SLDC to Lead Community Development Corporation Certification Program

City approves legislation establishing CDC Certification Program

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has approved legislation establishing a Community Development Corporation Certification Program at the city level, aligning with Missouri state laws. The legislation was signed by St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer last week and is now in effect.

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) will administer the certification program to create a consistent process that streamlines access to available resources. SLDC will distribute information about the new certification process through its newsletter and social media presence. An online application portal is available in English at https://developstlouis.my.site.com/certifiedCDCs/s/.

What is a CDC?

Under the legislation, a CDC is defined as a place-based Missouri nonprofit corporation that meets the definition of a community development corporation under Section 135.400 of the Missouri statutes; promotes and supports community revitalization efforts, including affordable housing development, economic development, community organizing, neighborhood stabilization, and improvement of quality of life; and primarily operates within a defined core service area in the City of St. Louis.

Who Can Apply for CDC Certification?

Nonprofit organizations working to strengthen St. Louis neighborhoods can apply for CDC certification. Certified CDCs will receive preference for eligible funding opportunities from the City of St. Louis related to community development work.

To qualify, organizations must:

• Be a Missouri nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status.

• Serve a defined core service area within the City of St. Louis.

• Have a board of directors where at least 25 percent of members live within the organization's core service area.

• Employ at least one full-time paid staff member.

• Conduct active work in at least three of four focus areas: housing, economic development, community organizing (required for all applicants) and neighborhood quality of life.

CDC Certification Application Process

Organizations applying for CDC certification will be required to provide the following documentation demonstrating they meet program requirements:

• Articles of incorporation and bylaws.

• IRS 501(c)(3) letter.

• Missouri certificate of good standing.

• Board roster.

• Financial statements from the organization's two most recent years.

• Other documentation included in the application form and on the website.

The online application takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Applicants must complete the application in one sitting. Once the application is submitted, SLDC will issue a written decision within 60 days.

Questions about the certification program may be directed to [email protected].