Grant Opportunities

Minnesota Housing is accepting applications for the Regional Planning Grant to Prevent and End Homelessness Request for Proposals (RFP). Up to $350,000 in one-time funding is available to support the capacity of Greater Minnesota Continuums of Care (CoCs) and Tribal Nations to prevent and end homelessness while improving the regional homeless response system to help it be more equitable.

The goal of this grant is to focus on ongoing collaborative efforts and develop new initiatives that coordinate strategies among various stakeholders. Enhancing efforts among stakeholders is meant to help regions throughout Minnesota be more effective when advancing goals to prevent and end homelessness. This one-time funding opportunity is available for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Funding is contingent upon Minnesota Housing board approval and program appropriations.

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally recognized Tribal Nations (or Tribally designated housing entities) within the state of Minnesota. NOTE: Minnesota Housing will allow up to one applicant (separately or as a part of collaborative application) per Tribe or Tribally designated housing entity to apply.
• Continuums of Cares (CoC): A nonprofit or for-profit or governmental entity can apply on behalf of a Greater Minnesota CoC. An eligible applicant must have an official designation from the CoC. NOTE: Minnesota Housing will allow up to one applicant per CoC to apply.

1. Homelessness is prevented whenever possible, and services and supports are provided to ensure no one returns to homelessness.
2. A robust crisis response geared towards housing outcomes supports people staying outside, in emergency shelters, and in community.
3. People facing homelessness have access to housing options that meet their needs and honors their choice.
4. Homelessness is treated as a crucial health and public health crisis wherever it occurs.
5. The state shares power with Indigenous, Black, Brown, Poor, LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit+) people and people who have faced homelessness to strengthen natural supports within community.

NOTE: These efforts are intended to help make the regional homeless response system more equitable and strengthen resources that will help prevent and end homelessness throughout the state.

• Participate and connect local communities to the statewide strategic plan focused on housing, health, and racial justice
• Identify and implement actions related to housing, health, and racial justice to better serve at-risk and homeless households who are currently underserved
• Develop strategies, service models, and best practices to reduce disparities among homeless populations that are currently represented in the local homeless response system
• Build partnerships where gaps exist, which could include partnerships with culturally specific service providers, local schools, area jails/prisons, local health care organizations, local public health agencies, and veteran service providers, with the intent to provide holistic services

• Request for Proposal (RFP) Application Instructions
• Application: Word version | RTF version
• Signature Page
• Budget (xls)
• Work Plan: Word version | RTF version
• Applicant current financial information* (does not apply to any governmental organizations or Tribal Nations)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are due Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Applications must be submitted using the Multifamily Secure Upload Tool. Using the online tool, send items to mhfa.app@state.mn.us. Upload required documents in the original format; do not convert the documents into PDF or other formats except for the signature page of the application. Review the Upload Tool instructions for more information.

Minnesota Housing provided an RFP Information session to provide an overview of the program, review important dates, covering details on how to submit a successful application. Watch the recording (1:01:23) and view the presentation slides.

The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) provides supportive services and financial assistance, such as rent deposits, rent payments or utility payments, to eligible households that are homeless or at imminent risk of homeless.

Learn more about the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program request for proposals application.

Homework Starts with Home (HSWH) is a grant program focused on addressing homelessness and housing instability among students and their families. The program serves families with children eligible for a pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 academic program and youth (with or without children of their own) who are eligible for an academic program through grade 12 and who are without their parent or guardian (unaccompanied youth).

Learn more about Homework Starts with Home and submit a request for proposals application.

Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Program Rental Assistance provides temporary rental assistance and housing related expenses, such as application fees and security deposits, in partnership with supportive services for High Priority Homeless (HPH) families and individuals referred through the local Coordinated Entry (CE) System. Rental assistance is provided in partnership with services to help participants achieve housing stability and transition to permanent sustainable housing opportunities.

Learn more about Housing Trust Fund Program Rental Assistance and submit a request for proposals application.

To address housing needs for low-income people who are living with HIV/AIDS and their families, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. Funds are distributed to states and cities by formula allocations and made available as part of the area's Consolidated Plan. In addition, some projects are selected in national competitions to serve as service delivery models or operate in non-formula areas. Grantees partner with nonprofit organizations and housing agencies to provide housing and support to beneficiaries.

Minnesota Housing is accepting applications for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) State of Minnesota formula funds, appropriated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The goal of these grant funds is to help households at or below 80% of area median income (AMI) and living with HIV/AIDS, establish or maintain affordable and stable housing, reduce their risk of homelessness, and when coupled with other programs or services, improve access to health care and other community resources. Recipients must reside in Greater Minnesota (outside of the 15-county Twin Cities Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area). Funds are made available to eligible households as emergency assistance for Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) payments.

