Department Of Commerce

Planning Activities

Planning Grants

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) planning grants are available to eligible counties, cities, and towns. Local governments may apply on behalf of special purpose districts (such as water or sewer districts), unincorporated areas, or on behalf of non-profit organizations (such as a human resource development council, an area agency on aging, a local domestic violence shelter, a boys and girls club, local food bank, hospital, nursing home, or a similar non-profit agency). Counties may also apply for planning grants on behalf of tribal utility authorities.

CDBG planning grants may be used for the preparation of plans, studies, training or research in any of these areas:

  • Growth Policies
  • Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plans (CCIP)
  • Subdivision Regulations
  • Zoning Regulations
  • Regional or Neighborhood Plans
  • Downtown Revitalization or Master Plans
  • Housing Plans
  • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  • Tax Increment Finance District (TIFD) and Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD)
  • Historic and Architectural Preservation Studies
  • ADA Self-Assessment Plans
  • Brownfield Redevelopment Plans
  • Preliminary Architectural Reports (PAR)
  • Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER)
  • Site-Specific Development Plans
  • Business Plans

CDBG Community Planning Grant Application Guidelines, Grant Administration, and Application for 2022 and future grant cycles:  Word  PDF
Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 
Match required. 

2024 Planning Grant Cycles:
Cycle 1 Deadline: March 11,2024, 5 p.m.
Cycle 2 Deadline: June 28, 2024 5 p.m.
Cycle 3 Deadline: November 1, 2024 5 p.m.

Updated Process! Effective immediately, there is a new process to submit your grant application through the  Montana Grants and Loans Portal. To submit your application through the new Montana Grants and Loans Portal, please watch the instructional video below.
If you are a new applicant, you must register first, for which you can use this step-by-step guide.

If you have difficulties submitting your application or have any questions about eligibility requirements, please reach out to division staff via our  online contact form. 

Applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Grant Online
Documenting LMI Informational Webinar

Local governments are responsible for carryout of project activities commensurate with the project application and complying with all applicable state, federal, and local requirements. Montana Department of Commerce (Commerce) is committed to working closely with grantees and their partners to complete CDBG-assisted projects that successfully meet local needs and comply with program requirements. 

Certain federal regulations and policies govern the use of CDBG funds, and CDBG-assisted projects must also comply with state law and local ordinances and policies. CDD staff will provide technical assistance throughout the course of a project to help grantees identify, understand, and fulfill CDBG requirements applicable to their project.

For more information, please reach out to division staff via our   online contact form.

COMMONLY USED FORMS

Sample RFP’s for Solicitation, Professional Services Agreement and Sample Supplemental Conditions to Contracts

CDBG Planning Grant Request for Funds (PDF)

CDBG Planning Grant Progress Report (PDF)

CDBG Planning Grant Completion Report (PDF)

Invoice Tracking (PDF)

Preliminary Architectural Report Example (PDF)

Contract Supplemental Conditions Exhibit 3-E (PDF)

Signature Certification (PDF)

Designation of Deposit (PDF)

Sample Section 3 Public Notice (PDF)

Sample Letter of Work Notification to DBE Firm (PDF)

Please use this Toolkit page to find information regarding common topics and assistance discussed with planning grantees. If you have questions regarding CDBG planning issues that are not addressed here, please  contact the CDBG Planning Staff.

Technical Document Guidelines