Community Enhancement Grant (CEG)

2027-2028 Community Enhancement Grant (CEG)

The City of Raleigh is preparing to open the FY 2027–2028 Community Enhancement Grant (CEG) opportunity.

CEG provides Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for eligible public service activities that benefit low- and moderate-income Raleigh residents.

Organizations considering applying are encouraged to review the program requirements carefully before beginning an application.

Funding Snapshot

Important: Because CEG funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, applicants should have sufficient financial capacity to carry out proposed activities while awaiting reimbursement.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet the requirements established in the FY 2027–2028 Community Enhancement Grant Request for Proposals (RFP), including applicable federal CDBG requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Organizational experience and capacity;
• Financial capacity to administer reimbursement-based funding;
• Ability to implement the proposed project;
• Ability to meet applicable CDBG eligibility and National Objective requirements; and
• Ability to serve eligible Raleigh residents.

What Types of Projects May Be Considered? 

Proposed activities must:

• Address an eligible CDBG activity;
• Meet an applicable CDBG National Objective;
• Benefit eligible low- and moderate-income Raleigh residents;
• Address a documented community need;
• Demonstrate alignment with applicable City and community priorities; and
• Meet all applicable federal, City, and CEG program requirements.

Strong proposals should clearly connect the:

Community Need → Proposed Services → Target Population → Expected Outcomes → Requested Funding

Applicants should provide Raleigh-specific information and credible data demonstrating the need for the proposed activity.

How Applications Are Evaluated 

See the FY 2027–2028 CEG RFP for the detailed evaluation criteria and scoring methodology.

Important Eligibility Information

Administrative eligibility requirements, CDBG eligibility, applicable National Objective requirements, required documentation, registrations, certifications, and other administrative requirements are reviewed separately from competitive scoring.

Meeting administrative and eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Community Priorities 

The FY 2027–2028 CEG application is designed to evaluate how proposed projects respond to community needs and align with applicable City and community priorities.

Applicants should consider applicable priorities identified in:

• City of Raleigh 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan
• A Home for Every Neighbor
• Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC) priorities and homelessness response strategies
• Other applicable adopted City and community priorities

Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed activity responds to a documented need affecting eligible Raleigh residents.

Application Process

Applications will be submitted through City of Raleigh Neighborly Software.

Applicants should be prepared to provide information and documentation related to:

• Organizational experience and capacity;
• Community need and Raleigh-specific data;
• Program design and service delivery;
• Target populations and participant eligibility;
• Outcomes and performance measurement;
• Data collection and reporting;
• Project budget and other funding sources;
• CDBG eligibility and National Objective;
• Financial and administrative requirements; and
• Required certifications and supporting documentation.

Mandatory Information Session

Applicants will be required to attend at least one virtual information session before receiving access to the Neighborly application.

Information session dates, registration instructions, and application access information will be posted when available.

Anticipated Timeline 

RFP/Application Available
Early October 2026

Mandatory Virtual Information Session
Mid-October 2026

Application Deadline
Late November 2026

Please note: These dates are anticipated and may change. Specific dates, registration information, application instructions, workshops, and resources will be posted as they become available.

Is CEG a Fit for Your Organization?

CEG may be appropriate for organizations proposing eligible public service activities that address a documented community need and benefit eligible low- and moderate-income Raleigh residents.

Before applying, organizations should consider whether they can:

✓ Demonstrate a clear and documented community need;
✓ Serve an eligible Raleigh population;
✓ Meet applicable CDBG eligibility and National Objective requirements;
✓ Demonstrate organizational and financial capacity;
✓ Provide the required documentation and certifications; and
✓ Carry out the project using reimbursement-based funding.

Review the FY 2027–2028 CEG RFP carefully before deciding whether to apply.

Before You Apply

Applicants are encouraged to:

1. Review the FY 2027–2028 CEG RFP in its entirety.
2. Determine whether the proposed activity is eligible under CDBG and CEG requirements.
3. Document the community need using credible, Raleigh-specific information and data.
4. Review the funding limitations and reimbursement requirements.
5. Gather organizational, financial, program, and supporting documentation.
6. Plan to attend at least one mandatory virtual information session.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to Community Development News through MyRaleigh Subscriptions to receive updates about:

• CEG application availability;
• Mandatory information sessions;
• Application deadlines;
• Workshops and resources; and
• Other community development funding opportunities.

Questions?

Compliance and Planning Unit
Email: ComplianceandPlanningUnit@raleighnc.gov

Please include “Community Enhancement Grant” in the subject line.

Important: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Awards are subject to eligibility requirements, available funding, applicable federal requirements, contract requirements, and City Council approval.