Funding Wizard

This Notice announces that HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. In accordance with statutory requirements, the research proposals must be submitted by eligible applicants and provide cost sharing at least 50 percent of total project cost from philanthropic entities or Federal, state, or local government agencies. This Notice announces that HUD is accepting research proposals for such research partnerships and provides a general description of information that should be included in any research proposal.

Through this NOFO, HUD is announcing the availability of at least one award for the $5 million in FY 2022 funding and one award of up to $5 million in FY 2023 funding to provide technical assistance (TA) to units of general local government (UGLGs) and their non-profit partners serving communities experiencing economic hardship.

The purpose of this grant is to conduct research projects on multiple topics of strategic interest to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD’s 2022-26 Learning Agenda (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/HUD-Learning-Age…) identifies HUD’s priority learning and research questions, consistent with the Departmental objectives and goals described in the 2022-26 Strategic Plan (https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/documents/FY2022-2026HUDStrategicP…). Research on topics highlighted in the Learning Agenda will enable the establishment of up to three Hispanic Serving Institution(s) Centers of Excellence (COE). Pursuant to 20 U.S.C.1101a (a)(5) a Hispanic-Serving Institution "means an institution of higher education that (A) is an eligible institution; and (B) has enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application." https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title20/pdf/USCODE-2020…. All applicants must be institutions of higher education granting two-or four-year degrees that are fully accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions are not required to be on the list of eligible HSIs prepared by the U.S. Department of Education. However, an institution that is not on the list is required to provide a statement in the application that the institution meets the U.S. Department of Education’s statutory definition of an HSI as cited above. If an applicant is one of several campuses of the same institution, the applicant may apply separately from the other campuses if the campus has a separate DUNS/UEI number, administrative structure, and budget, and meets the enrollment requirements outlined above. In addition to the topics listed in the Learning Agenda, applicants are invited to submit research proposals on other topics that address issues or challenges that impact housing, community and economic development, and the built environment in and for underserved communities. The following list of topics is not intended to be exhaustive: equity issues in local housing markets, broadly defined to include production and preservation, rental and homeownership, tenant protections, zoning and land use, property appraisals, property taxation, and other topics; building codes, standards, and construction technologies (including offsite/factory-built housing); “green” or energy-efficient practices in housing and carbon reduction strategies; disaster preparedness, and climate resilient planning and construction, and disaster recovery; innovative solutions that allow residents of HUD-assisted rental housing and other low-income renters to access economic opportunities, quality education, affordable transportation, health care, essential services, green-space and cultural amenities; and, housing and community planning that addresses the needs of and engages underserved communities. The research projects are intended to initiate an ongoing series of reports focused on housing, community and economic development, and the built environment in underserved communities that can serve as national, local, or regional benchmarks and assist in support of COE(s) that expand the housing and community development research efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Applicants are encouraged to consider the work of other university-based housing research centers, such as the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University; Depaul University Institute for Housing Studies; Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies; the Housing Initiative at Penn; New York University’s Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy; the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida; and the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California Berkeley, that sometimes focus on national issues, but largely focus on local or regional housing and community development issues. Applicants are also encouraged to consider the Centers of Excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), funded through past HUD grants. https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_21_153. The research projects, proposed by the awardee, will focus on topics of interest to the Department and in serving underserved communities from the unique perspective of institutions that are often located in, and serve the residents of underserved communities. The COE should take a multidisciplinary approach to housing, community, and economic development research, and through innovative methods study the social and economic factors that create healthy communities. Ultimately, the purpose of the COE should be to support evidence-based policy at the local, state, and national levels, using the research it undertakes to identify and evaluate innovative approaches to housing and community and economic development. In addition to identifying research projects, the awardee will be required to develop and submit a detailed plan for the development and long-term sustainment (beyond 5 years) of a Center of Excellence to carry on the work of the initial reports and to serve as a focus of thought leadership and alternative analysis of the issues related to underserved communities. The COE will serve as a platform for the formulation, analysis, and dissemination of innovative, evidence-based solutions to address problems confronting underserved communities. The COE will perform academic research, hold expert convenings, and conduct related activities designed to advance understanding of economic and social factors that affect communities, including housing, economic and workforce development, health and health care, education, civic engagement, public safety, and other dimensions of community health. Through academic programs, research projects and thought leadership, the COE will help leaders across all levels of government, as well as the business and civic sectors, address critical issues that impact the social and economic well-being of the families and individuals who reside in underserved communities. This program intends to fund a series of research reports that will apply new and context-specific approaches and methods to studying challenges faced by urban and rural communities. The findings of these reports will impact policy relevant research at HUD. The Department seeks HSIs with demonstrated capacity to conduct complex research and devise actionable policy recommendations. At the same time, HUD encourages applicants to propose building on their demonstrated experience to do something new and innovative. HUD encourages the submission of proposals that draw on novel research approaches, including big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence; community-engaged and participatory research; and novel partnerships such as academic consortia, and collaboration with private entities or other federal agencies. Competitive applications will include action and sustainability plans, creative partnerships and collaboration models, multidisciplinary and holistic methodologies, and new or enhanced theory of change models designed to achieve transformative outcomes. The funds made available under this NOFO will make awards for recipients to undertake multiple research projects. This opportunity will allow the COE(s) to use this work to leverage other streams of revenue, including from private enterprise and private philanthropic organizations, to support ongoing and sustainable operations and activities. As noted in the Presidential Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, HUD is particularly interested in research to better understand the disparities in our laws and public policies, and in our public and private institutions, that may deny equal housing and community building opportunities to individuals in underserved communities. HUD seeks policy prescriptions that might address these disparities, the results of which would widely be available for application in the field. As such, proposals should address barriers to improving the quality of life and creating a pathway to economic success in underserved communities. The research should take the view of both short- and long-term strategies. Research must be framed toward a long-term goal (e.g., improving minority homeownership).

