Main Content
Background
Since 1994, the State of Indiana has required formal certification of all persons administering Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects in Indiana. The information below outlines the certification process and explains how to become certified.
The CDBG certification process has been established for the following reasons:
- This program involves complex administrative and financial procedures regulated by federal and state policies. Knowledge of the applicable regulations and policies is essential to achieve a high level of efficiency in the oversight of grant awards. The needs of the constituents are more adequately met.
- Certification is like an insurance policy that protects grantees from unnecessary monitoring findings due to inexperienced administrators.
To view the current Certification Process, visit our CDBG Policies page.
- View the current GA list (updated Sept. 17, 2020)
Continuing Education and Renewal
As of March 15, 2018, the new policy for Grant Administrator Certification and Continuing Education (CE) is effective after completing the public comment process. After reviewing the feedback, OCRA determined that no changes were necessary as the comments related to the policy’s implementation and not the policy content.
The next phase will be the implementation process. OCRA has already begun to work on this, and will be releasing more information in coming months. We understand questions may be raised about this new policy and have assembled a frequently asked questions (FAQs) document to help.
Under the new Grant Administrator Certification and Continuing Education (CE) policy that was effective as of March 15, 2018, a certified Grant Administrator must complete six (6) CE credits each year to be able to renew their certification. Two (2) of the six (6) credits must be an OCRA GA Update. The remaining credits can be earned by participation at OCRA approved events. View our Grant Administration Continuing Education page for more information.
Become Certified
CDBG Certified Grant Administrators administer grants funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, which is part of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on behalf of cities, towns and counties. CDBG funding is used for infrastructure projects such as sewer, waste, and drinking water, emergency services such as fire/EMS stations, downtown revitalization, community facilities, strategic planning and community master plans, housing, and other projects which benefit communities. The Grant Administrator serves as the liaison between the funded community and OCRA and is an expert on the CDBG grant process and federal guidelines.
This is not a general grant writing course. This certifications prepares participants to administer a CDBG grant after it has been funded by OCRA. Any information about preparing applications is specific to Indiana CDBG grants only.
The 2020 schedule is currently suspended. More information will be provided at a later date.
Due to the increasing cost of printing, all course materials are only provided digitally. Registration must be completed in advance and closes two weeks prior to the respective course start date. The state accepts Visa or MasterCard.
Please note: The system typically makes you wait 15 to 30 minutes between registrations if you’re using the same credit card.
Visit the CDBG Policies page and review the Grant Administrator Certification policy if you have questions. Any additional questions can be sent to Matt Wakefield.