Make a Difference Program

The Make a Difference (MAD) Program offers flexible CDBG funding to Louisiana communities for comprehensive projects that create measurable improvements. The program enables local governments to design customized solutions that enhance living conditions, expand opportunities and strengthen community infrastructure.

Application Process

Applications for the FY 2026 MAD Program have been accepted and awards were announced as of April 1, 2026. Information regarding the FY 2026-2027 program cycle is available in the Method of Distribution.

Information regarding the FY 2027 application period will be available August 2026.

Eligible Applicants

Each eligible applicant may submit only one application. Eligible applicants include non-entitlement municipalities and parishes as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5306(d) and 42 U.S.C. 5302(a)(7).

In general, the applicant is determined by the location of the proposed project sites, and excludes the following entitlement areas: Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Bossier City, Hammond, Jefferson Parish (including Grand Isle, Gretna, Harahan, Jean Lafitte, and Westwego), Kenner, Lafayette Parish Consolidated Government, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, St. Tammany Parish (excluding Madisonville), Shreveport, Slidell, Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, and Thibodaux.

Eligible Activities

Proposed activities must be eligible under Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended and must address a CDBG national objective. Applications may include multiple eligible activities designed to address identified community needs.

Types of Grants

Applicants may submit an application for any eligible CDBG activity that meets a national objective and demonstrates measurable community impact.

Funding Process

After all rating points have been assigned to full applications that meet the past performance threshold criteria, LOCD will produce a ranked list of applications from highest to lowest score. Funding will be awarded based on this final ranking list.

Size of Grants

For all grants, a minimum of $500,000, including administrative costs, is required. If, during the rating process, an application’s costs are reduced below the $500,000 minimum, that application will not be considered.

The state has established a funding ceiling of $2,000,000 for the Make a Difference Program.

The state will allow applicants to request funds for administrative costs that do not exceed the ceiling amount, with the following limitations: each local government may request up to a maximum of $100,000 in CDBG funds for administrative costs. LOCD reserves the right to make adjustments when deemed necessary.

If, after a project has been funded, the scope of the project changes significantly, the state will determine the allowable ceiling amount for administrative costs on a case-by-case basis.

In all instances, the local government may, but is not required to, retain up to five percent of the funds allowed for program administration to cover its costs of administering the CDBG program. Such costs may include audit fees, advertising and publication fees, staff time, workshop expenses and related administrative activities.

Pre-agreement costs are not eligible under the FY 2026 MAD program.

Individual Grant Amounts

Grants range from $500,000 to $2,000,000. In determining grant amounts, the state considers the applicant's need, proposed activities, viability of proposed solutions and the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed program.

Additional details regarding scoring and restrictions are available in the Proposed FY 2026-2027 Method of Distribution.