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) recognizes that fair housing enforcement and education and outreach services are essential components of protecting persons from housing discrimination in the United States. The ARP appropriated $20 million in supplemental Fair Housing Initiatives Program funding to HUD to provide emergency relief to Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), public or private not-for-profit organizations or institutions, and other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices; agencies of State or local governments; and agencies that participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will provide funding to address fair housing education and outreach services, and the costs of delivering or adapting these services, during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with Congress’s intent in enacting the American Rescue Plan, applicants may propose new fair housing education and outreach projects relating to discrimination arising in connection with the pandemic or focus on sustaining core fair housing education activities.The ARP Fair Housing Initiatives Program-Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) NOFO invites applications from eligible EOI organizations seeking support for fair housing activities that are connected to or adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Through this fourth-round funding opportunity, HUD will award grants to eligible organizations to help them continue to advance their mission during the interruption of their operation and recovery efforts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. (See Section III. Eligibility Information). As of March 2022, approximately $16.1 million in ARP FHIP funding was awarded, ensuring that much-needed relief was received by victims of housing discrimination within months of enactment of the ARP; the current ARP NOFO provides additional funding for eligible organizations to continue fair housing activities connected to or adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.ARP National Media Campaign Component This NOFO will make available $1 million for a National Media Campaign. The focus of this national media campaign is to address coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic/post-pandemic housing discrimination issues, especially in underserved communities: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other, persons of color; members of religious groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality; as well as persons with limited English proficiency and other groups of federally protected class members experiencing housing discrimination who have been hit hardest during or relating to the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign must ensure that those most impacted by housing related issues resulting from the pandemic are provided with educational and other resources to identify and combat housing discrimination. The campaign should also focus on areas hit hardest by discriminatory foreclosures and evictions, people experiencing or on the verge of housing instability or homelessness, including those that may face possible displacement due to the end of the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums, senior citizens and people with disabilities who are trying to escape the heightened risk of coronavirus associated with institutional or congregate settings.Studies show that evictions disproportionately affect women of color, with landlords filing for eviction against Black and Hispanic women at higher rates than as against men and white women. The grantee’s objective will be to create and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials in areas most significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in highly segregated areas, rural areas and areas with high incidences of discriminatory foreclosure and eviction. During this national emergency, HUD wants to remind housing providers and the public of important federal fair housing laws that protect persons from discrimination, including harassment and intimidation, in housing and related services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, familial status and disability. HUD recognizes that persons with disabilities, including those who are older and have underlying medical conditions, are vulnerable and may be at high risk for a severe, life-threatening response to COVID-19; therefore, these persons may face unique fair housing and civil rights issues that need to be addressed. The campaign will provide information for all protected classes on how to file a housing discrimination complaint through HUD or a local fair housing agency. ARP EOI Regional/Local/General Component The purpose of this funding component is to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the effects of COVID-19 and to enhance fair housing education and outreach services and related infrastructure. Consistent with this purpose, funding may support a wide range of in-scope education and outreach activities, which may change as COVID-19 circumstances and related community, public, and organizational needs evolve over the 12 to18 month period of performance. This ARP EOI NOFO makes available $2,385,353.12 million to support eligible organizations and activities. The ARP EOI NOFO provides broad flexibility to each applicant to address specific fair housing education and outreach needs in their communities related to COVID-19. Below are examples of eligible activities and allowable use of funds under this NOFO:Develop and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials designed to inform members of the public of their rights under the Fair Housing Act and how they can file a housing discrimination complaint. Applicants should focus their efforts on those geographic areas that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and should educate the public about the warning signs of discriminatory foreclosures and evictions related to the pandemic, and the remedies available. Applicants may also utilize funding for adaptive services and technology to provide outreach to the public when in-person services are not available due to the rise in coronavirus cases. Rehire fair housing staff laid off as a result of the pandemic and promote workforce development. Establish, expand, sustain and develop fair housing staff to carry out fair housing education and outreach services.Develop, implement and sustain infrastructure projects to promote efficiency and to avert disruptive and costly delays in provision of fair housing services caused by COVID-19.Engage in and implement activities that invest in equity and fair housing opportunities for underserved communities who need the services the most: populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including Black, Latino, Indigenous, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other, persons of color; members of religious groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer, (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality; including young adults.Work to close housing disparities and increase access to affordable housing by educating the public, address sexual harassment prevention, and engage in community-based fair housing crisis intervention.Develop, implement and provide fair housing technical assistance, fair housing staff training and new fair housing curricula.