Up to approximately $651,000 in one-time funding is available to support eligible households by helping them remain in their homes. The grant term is from March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. Funding is contingent upon Minnesota Housing board approval and program appropriations.

Eligible applicants are:

• An Indian Tribe or Tribal housing corporation
• A nonprofit organization, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.03, subdivision 22
• A city, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.03, subdivision 21
• A unit of general local government that does not qualify for formula grants, as described in 24 CFR 574.100 (3/31/2023)

Applicants must demonstrate experience and ability in the administration of housing assistance payments or must partner or contract with an organization that has experience and ability in the administration of housing assistance payments.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Application Instructions

Application (Word version) | PDF version | RTF version

Application Signature Page

Budget (xls)

Project Sponsor Form- If the applicant is using subrecipients, this form should be submitted for each subrecipient along with the applicant.

Applicant current financial information – refer to the RFP Application Instructions for more information.

Minnesota Housing held an RFP information session on Monday, November 6, 2023. RFP materials, deadlines and other important information was shared. 
Watch the recording (00:53:37)  |Presentation Slides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Applications are due at noon Central Time on Monday, December 4, 2023. Applications must be submitted using the online Multifamily Secure Upload Tool. Using the online tool, send items to mhfa.app@state.mn.us. Upload required documents in their original format; do not convert the documents to PDF or other formats except for the signature page of the application. Review the Upload Tool Instructions for more information.

Application RFP Information will go here when it's available.

RFP Application Information will go here when it's available.

RFP Available application information will be posted here as soon as it's available.

The Bridges Rental Assistance Program provides housing assistance for people with very low incomes and a mental illness while they wait for a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or another rental subsidy. Eligible uses for Bridges funding include temporary rental assistance payments and security deposits paid directly to the landlords on behalf of qualified participants.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The Housing Stability Services program is offered to renter households at or below 80% Area Median Income and who are experiencing a housing emergency. The Housing Stability Services funds may be used for two specific service activities: eviction prevention services and housing navigation services.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance to prevent homelessness and help maintain housing stability of individuals and families impacted by the public health-related emergency. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Fund is funded with federal dollars through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Program Rental Assistance provides temporary rental assistance, housing related expenses such as application fees and security deposits, in partnership with supportive services. The program supports High Priority Homeless (HPH) referrals through the local Coordinated Entry (CE) System. Rental assistance is provided in partnership with services to help participants achieve housing stability and transition to permanent sustainable housing opportunities.

Administration information for grantees that are currently receiving program funding can be found on the Housing Trust Fund Program Rental Assistance webpage.

Request For Proposals (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

To address housing needs for low-income people who are living with HIV/AIDS and their families, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. Funds are distributed to states and cities by formula allocations and made available as part of the area's Consolidated Plan. In addition, some projects are selected in national competitions to serve as service delivery models or operate in non-formula areas. Grantees partner with nonprofit organizations and housing agencies to provide housing and support to beneficiaries.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

Homework Starts with Home (HSWH) is a grant program focused on addressing homelessness and housing instability among students and their families. A study conducted by public and charter schools across Minnesota identified 6,207 students who were experiencing homelessness on October 1, 2020. The students attended 1,015 schools and educational programs statewide, spanning 293 school districts and 76 counties.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) is designed to provide supportive services and/or financial assistance to families, youth and singles that are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Operating Subsidy Program provides operating support to maintain the economic viability of supportive housing developments that are funded by Minnesota Housing and serve people experiencing homelessness.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

The goal of this grant is to focus on ongoing collaborative efforts and develop new initiatives that coordinate strategies among various stakeholders. Enhancing efforts among stakeholders is meant to help regions throughout Minnesota be more effective when advancing goals to prevent and end homelessness.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

In early August 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Minnesota Housing was one of 12 housing finance agencies from around the country selected to receive a Section 811 Project-based Rental Assistance (PRA) Program grant. This is Minnesota Housing’s third Section 811 PRA grant from HUD. The first two awards provided rental assistance to 159 households across the state. This new award will support an estimated 160 households where at least one family member is under 62 who has a disability and is extremely low income.

Request For Proposal (RFP) information will be posted here as funding becomes available.

Authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Minnesota Housing was awarded a one-time allocation of $31M to increase housing stability by addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. These authorized funds will be allocated under the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP) program. Funding will be posted as soon as it's available. Learn more about the HOME American Rescue Plan.