Economic Prosperity and Housing grant

The City of Vancouver is accepting applications for its Economic Prosperity and Housing grant program for the upcoming funding cycle. This initiative is designed to allocate approximately $1.8 million in federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) programs. Funding originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is expected to become available in July 2025, pending HUD agreements. The program is tailored to support nonprofit and public organizations implementing projects that benefit individuals and households with low to moderate income levels, particularly within the city limits of Vancouver, Washington. The funding covers various eligible activities, including the construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable housing; tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA); public services aimed at poverty reduction and homelessness prevention; microenterprise business assistance; and supportive services for individuals residing in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites. CDBG-funded projects primarily serve those earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), while HOME-funded rental and homeownership projects serve households earning up to 60% and 80% AMI, respectively. HOME-ARP funds are dedicated to assisting vulnerable and homeless populations through housing and supportive services. The application process involves a pre-application phase due by October 20, followed by the final application deadline of December 2. Applicants are required to attend mandatory information sessions based on the funding type they are pursuing. All applications must be submitted via the City’s online portal, Neighborly Software. Required documentation includes budget templates, timelines, operating pro formas, organizational financials, and any letters of commitment from other funders. Depending on project type, additional materials such as development team descriptions or pre-award risk assessments may be needed. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit or public organizations. Private individuals are ineligible. Applicants must also meet technical qualifications and project readiness thresholds. Agencies with two previous awards in a category that remain incomplete or not yet started may be ineligible. Funded projects must comply with Davis Bacon prevailing wage laws, environmental review protocols, Buy America Build America Act requirements, and affordability period stipulations. Construction activities must begin within two years of award, and no choice-limiting actions may be taken prior to environmental clearance. Applications will be reviewed by City staff for eligibility and then evaluated by the Housing Committee using objective and committee scoring criteria. Projects will be prioritized based on alignment with the City's Consolidated Plan goals, readiness, equity impact, financial feasibility, and potential for lasting community benefit. Notifications to applicants are expected in Spring 2025, following City Council approval. Contracts are anticipated to begin in July 2025, with most projects operating on a 12-month funding timeline. This grant opportunity is part of the City’s commitment to fostering economic mobility, community development, and affordable housing solutions.

Attend mandatory pre-application workshops; do not begin construction before environmental clearance; demonstrate organizational capacity; align with Consolidated Plan goals; submit through Neighborly