Community Development Corporations

Background

The Community Development Grants Program has been a part of the Rural Center almost from the beginning. It began with a request from the N.C. General Assembly in 1987 that the Rural Center administer an economic development grants program focused on minority-controlled organizations.

The center championed the effort because it recognized the potential of CDCs in serving low-income and minority communities through comprehensive development strategies. Many of North Carolina's minority communities have suffered from long-term economic distress and from a lack of capital for economic development.

After a few years, the center added a technical assistance component to the grants programs, providing training and on-site consultation. These have covered such issues as board development, strategic planning, personnel systems, fiscal management, housing development, business development, community leadership, collaboration, and housing and rental counseling.

Program accomplishments
1988-2012
• 81 CDCs supported
• $35 million in grants awarded
• 20 CDCs in program

Funded CDCs have
• Constructed more than 500 housing units
• Rehabilitated and/or weatherized more than 400 homes
• Conducted more than 350 training workshops
• Operated programs focusing on youth development, financial literacy, leadership development,
   homebuyer education, health education, entrepreneurship and national customer service training

• Prevented more than 1,200 home foreclosures
• Led commercial development projects that served more than 500 businesses