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 April 2023)
- Note: This list is updated quarterly. If your contact information has changed, utilize this Google Form to input new 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 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.
2023 Grant Administrator Training schedule and registration
Today, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the upcoming Grant Administrator Certification Training schedule for 2023. This certification is required for anyone interested in administering CDBG-funded projects in Indiana. This year, trainings are transitioning back to in-person, so those attending should plan and make appropriate accommodations to be in Indianapolis for the full duration of each course.
The schedule is as follows:
Note: All parts of the class must be taken in order to receive credit. Certified Grant Administrators who are taking CDBG 201 and 301 for CE credit must take the corresponding exam to receive credit.
CDBG 101: June 15, 2023, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET
Location: Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204), Wabash Hall, Conference Room 4&5
Please register for the CDBG 101 Course at the following link: CDBG 101 Registration.
Registration for this event will be capped at 50 people. Those interested in attending should register as soon as possible.
*CDBG 101 Virtual Make-Up/Refresher: June 27, 2023, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams Live
*Training is virtual through Microsoft Teams. Ideal for those not seeking full certification or those who might want a refresher.
CDBG 201: Aug. 8- 11, 2023
Location: Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204)
CDBG 301: Sept. 26- 29, 2023
Location: Indiana Government Center South (302 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204)
CDBG 401:
- CDBG Exam Opens Oct. 2, 2023
- CDBG Exam Due Oct. 12, 2023
Registration is required to attend each course. Registration for CDBG 201, 301 and 401 courses will be posted in the upcoming weeks. Information on how to register will be posted on the OCRA website once available, 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 courses, please email the CDBG Program Manager Sydney Granlund (SGranlund@ocra.in.gov) or CDBG@ocra.in.gov.
Visit the CDBG Policies page and review the Grant Administrator Certification policy if you have questions. For any additional questions, please contact CDBG@ocra.in.gov.