Multifamily Housing Unit Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce, through its Multifamily Housing Unit, released a Notice of Funding Availability to support early-stage development of affordable multifamily housing projects. This funding opportunity is designed to assist organizations that are either new to housing development or are preparing projects for future capital investment through the state’s Housing Trust Fund. The program reflects a broader state commitment to expanding equitable access to affordable housing resources, particularly for communities that have historically been underserved or excluded from traditional funding streams. The primary purpose of this funding is to provide financial support for predevelopment activities that occur before construction begins. These activities include technical assistance services such as engaging development consultants, conducting project planning, and preparing applications for future capital funding rounds. Additionally, the program supports preconstruction activities, including design work, financial structuring, site planning, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The funding explicitly excludes most capital construction costs, focusing instead on preparatory work that strengthens project readiness. Funding is offered through two distinct tracks. The first provides technical assistance funding for emerging developers, particularly nonprofit organizations with limited experience in rental housing development. The second offers preconstruction funding for a broader range of applicants to cover non-capital expenses associated with project development. Awards are structured as recoverable grants and are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur eligible costs before receiving payment. The program also allows for certain previously incurred costs to be reimbursed, subject to approval and eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include local governments, housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribal entities within Washington State. Applicants must be compliant with applicable tax laws and properly licensed or registered to conduct business within the state or through a recognized tribal entity. The program prioritizes projects that serve historically underserved populations, including communities of color, rural populations, and organizations that are rooted in and accountable to the communities they serve. While all eligible applicants may apply, those aligning with these priorities may receive stronger consideration during evaluation. The application process requires submission of a complete package, including application forms, a signed letter of submittal, and supporting documentation such as cost estimates. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the designated program inbox. Incomplete or late submissions are not reviewed. Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow submission instructions and ensure all required materials are included, as administrative completeness is a threshold requirement for evaluation. Applications were opened on February 23, 2026, and the submission deadline is April 24, 2026. A pre-proposal conference was held on March 2, 2026, and applicants were able to submit questions through April 10, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo a multi-step review process that includes administrative screening, scoring based on prioritization criteria, and consideration of additional qualitative factors. Final award decisions are expected in early June 2026, with contracts anticipated to begin in July 2026 and performance periods extending through mid-2028. The evaluation process is structured to ensure fairness and alignment with program goals. Applications are first reviewed for eligibility and completeness, then scored based on predefined criteria, and finally assessed for broader strategic considerations such as geographic distribution and alignment with equity goals. Successful applicants receive funding recommendations that are subject to final approval by program leadership. The program also provides mechanisms for applicant feedback, including debriefings and formal protest procedures, ensuring transparency and accountability in the funding process.

Ensure all required documents are complete and submitted on time, as incomplete applications are not reviewed. Projects serving historically underserved communities may receive priority consideration.