What Technology Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Emerging Trends in Community Development & Services Funding for Social Justice Organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color across Colorado, the Banking Institution's grant program is evolving to address the changing landscape of community development. The increasing focus on racial justice has led to a shift towards supporting grassroots organizations led by communities of color. As a result, there is a growing demand for flexible funding that allows organizations to respond to emerging needs and capitalize on new opportunities, such as those presented by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. One key trend is the prioritization of partnership development grants that support collaborations between community organizations, local government agencies, and other stakeholders. This approach recognizes that complex social issues require coordinated efforts and resources, including those available through the USDA Rural Development Grant. The Fund's emphasis on trusting in and mobilizing resources for grassroots organizations reflects this trend, with 90 percent of grantee groups being led by Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. The CDBG program is a concrete example of a regulation that applies to this sector. As a funding source for community development activities, CDBG requires grantees to comply with specific regulations and reporting requirements. To be eligible, organizations must demonstrate their capacity to manage and report on grant funds effectively, highlighting the importance of capacity building and technical assistance in the sector. ## Capacity Requirements and Delivery Challenges in Community Development & Services Organizations face unique delivery challenges, such as limited resources, high demand for services, and the need to navigate complex regulatory environments. One verifiable delivery challenge is the requirement to comply with the CDBG program's stringent reporting and record-keeping requirements. To address these challenges, organizations must develop strong operational systems, including staffing and resource allocation strategies that allow them to effectively manage grant funds and deliver high-quality services. Partnership development grants can help organizations build their capacity by supporting staff training, infrastructure development, and other capacity-building activities. ## Risk Management and Compliance for Community Development & Services Grantees To mitigate risks and ensure compliance with grant requirements, organizations must be aware of eligibility barriers and compliance traps. For example, failure to comply with CDBG regulations can result in loss of funding or other penalties. To manage these risks, organizations should develop robust compliance systems, including internal controls and reporting mechanisms. They should also be aware of what is not funded under the grant program, such as activities that do not align with the funder's priorities or that lack a clear connection to community development and social justice. To measure the success of their efforts, grantees will be required to report on specific outcomes and KPIs, such as the number of people served, services provided, and outcomes achieved. Reporting requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement and may include regular progress reports and a final report at the end of the grant period. Q: How can our organization determine if we are eligible for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program? A: To determine eligibility, review the CDBG program's guidelines and consult with the Banking Institution's grant program staff to discuss your organization's specific situation and potential eligibility. Q: What types of activities are typically funded under the partnership development grant category? A: Partnership development grants often support collaborations between community organizations, local government agencies, and other stakeholders, such as initiatives that bring together multiple partners to address a specific community need or issue, potentially leveraging resources like the USDA Rural Development Grant. Q: How will the Banking Institution's grant program measure the success of its grantees? A: The grant program will measure success based on specific outcomes and KPIs, such as the number of people served, services provided, and outcomes achieved, as outlined in the grant agreement and reported through regular progress reports and a final report.