The National Community Development Association (NCDA) is pleased to announce its 2021 John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Award Application. The award recognizes outstanding member efforts to promote and celebrate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and/or the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program during National Community Development Week, April 5-9, 2021. This year marks the 47th anniversary of the CDBG program, the 29th anniversary of the HOME program, and the 21st anniversary of the John A. Sasso National Community Development Week Awards.
National Community Development Week
National Community Development Week was started 35 years ago by NCDA, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Association of Counties, and National League of Cities to educate new members of Congress about CDBG. The week-long celebration has evolved to include the HOME program and the participation of many national organizations. The week provides the opportunity for grantees, subrecipients, beneficiaries, local partners, and the community to come together to celebrate and recognize CDBG and HOME by showcasing projects and educating the community, Congressional Members, and the media about the need and importance of the programs.
John A. Sasso
John began his career in Pawtucket, RI as the Deputy Director of the Redevelopment Agency in the early 1960s. He then became the first Executive Secretary of the Model Cities Directors Association in Washington, DC, which changed its name to the National Model Cities and Community Development Directors Association. This organization was renamed the National Community Development Association in 1980. John remained Director until retiring in 2002. John passed away in August 2016. He was a leading national force in promoting CDBG, NCDA, and its members and he cared deeply about the low- and moderate-income people and neighborhoods served by CDBG.
Submission Criteria
To be eligible for consideration, communities must be a paid member of NCDA and must complete the application submission by COB, May 14, 2021.