The purpose of the Housing-related Hazards Capital Fund (HRHCF) & Lead-based Paint Capital Fund Program (LBPCF) Notice of Funds Opportunity (NOFO) is to evaluate and reduce residential health hazards in public housing, including lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety, and asbestos. In accordance with Section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g) (1937 Act), and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, $65 million shall be made available for competitive grants to public housing agencies to evaluate and reduce housing-related hazards including lead-based paint in public housing, whereas no less than $25 million of the $65 million of the available funds shall be awarded for evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards specifically by carrying out the activities of lead-based risk assessments, inspections, abatement, interim controls, and clearance examinations. These amounts shall be combined with an additional $35 million made available under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 for housing-related hazards and approximately $7.4 million in recaptured and/or carryover funding from the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 for housing-related hazards or lead-based paint, as applicable. Previous versions of this announcement include FR-6400-N-68, Housing-related Hazards Capital Fund Program and FR-6400-N-42, Lead-based Paint Capital Fund Program, which are now combined into one funding opportunity title. Although two grant programs are combined under one funding opportunity title, applicants will request funding from each grant program separately per the program requirements and application submission guidelines. Applicants are entitled to apply for one grant program or both. Applications will be competitively scored based on the unique rating factors for each individual program and funding may be awarded, fully or partially, under one program, both, or neither based on the rating, ranking, and funding available under each program. If the applicant is applying for funding under both grant programs, the rating and rankings will be determined separately.

Through this NOFO, HUD is announcing the availability of approximately $72,158,000 in FY 2022 funding for its Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program (Community Compass). Contingent upon the availability of FY 2023 appropriations, we reserve the right to award FY 2023 funds based on this single NOFO competition.As HUD’s integrated technical assistance (TA) and capacity building initiative, Community Compass is designed to help HUD’s customers navigate complex housing and community development challenges by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, tools, capacity, and systems to implement HUD programs and policies successfully and sustainably and provide effective administrative and managerial oversight of HUD funding.We recognize that our customers often interact with a variety of HUD programs, and other federal programs servicing common customers, as they deliver housing or community development services. Community Compass brings together TA investments from across HUD program offices, including the offices of Community Planning and Development, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Housing, and Public and Indian Housing. This cross-funding approach allows TA to address the needs of grantees and subgrantees across multiple HUD programs, often within the same engagement, as well as address intra-agency and inter-agency issues. You are encouraged to procure contractors and consultants that demonstrate experience across a wide variety of HUD programs, as well as in specific skill and policy areas. Through this NOFO, HUD will also address the TA needs of some emerging priorities that include: Violence Against Women Act's (VAWA) 2022 Reauthorization, racial and gender equity, transit-oriented development, housing supply, reentry housing for persons exiting jails and prisons, and mental health. You are also encouraged to assemble a diverse team of professionals, including persons from the communities HUD serves, that can contribute a perspective that incorporates lived experiences into the development and delivery of technical assistance. Community Compass is centrally managed by HUD Headquarters with the involvement of our Regional, Field, and Area Offices.

The purpose of HUD’s Housing Counseling Grant Program is to provide funds to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide counseling and advice to tenants and homeowners, with respect to property maintenance, financial management and literacy, and other matters as may be appropriate to assist program clients in improving their housing conditions, meeting their financial needs, and fulfilling the responsibilities of tenancy or homeownership. This NOFO plays an integral role in helping individuals and families obtain housing and stay in their homes through responsible homeownership or affordable rental housing. Housing counseling agencies are an important safeguard in the prevention of housing scams and discrimination and serve as an important gateway to local, state, federal and private housing assistance and resources.

Thriving Communities Technical Assistance

The purpose of the HOPE VI Main Street Program is to provide grants to small communities to assist in the renovation of an historic or traditional central business district, or “Main Street” area, by replacing unused, obsolete, commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units.The objectives of the program are to:Redevelop central business districts (Main Street areas);Preserve Historic or traditional Main Street area properties by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units;Enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas; andProvide affordable housing in Main Street areas.Main Street grant funds can be used to build new affordable housing or reconfigure obsolete or surplus commercial space (or extremely substandard, vacant housing) into affordable housing units. The grant funds cannot be used on general infrastructure or commercial development. Main Street housing units must be affordable to the initial residents that occupy the Main Street housing project, as described in the Use Restrictions section of this NOFA. The funds in the NOFA must be used to assist Units of Local Government that have existing Main Street area rejuvenation projects and meet the population and public housing unit limits stated in the Eligibility section of this NOFA.

HUD is providing Capital Advance funding and project rental subsidies for the development and ongoing operation of supportive rental housing for very low-income persons, aged 62 years or older. This funding, leveraged with other financing sources, will expand affordable housing opportunities that are physically designed and that have a robust set of services that will allow seniors to live independently and age in community.