Here's something you don't see every day in a federal grant notice: contractors are on the list of who can apply.
The City of Minot is accepting applications for about $538,345 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for housing and public facilities projects, according to its Notice of Funding Opportunity, the city's fourth such notice. Of that total, $309,136 is set aside for eligible housing activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and households.
Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.
Who can apply
According to the notice, the opportunity is open to nonprofit entities, for-profit entities, community-based development organizations, community development financial institutions, faith-based organizations, an institute of higher learning if carrying out CDBG activities, developers and contractors.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's CDBG program, which funds community development work aimed at improving housing, economic opportunities and infrastructure, mainly for low- to moderate-income people. The funds will be awarded as grants.
Here's how the housing money breaks down, according to the notice:
- Uncommitted funds from prior program years: $214,276.
- Program year 2026 money for housing: $94,860.
- Total for housing: $309,136.
Another $229,209 is available for public facilities and improvements, combining $137,223 in prior-year money and $91,986 from program year 2026. Awards may go up to the maximum available, including the remaining money from the 2024 and 2025 program years.
Questions go to Jodi Erickson, the city's grant manager, and the application is online through the city's CDBG page.
A focus on fixing what's there
Minot's 2026 Annual Action Plan, posted on the same page, explains how the city plans to use the money. Minot became a CDBG entitlement community in 2023, and its first annual allocation of $331,580 came in 2024. A second allocation of $315,990 followed for program year 2025, and a third of $287,456 was awarded for 2026.
The plan sets a goal of developing 80 new or rehabilitated housing units that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income households. But it's clear about where the priority lies. "No CDBG funding is allocated for rental assistance or the production of new units in PY 2026," the plan says, explaining that "the cost of constructing new housing units exceeds program feasibility thresholds." Instead, the city is focusing on rehabilitation of existing housing, which the plan says better fits current market conditions and addresses "the ongoing loss of affordable units due to aging housing."
The plan also notes that rising costs to build and rehab housing have further limited affordable units in Minot, and it lists housing rehabilitation and preservation and homeownership assistance among its priority activities. Some CDBG money will also be used to rehabilitate emergency shelter facilities serving young adults experiencing homelessness. The plan says a homeless shelter that was a priority in the prior program year began operating in January 2026.
Minot is no stranger to federal housing dollars. After the 2011 flood, the city received more than $176 million through two specialized CDBG programs, disaster recovery and the National Disaster Resilience competition, according to the city.
The need is there statewide, too. North Dakota's 2026 Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, prepared by NDSU for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, found that low- and moderately priced homes in the state are much older than more expensive homes. Homes that sold for $150,000 or less in 2025 averaged 63 years old in the state's 12 largest cities, Minot among them.
Why it matters for Contractors
Most federal housing money reaches contractors second-hand, through a city or nonprofit that hires them later. Minot's notice lets contractors and developers apply directly. With the city prioritizing rehab of existing homes over new construction, the projects that fit best are likely repairs, accessibility upgrades and renovations of older housing that serves low- and moderate-income residents. The deadline is close. Contractors interested in applying should read the full notice and Annual Action Plan, contact Jodi Erickson with questions and get applications in by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. Expect federal requirements to come with the money, including income rules for the households served and HUD paperwork, so build that into your plans and pricing before you apply.