Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program

The Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH), is a discretionary federal grant initiative aimed at enhancing the ability of state and local governments to effectively identify and address lead-based paint hazards in residential housing. The program is authorized under Sections 1011(e) and 1011(g) of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. It is intended for jurisdictions that either have not previously received a direct HUD lead hazard control grant or that need to rebuild infrastructure and capacity due to extenuating circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic or loss of experienced personnel. The overall goal is to support jurisdictions in developing or restoring comprehensive systems that mitigate lead exposure risks, particularly for young children. Through a cooperative agreement mechanism, this funding opportunity provides an estimated total of $4,445,850, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $1,000,000 to a maximum of $2,500,000. HUD expects to issue approximately five awards. The grant performance period is 36 months, running from an estimated start date of June 8, 2026, to June 7, 2029. A required minimum 10 percent non-federal match is stipulated by law. At least 65 percent of awarded funds must be spent on direct lead hazard control activities. Administrative costs are capped at 10 percent of the federal award and must include both direct and indirect costs related to program administration. Eligible applicants include state governments, county or city governments, federally recognized Native American tribes with EPA-authorized lead abatement programs, and other local governmental units that have not recently received direct HUD lead hazard control grants or have a demonstrated need to rebuild their program capacity. Nonprofit organizations, individuals, sole proprietors, and current grantees with active performance periods are not eligible. HUD emphasizes the importance of forming strategic partnerships, including with public housing agencies (where applicable), health departments, community-based organizations, and training providers, to support outreach, education, data sharing, and sustainability of lead control systems. Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal that includes responses to rating factors such as organizational capacity, justification of need based on community risk data, financial and grants management systems, and strategies for outreach, contractor training, and sustainability. Required documents include standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424, HUD-424CBW), a detailed budget, budget narrative, key staff résumés or position descriptions, and documentation of consolidated plans or lead strategies. The grant also requires submission through Grants.gov, and registration in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov must be active at the time of application and maintained throughout the grant cycle. Applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on March 10, 2026. Award notifications are anticipated by April 8, 2026. The application process is rigorous, with a threshold review followed by merit and risk assessments. A minimum score of 70 points is required for funding consideration. Applications will be evaluated based on clearly defined rating criteria, including administrative capacity, program planning, justification of community need, and financial oversight. For assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Victoria J. Ojewumi at [email protected] or 202-402-3167. HUD also provides extensive resources on Grants.gov and SAM.gov, and encourages applicants to subscribe to its funding opportunities listserv for updates. Interested parties should begin their registration processes well in advance of the deadline due to potential delays in obtaining UEIs and system approvals.

Submit only requested materials; Ensure 65% spend on direct activities; Prioritize partnerships and systems-building initiatives.