MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County is inviting local nonprofits and community organizations to compete for a key federal funding source to strengthen underserved neighborhoods. Registration is now open for the county’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application Workshop, scheduled for Jan. 15.
County officials say the workshop is a required first step for any group seeking CDBG funding in the upcoming cycle. Registration must be completed by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, and attendance at the workshop is mandatory for applicants. Click this link to register.
The session will be held Thursday, January 15 at 3:15 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Berkeley County Administration Building at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.
A Federal Program With Broad Local Impact
Berkeley County receives CDBG funding annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program, one of HUD’s longest‑running community development initiatives, provides formula‑based grants to eligible cities and counties to support projects that primarily benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents.
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CDBG dollars are intentionally flexible, allowing counties like Berkeley to tailor investments to local needs. According to HUD guidelines, eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Acquisition of real property
- Relocation and demolition
- Rehabilitation of residential and non‑residential structures
- Construction of public facilities and improvements, including water and sewer systems, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible community uses
- Public services, within federally established limits
- Energy conservation and renewable energy activities
- Assistance to profit‑motivated businesses to support economic development and job creation or retention
These projects often translate into visible improvements — from safer streets and upgraded community centers to expanded social services and revitalized neighborhoods.
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Who Can Apply
To qualify for funding, organizations must meet HUD’s national objectives and demonstrate that their proposed project will primarily benefit low‑ and moderate‑income individuals or areas in unincorporated Berkeley County. Applicants must also comply with federal eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and performance standards.
County officials emphasize that the January 15 workshop will walk participants through the application process, scoring criteria, and compliance expectations.
Supporting Community Needs
For fast‑growing counties like Berkeley, CDBG funding has become a critical tool for addressing infrastructure gaps, housing challenges, and economic disparities. Each year, the county allocates its federal award to projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities for residents who need them most. To learn more about eligibility, click here.
Organizations seeking more information can contact Berkeley County Grants Specialist Shonda Williams at Shonda.Williams@berkeleycountysc.gov.
