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Grant Administrator Certification

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.


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 certification 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.

2024 Grant Administrator Training Schedule and Registration

The Office of Community and Rural Affairs is excited to announce our Grant Administrator Certification Training schedule for 2024. This certification is required for anyone interested in administering CDBG-funded projects in Indiana on behalf of rural communities. The trainings will be in-person. Please plan and make appropriate accommodations to be in Indianapolis for the full duration of each training.

The schedule is as follows:

CDBG 101: Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

  • Location: The Garrison, The Blue Heron Ballroom, 6002 N Post Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46212

Please register for the CDBG 101 training at the following link: CDBG 101 Registration. Registration for this event will be capped at 50 people, so please register as soon as possible if you are interested in attending.

*CDBG 101 Virtual Make-Up/Refresher: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET 

  • *Training is virtual through Microsoft Teams. Ideal for those not seeking full certification or those who might want a refresher. No registration is required.

CDBG 201 (3.5-day training): Tuesday, Aug. 6, through Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon ET

  • Location: Fort Harrison State Park Inn, The Roosevelt Room, 5830 N Post Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46212

CDBG 301 (3.5-day training): Tuesday, Sept. 24, through Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon ET 

  • Location: Fort Harrison State Park Inn, The Roosevelt Room, 5830 N Post Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46212

CDBG 401:

  • CDBG Exam Opens Oct. 15, 2024
  • CDBG Exam Due Oct. 28, 2024

Note: All parts of the class must be taken to receive credit. Certified Grant Administrators who are taking CDBG 201 and CDBG 301 for CE credit must take the corresponding exam to receive credit.

Registration is required to attend each training and will be posted soon for the CDBG 201, 301 and 401 trainings. Information on how to register will be posted on the OCRA website once available, so please check back frequently.

OCRA’s team is looking forward to connecting with existing and potential Certified Grant Administrators throughout this certification process. If you have any questions regarding the trainings, please email the CDBG Program Manager Armica Bash Gaspar (abashgaspar@ocra.in.gov) or CDBG@ocra.in.gov or go to our OCRA website.