Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance Program

Eligible applicants for this funding include: 

• Tribal Nations or Tribal housing corporations
• Nonprofit organizations, as defined in Minn. Stat. 462A.03, subdivision 22
• For-profit organizations
• Limited dividend entities, as defined in Minnesota Rule 4900.0010, subpart 14
• Cooperative housing corporations, as defined in Minnesota Rule 4900.0010, subp. 8
• Cities, as defined in Minn. Stat. 462A.03, subd. 21
• Joint powers boards established by two or more cities
• Public housing agencies
• Natural persons

Sponsor-based rental assistance applicants, in addition to meeting at least one of the above criteria, must also be a current sponsor-based rental assistance grantee or have been a sponsor-based rental assistance grantee since September 30, 2023.

In order to alleviate regional service gaps, priority will be given to applicants proposing to serve a region of the state not currently providing tenant-based rental assistance. Review the Housing Trust Fund Program Rental Assistance Program Providers for current HTF RA administrators and their service area(s).

HTF RA Program funds available through this RFP may be used for the following:

• Tenant-based rental assistance
• Sponsor-based rental assistance
• Administrative fees
• Security deposits
• Application fees
• Utility connection fees
• Damage claims or fees
• Vacancy payments
• Other fees, as approved by Minnesota Housing, necessary to obtain property owner participation or to prevent repeat episodes of homelessness

An administrative fee may be paid to the administrator each month in which a participant resides in an assisted unit. Minnesota Housing will approve an administrative fee within a range of $62 to $76 per household per month. Applicants should refer to the HTF RA Program Guide or contact Deran Cadotte at deran.cadotte@state.mn.us for further guidance on proposing an administrative fee.

Under this RFP, tenant-based rental assistance applicants may apply for housing navigation funding to enhance the utilization of HTF RA Program. Housing navigation funds may be used to provide extra support in helping participants search for, find and move into housing. Note that housing navigation funds are available only to applicants selected for funding of tenant-based rental assistance programs. Eligible uses for housing navigation funds under this RFP include:

• Utilizing housing search engines to locate opportunities
• Assisting participants in completing housing applications
• Assisting participants in obtaining application fees, if needed
• Transporting participants to housing appointments
• Assisting participants in communicating with potential property managers
• Providing tenant education on property owner and tenant rights and responsibilities
• Expediting the move-in timeline when feasible, between the date of acceptance and lease signing

Housing navigation funds may not be used to pay for tenant service coordination, case management, or any other type of support services once a household has moved into housing. Additionally, housing navigation funds may not be used for indirect costs (for example, facilities or overhead).

• Application Instructions
• Application - Tip: enable editing for full Microsoft securities functionality
• Application Signature Page
• Budget Workbook - You may be prompted to open the file vs. save the file. Please select the Save As option to download this files. After downloading, encoded Microsoft securities can be enabled by "unblocking macros" within the document properties.
• Pre-award Risk Assessment form and accompanying documents detailed in the form
  • Risk Assessment Form – Nonprofit Organizations
  • Risk Assessment Form – For-Profit Business Entities
  • Risk Assessment Form – Political Subdivisions
• Memorandum of Understanding – unsigned

Submit application materials to Minnesota Housing’s Secure Upload Tool no later than noon Central time on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in order to be considered for funding. Using the online tool, send items to mhfa.app@state.mn.us. Review the Secure Upload Tool Instructions for more information.

Do not convert required documents into other formats. Documents must be uploaded in their original format, with the exception of the Application Signature Page which may be submitted as a PDF.

Submitted applications are considered final. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. Minnesota Housing may request additional information or clarification in certain circumstances. The applicant will be responsible for all costs incurred with applying for this RFP.