Program Year 2027
Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application Period: September 1, 2026 – October 12, 2026

The title of each form below contains a link to the required document.

⚠️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 FUNDING ELIGIBILITY

CDBG funds must be used for eligible activities that meet one of HUD’s CDBG national objectives and address an identified community need. Generally, activities must:

  • Benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons or households;

  • Address an urgent community need that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community; or

  • Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

Not every activity that appears to address a community need is eligible for CDBG funding. Proposed activities must meet HUD requirements for both activity eligibility and a CDBG national objective.

For additional information, applicants should review HUD’s Guide to National Objectives & Eligible Activities.

Organizations may apply for more than one program or project; however, a separate application must be submitted for each proposed activity.

FUNDING CATEGORIES

Brick-and-Mortar Projects

Brick-and-mortar projects are generally classified as Public Facilities and Improvements and may include improvements to eligible public facilities and infrastructure, such as:

  • Streets and sidewalks;

  • Parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities;

  • Public buildings and facilities; and

  • Other eligible public facilities or improvements.

Projects must meet HUD's CDBG eligibility requirements and demonstrate an appropriate national objective. For activities qualifying under the Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit national objective, the area served must meet HUD's applicable LMI requirements. U.S. Census Bureau data is used to identify eligible geographic areas, including census tracts and block groups.

Public Service Activities

Each fall, the City of Wausau makes CDBG competitive grant funding available for eligible public service activities provided by local nonprofit organizations that serve low- and moderate-income residents.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for public service funding, an organization must:

  • Have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status;

  • Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued through SAM.gov;

  • Demonstrate that at least 51% of persons assisted are low- and moderate-income, as defined by HUD; and

  • Demonstrate that at least 75% of persons assisted are City of Wausau residents.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses may include reasonable and necessary costs directly associated with providing the approved public service, including:

  • Salaries and wages;

  • Rent;

  • Utilities; and

  • Program supplies and materials required to provide services to eligible clientele.

Ineligible Expenses

CDBG funds may not be used for:

  • Political activities;

  • Payments directly to individuals or families for food or clothing;

  • Bonuses;

  • Travel expenses; or

  • Tangible personal property or other expenses that are not eligible under CDBG regulations.

GRANT SPECIFICS

  • Typical Award Amount: $10,000–$25,000 for eligible public service activities.

  • Reimbursement Period: Grant funds are reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred during the applicable program year, generally January 1 through December 31.

  • Competitive Process: CDBG funding is competitive. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding or a specific award amount.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS

The City generally publishes a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in early to mid-fall for the upcoming program year.

Applications are reviewed by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), which makes funding recommendations to the City Council. Final funding awards are subject to City Council approval and are contingent upon the City receiving its annual CDBG allocation from HUD.

Applicants should carefully review all application questions and provide complete and accurate information demonstrating how the proposed activity meets CDBG eligibility requirements and benefits the community.

 

2026 CDBG Allocations

Administration - City of Wausau, Community Development Department

  •  General Administration: Grant management, coordination & oversight
    •  Requested: $100,000
    •  Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $50,000

     

  • Acquisition: Funding to assist with the purchase of vacant lots or slum/blighted properties with the goal to develop single-family housing. 
    • Requested: $250,000
    • Awarded: $221,106

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
    • Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $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
    • Awarded: $9,000