PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Early access to funds to explore a concept and determine its viability is a critical step in the success of a project. CDFA deploys a variety of resources to support the planning and development phases of community development, economic development and clean energy projects.

Planning Grants

A subset of the Community Development Block Grant program, Planning Grants of up to $25,000 support planning and feasibility related activities to determine whether a proposed project is viable. Municipalities can apply for funding to conduct activities like income surveys, preliminary architectural and engineering design, cost estimates and market analysis.

Pre-Development Loan Program

The Pre-Development Loan Program helps municipalities and nonprofit organizations prepare local development projects for funding and implementation. The program supports activities such as studying the feasibility of renovating a downtown building, gathering public input on a project idea, developing a business plan for a new facility or seeking planning and zoning approval. Loans of up to $100,000 are available and eligible projects must stand a reasonable chance of being financed and initiated within two years.

Clean Energy Fund Energy Audit Program

CDFA has resources available to support rural small businesses and agricultural producers in New Hampshire communities through the Clean Energy Fund’s Energy Audit Program. Using funds from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program grant program, CDFA will fund 75 percent of a comprehensive, ASHRAE Level II energy audit with eligible participants required to pay for 25 percent.