These grants have individual significance due to the type of funding that the grants provide assistance for. The federal grant application process can be quite confusing and requires a lot of research to ensure that the requirements are met before applying. Applicants should seek out professional guidance to ensure that the grant they are applying for meets their needs and they are qualified to receive the …show more content…
A lump sum amount is awarded to a state, county, or city government for general use. The requirements of this type of federal grant is established at the lowest level essential to meet federal guidelines. Application requirements are not specific and scrutiny over how the grants are utilized is non-existent. The recipients are allowed the freedom to allocate to local projects based on their needs. This flexibility is designed to allow local governments to distribute the funds to a variety of projects. The Community Development Block Grant and The Social Security Act are examples of Block Grants (federalgrants.com).
The Community Development Block Grant is the longest running HUD program in existence today. This was the first grant to bypass the state and federal funds were awarded directly to city and county governments. This grant provides housing rehabilitation, general public improvements and economic development. Block grants were awarded to HUD to provide funding to Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida to assist in rebuilding communities after they were struck by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma