Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program

The Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program is a discretionary funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. This grant program is established under Sections 1011(e) and 1011(g) of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. The program’s central purpose is to assist states, federally recognized Native American Tribes with an EPA-authorized lead abatement certification program, and eligible local governments in building or rebuilding their capacity to undertake comprehensive lead-based paint hazard control programs in private housing. HUD aims to support jurisdictions that either have not previously received a direct HUD lead hazard control grant or that have a demonstrated need to rebuild capacity due to diminished infrastructure, staff attrition, or other challenges. The program emphasizes developing infrastructure necessary to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible rental or owner-occupied housing, especially housing built before 1978. Jurisdictions still in an active grant performance period under previous HUD funding are not eligible to apply. Priority is given to those who can demonstrate need and a comprehensive plan for sustainable lead hazard mitigation. The grant program supports a wide range of activities. These include building local capacity to assess childhood lead poisoning, integrating lead-safe work practices into housing activities, hiring qualified staff, and developing procedures for program intake and affirmative marketing to families with children under six. It also includes forming partnerships with community-based organizations, integrating lead hazard control into broader housing rehabilitation initiatives, and collecting high-quality data to better target high-risk areas. At least 65% of the funds must be dedicated to direct lead hazard control activities, while administrative costs are capped at 10%. A 10% cost share is required, and applicants must submit evidence of matching contributions through detailed documentation, including letters of commitment specifying amounts, sources, and intended uses. Eligible match sources include in-kind contributions, discounted services, and training costs provided by third parties. Importantly, federal funds from programs such as HOME or Weatherization Assistance may not be used to satisfy match requirements unless explicitly allowed by statute. To apply, organizations must be registered and current in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than February 26, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The application package requires standard forms (SF-424, HUD-424CBW, etc.), a detailed budget, narratives addressing the rating factors, and supporting attachments such as a consolidated plan lead-based paint element, staff résumés or position descriptions, and signed letters of commitment for matching funds. The total narrative section is limited to 15 pages and must adhere to specific formatting requirements. Applications undergo a threshold review to confirm eligibility, followed by a merit review process based on capacity, justification of need, financial management, and bonus points for Opportunity Zone activities. Applicants scoring 70 points or higher may be selected for award. HUD anticipates making approximately five awards with funding ranging from $1 million to $2.5 million. Total available funding is approximately $4,445,850. Awards are expected to be announced around April 1, 2026, with a 36-month performance period beginning June 1, 2026, and ending May 31, 2029. For more information or technical assistance, applicants may contact Victoria J. Ojewumi at [email protected] or 202-402-3167. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity is available via HUD’s website and Grants.gov. HUD also encourages applicants to subscribe to its listserv for updates.

Ensure detailed documentation of need; align activities with HUD's Section 3 and Fair Housing priorities; use data-driven targeting and strong community partnerships.