The city of Simi Valley is requesting applications for the Community Development Block Grant program, which every year doles out federal money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to local nonprofits.

This year, the city expects to receive about $524,000 for the program, compared to $817,000 a year ago, so competition for money is expected to be fierce.

According to senior planner Shannon Nash, the city is looking for nonprofits involved in projects and activities that provide direct benefits to Simi Valley residents, as well as groups that do their own fundraising and don't rely completely on block grant money.

To assist nonprofits in applying for block grant money, workshops will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. Both workshops will take place in the community room at city hall.

Organizations applying for CDBG funds must attend one of the workshops. Those that do not attend will not qualify for funding.

The workshops cover all questions related to the application process, reimbursement submittals and reporting requirements. "We're doing more hands-on work (this year) with the applicants to assist them in making the best application they can," Nash said.

To register for one of the two workshops, call Lisa Gotham at (805) 583-6836 by Oct. 2.

The city is scheduling appointments to receive applications between Oct. 11 and Nov. 3.