of persons assisted must be City of Wausau residents.

Eligible Expenses: Salaries, rent, utilities, program materials as required for the provision of services to agency clientele are eligible expenses.

Ineligible Expenses: Grant funds may not be used for political activities or payments to individuals or families for food, clothing, bonuses, travel expenses, tangible assets.

Grant Specifics
     • Grants generally ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 are available to eligible agencies.
     • Grants are reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred Jan 1–Dec 31 of the program year.

Application Process: A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the next program year’s grant awards is posted by the City usually in early to mid fall of the current program year.

This is a competitive grant process. All applications are reviewed by the Citizen Advisory Committee, which make funding recommendations to the City Council for approval. All funding awards are contingent on the City receiving its annual CDBG award from HUD.

 

2026 Proposed Allocations

Administration - City of Wausau, Community Development Department

  •  General Administration: Grant management, coordination & oversight
    •  Requested: $100,000
    •  Proposed: $100,000


Housing - City of Wausau, Community Development Department

  • Homeowner Rehabilitation: Assistance provided to income eligible homeowners in the form of a low interest loan to completed necessary home improvements. 
    • Requested: $50,000
    • Proposed: $40,000

     

Public Facility - City of Wausau, Engineering Department

  • John Muir Middle School Sidewalk Improvements: Funding to add a sidewalk and ADA curb ramps where there is not currently a sidewalk. Project recommended in the Safe Routes to School Plan and supported by the school principal. 
    • Requested: $90,000
    • Proposed: $90,000

     

Public Facility - Adaptive Communities, Inc.

  • Expanding Adaptive: Funding to purchase and install a lift elevator to ensure full accessibility to the facility's basement recreational area, restrooms and laundry space, allowing adults with special needs to safely access and participate in all program activities that support independent living skills, social engagement and personal goal achievement. 
    • Requested: $40,000
    • Proposed: $40,000

     

Public Service - CASA of Marathon County

  • Court Appointed Advocate Program: Funding to increase capacity by recruiting, training and supporting additional volunteers, ensuring more abused and neglected children involved in the court system have a dedicated advocate to represent their best interests in court. 
    • Requested: $25,000
    • Proposed: $24,000

     

Public Service - Community Partners Campus

  • Support & Resources Program: Funding to support the salary of the Support & Resources Coordinator who provides advocacy, resources, and connections for unhoused guests. 
    • Requested: $25,000
    • Proposed: $24,000

     

Public Service - New Beginnings for Refugees, Inc. 

  • R.E.A.C.H. Resiliency, Empowerment, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Hope: Funding to support the Program Coordinator position who supports refugees and their families as they rebuild their lives in Wausau by addressing immediate needs while promoting long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and empowerment through access to tools, knowledge, and resources. 
    • Requested: $25,000
    • Proposed: $24,000

     

Public Service - Wausau School Foundation

  • Waldron Student Emergency Program: Funding to support financial assistance to support small emergency needs of students. Needs can include things like bus passes, replacement eyeglasses, emergency medical/dental visits, school fees, or other essential physical needs to ensure no child is prevented from participating in school or school-based activities due to financial barriers. 
    • Requested: $9,000
    • Proposed: $9,000