Affordable housing grant programs
Federal, California state, and foundation funding programs for affordable housing development — 16 programs shown.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (9% & 4%)(LIHTC)
IRS / TCAC
The primary financing mechanism for affordable housing in the U.S. The 9% credit is highly competitive; the 4% credit pairs with CDLAC tax-exempt bonds.
Who can apply: For-profit and nonprofit developers of affordable multifamily rental housing
HOME Investment Partnerships Program(HOME)
HUD / HCD
Flexible block grant for new construction, rehabilitation, acquisition, and homebuyer assistance.
Who can apply: Local governments, nonprofits, CHDOs; households at or below 80% AMI
HOME American Rescue Plan(HOME-ARP)
HUD / HCD
One-time ARP supplement targeting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Who can apply: Local governments; for housing, rental assistance, and supportive services
Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)
HUD / HCD
Formula block grant for housing rehab, infrastructure, and public facilities primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income persons.
Who can apply: Non-entitlement cities and counties (entitlement jurisdictions receive directly from HUD)
National Housing Trust Fund(NHTF)
HUD / HCD
Dedicated fund for producing and preserving housing for the lowest-income households.
Who can apply: States (via HCD); used for rental housing for extremely low-income households (≤30% AMI)
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly(Sec. 202)
HUD
Provides capital advances (forgivable grants) and project rental assistance for affordable senior housing with supportive services.
Who can apply: Private nonprofit organizations; housing for very-low-income elderly (62+)
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities(Sec. 811)
HUD
Capital advances and project-based rental assistance for affordable housing integrated with supportive services.
Who can apply: Nonprofit developers; housing for very-low-income persons with disabilities (18–62)
Continuum of Care Program(CoC)
HUD
Competitive grant funding permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and related services.
Who can apply: CoC-designated nonprofits and local governments serving people experiencing homelessness
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative(CNI)
HUD
Transforms distressed neighborhoods by revitalizing housing, improving schools and services, and creating economic opportunity.
Who can apply: Public Housing Authorities, local governments, nonprofits targeting distressed HUD-assisted neighborhoods
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS(HOPWA)
HUD
Formula and competitive grants for housing assistance and supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Who can apply: State and local governments, nonprofits; housing and services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS
Section 108 Loan Guarantee(Sec. 108)
HUD
Enables jurisdictions to borrow against future CDBG allocations for large economic development and housing projects.
Who can apply: CDBG entitlement communities and state grantees
Rental Assistance Demonstration(RAD)
HUD
Converts public housing to long-term Section 8 contracts, unlocking private capital and LIHTC equity for renovations.
Who can apply: Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) converting public housing to Section 8 platform
New Markets Tax Credit(NMTC)
U.S. Treasury / CDFI Fund
Federal tax credit attracting private investment into low-income communities; primarily for community facilities and mixed-use development.
Who can apply: Community Development Entities (CDEs) investing in low-income communities; mixed-use projects with commercial components
Affordable Housing Program (FHLBank SF)(AHP)
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
Competitive annual grants for new construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition of owner-occupied and rental affordable housing.
Who can apply: Member financial institutions sponsoring affordable housing developers (for-profit and nonprofit); households ≤80% AMI
Section 515 Rural Rental Housing(Sec. 515)
USDA Rural Development
Direct low-interest loans for construction and rehabilitation of rental housing in rural communities for low-income households.
Who can apply: Private developers, nonprofits, public agencies in eligible rural areas
Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing(Sec. 538)
USDA Rural Development
Federal loan guarantees enabling private lenders to finance new construction and rehab of multifamily housing in rural areas.
Who can apply: For-profit and nonprofit developers in eligible rural areas; households up to 115% AMI
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