Background
Since 1994, the State of Indiana has required formal certification in order to administer Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects in Indiana. The CDBG certification process was established to cover the complex administrative and financial procedures regulated by federal and state policies. Knowledge of the applicable regulations and policies is essential for the oversight of CDBG grant awards. The Grant Administrator Certification helps to meet the needs of constituents and provides insurance to grantees against unnecessary monitoring findings due to inexperienced administrators.
Find the Grant Administrator Certification Policy here.
Find a Certified Grant Administrator
The Office of Community and Rural Affairs maintains an updated list of current certified grant administrators. This list is updated quarterly.
- View the current GA list here (Updated January 2025).
If you are a certified grant administrator and your contact information has changed, use this Google Form to update your contact information and stay informed about OCRA updates. This also makes sure we can include your accurate information in the GA contact list.
Grant Administrator Training Schedule and Registration
CDBG Certified Grant Administrators manage grants funded by the federal CDBG Program, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on behalf of cities, towns, and counties. 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.
To be certified, participants must complete CDBG 101, 201, 301, and pass a final CDBG 401 exam. Trainings are hosted in-person, and registration is required. Please plan ahead and make appropriate accommodations to be in Indianapolis for the full duration of each training.
All parts of the class must be taken to receive credit. Participants who are seeking certification must take the corresponding exam with each course to receive credit.
For certified Grant Administrators who want to attend CDBG 201 or 301 again, they are each worth one (1) continuing education credit when you complete the course exam.
If you have any questions regarding the trainings and certification process, please contact the CDBG Program Manager Armica Bash Gaspar via email here: CDBG@ocra.in.gov.
2025 Training Schedule
CDBG 101: Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
- Location: The Garrison, The Blue Heron Ballroom, 6002 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216
- Training materials will be added after the training
- Click here to register
*CDBG 101 Virtual Make-Up/Refresher: Wednesday, June 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Microsoft Teams Live - registration link will be updated
- This option is ideal for those not seeking full certification or those who might want a refresher.
- Training materials and recording will be added after the training
CDBG 201 (3.5-day training): Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon ET
- Location: The Garrison, The Blue Heron Ballroom, 6002 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216
- Training materials and recording will be added after the training
CDBG 301 (3.5-day training) Tuesday, Sept. 30, through Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon ET
- Location: Fort Harrison State Park Inn, The Roosevelt Room, 5830 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216
- Training materials and recording will be added after the training
CDBG 401:
- CDBG Exam Opens Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
- CDBG Exam Due Monday, Nov. 3, 2025