Department of Housing and Urban Development Grants

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) awards one-time assistance via a cost-reimbursable grant for service coordination and limited direct services for residents of HUD-assisted housing. The RRP utilizes a simplified application process to promote local leadership and flexibility in addressing urgent social needs caused by unanticipated emergencies. Examples of these emergencies can include but are not limited to: • Natural disasters (e.g., wildfires or hurricanes) • Public health crises (e.g., gun violence, community-level contamination or environmental hazards) • Economic disruptions (e.g., closure of a major employment center that employs residents at the target site)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development"s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) expects to release a Notice inviting eligible organizations to submit unsolicited research proposals focused on HUD"s current housing and community development research priorities. The goal of this Notice is to support independent, high-quality research that helps build reliable evidence and provides practical insights to inform housing policy and program decisions at the local, state, and Federal levels.Applicants will be expected to propose projects that align with the purpose of the program and at least one research category identified in the Notice. Projects must include matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost, as required by statute. Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements, which means HUD will be actively involved throughout the project to help ensure the research is relevant, well designed, and aligned with Department priorities.PD&R expects to prioritize research on topics such as housing affordability, homelessness, industrialized housing production, Opportunity Zones, and outcomes related to work, family, and housing stability for households assisted by HUD. Other topics aligned with HUD"s Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Performance Plan and the Department"s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan may also be considered. Proposals must be original, developed independently by the applicant, and submitted as complete research plans that use strong and appropriate research methods consistent with the principles of Gold Standard Science.

Congress amended the Fair Housing Act in 1988 to establish the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to provide funding to entities to work alongside HUD to "prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices" 42 USC §3616a (a). Congress determined in 1987, and has affirmed each year since then through appropriations, that HUD can only achieve its fair housing mission and obligations through supporting a network of organizations helping to educate the public and enforce fair housing rights. Initially a demonstration program, Congress made FHIP permanent in 1992 through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. The program was expanded in 1992 to address building capacity in unserved areas, establish a national media campaign, and fund a National Fair Housing Month.FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants under four initiatives: the Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI), the Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI), the Administrative Enforcement Initiative (AEI), and the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI).This NOFO funds the PEI to provide grants to a nationwide network of eligible private, non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations to conduct testing and investigate violations of and enforce the Fair Housing Act, and State or local laws with equivalent rights and remedies.

Congress in 1988 established the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) with a purpose of providing funding to entities to work alongside HUD to "prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices" 42 USC § 3616a(a). FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants. under several initiatives.The overarching purpose of the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) is to educate the public, housing providers and other stakeholders about their rights and obligations under provisions of fair housing laws, through the development, implementation, carrying out and coordinating or education and outreach programs. 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1); 24 CFR 125.301(a).The National Media Campaign component (EOI-NMC) is "designed to provide a centralized, coordinated effort for the development and dissemination of fair housing media products." 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1). A portion of NMC funds are specifically meant to increase participation in the annual national fair housing month. Under a cooperative agreement, HUD will exercise the right to approve, and have substantial involvement in, all proposed deliverables, as well as the Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW).The General Component (EOI-GC) is designed to carry out projects programs that prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices by establishing or supporting regional, local, and community- based education and outreach activities, events, and programs. For grants and cooperative agreements, HUD will conduct monitoring reviews, request quarterly reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant's Work Plan or SOW. Most EOI funds are awarded under grant agreements. However, national funds are awarded under cooperative agreements managed by Headquarters since the awards have a nationwide impact and therefore require more complex and frequent oversight as well as Departmental approval of deliverables.