Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative - Test Coordinator Training

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative - Test Coordinator Training (EOI-TCT), offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), aims to build capacity among organizations enforcing fair housing laws by enhancing the training of fair housing test coordinators. The initiative stems from amendments to the Fair Housing Act and is authorized by section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3616a). The TCT component specifically supports the development and delivery of both basic and advanced training modules for individuals coordinating testing to uncover housing discrimination. HUD anticipates awarding approximately $500,000 under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), with a minimum award of $200,000 and an expected single award distribution. The award will be made as a cooperative agreement, allowing HUD significant oversight over deliverables and work plans. The project period will last between 12 to 18 months, with November 1, 2025, as the anticipated start date and November 1, 2026, as the projected end date. The cooperative nature of the agreement ensures that HUD remains actively involved in reviewing and approving deliverables throughout the performance period. Eligible applicants include Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs), Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), public or private nonprofit groups representing protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, state or local government agencies certified under section 810(f) of the Fair Housing Act, and participants in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet specific program eligibility requirements and submit an EOI Eligibility Certification as part of their application. Organizations that have received a “poor” rating in their most recent FHIP grant performance assessment within the last year are ineligible. Matching funds are not required but must be provided if proposed in the budget. The grant will support training in both general/basic testing methods and complex/advanced areas including real estate sales, mortgage lending, insurance, and appraisal discrimination. Training must address legal and investigatory principles, methodologies, and provide post-training technical assistance. Proposals must demonstrate a strategy for accessibility, including accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and must describe how training effectiveness will be measured. A specific set-aside of $7,500 must be included in the budget for HUD-mandated training participation. Additionally, grantees cannot request salaries that exceed Federal Executive Schedule Level IV caps using HUD funds. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on August 21, 2025. Only the final submitted application will be reviewed, and no paper submissions will be accepted unless a waiver is granted for good cause at least 15 days in advance. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications must include standard forms, narratives, budgets, and various certifications detailed in Section IV of the NOFO. Failure to meet threshold requirements or include required documents will result in ineligibility. Applications will be evaluated based on merit criteria totaling 100 points, plus up to 4 preference points for meeting criteria related to Promise Zones, Opportunity Zones, or Minority-Serving Institutions. Applicants must score at least 75 points (excluding preference points) to be considered for funding. The review will consider staff experience, organizational capacity, need for services, soundness of approach, and evaluation methods. Contact for this funding opportunity is Katherine Vasilopoulos, who can be reached at Katherine.Vasilopoulos@hud.gov or 202-402-8701.

HUD advises applicants to include evaluation plans, post-training technical support, and comply with accessibility standards.