z

CPD-2600-DC-0008

Applications are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 07/06/2026.

Community Planning and Development

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

FY 2025 Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants (RCB)

Table Of Contents CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 2 of 63

I. BASIC INFORMATION

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Eligible Applications

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F Program History

G Other Information

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications 20

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND

DEADLINES

A. Deadlines

B. Submission Methods

C. Other Submission Information

D. False Statements

VII. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND

ADMINISTRATION

A. Administrative, National and Departmental Policy

Requirements, and General Terms and Conditions

B. Environmental Requirements

C. Remedies for Noncompliance

D. Reporting

VIII. CONTACT AND SUPPORT

A. Agency Contact

B. Grants.gov

C. SAM.gov

D. Debriefing

E. Applicant Experience Survey

F. Other Online Resources

APPENDIX

Appendix I. Definitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before You Begin CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 3 of 63

If you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, register in the required systems and review the application materials. If you are already registered, confirm that your information is current and active.

SAM.gov Registration You must have an active and up-to-date account with SAM.gov, at the time of application and throughout the life of any award.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click Get Started. From the same page, you can also click the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

It can take several weeks to register in SAM.gov, so get started now if you are planning to apply. SAM.gov also provides each organization with a unique entity identifier (UEI). A valid UEI is required to apply for funding.

Grants.gov Registration You must have an active Grants.gov registration. This requires a Login.gov registration as well. See step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants. You must apply for funding using Grants.gov, unless HUD has approved your waiver request.

See Section VI.B. Submission Methods.

Find the Application Package Use the Grants Search at Grants.gov and search for opportunity number CPD-2600-DC-0008 . The application package has all the online forms you need to apply. You also need to access the Download Instructions link and review the content before you apply.

If you have other technical difficulties using Grants.gov, contact the Support Center on Grants.gov.

To get updates on changes to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), click Subscribe from the View Grant Opportunity page on Grants.gov.

Application Deadline Applications are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 07/06/2026.

See Section VI.A. of this NOFO.

HUD Listserv To get email alerts about current and future funding opportunities, subscribe to HUD’s Funding Opportunities listserv.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://login.gov https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://grants.gov/ https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=HUD%20Funding%20Opportunities&list=HUD-FUNDING-OPPORTUNITIES-L

I. Basic Information

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and Support

Appendix

I. BASIC INFORMATION

I. Basic Information

A. Summary

B. Agency Contact(s)

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 5 of 63

I. BASIC INFORMATION See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

A. Summary Federal Agency Name:

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD Program Office:

Community Planning and Development Announcement Type:

Initial Program Type:

Discretionary Paperwork Reduction Act Information:

2501-0044; 2506-0195 Due Date for Intergovernmental Review:

See Section VI.C.1.

1. NOFO Summary Rural communities face unique housing and community development issues across the country – from outmigration, repetitive disaster losses, aging housing, geographic isolation, and economic marginalization – it is HUD’s priority to ensure rural Americans are provided opportunities to build capacity and unlock access to capital. This NOFO makes available

Key Facts Opportunity Name:

FY 2025 Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants (RCB) Opportunity Number:

CPD-2600-DC-0008

Federal Assistance Listing(s):

14.265

Key Dates Application Due Date:

11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on:

07/06/2026 Anticipated Award Date:

10/06/2026 Estimated Performance Period Start Date:

10/06/2026 Estimated Performance Period End Date:

10/05/2030

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

I. Basic Information CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 6 of 63

$6,000,000 for the Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program (RCB) to enable national nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, to advance affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas.

The RCB program enhances the capacity and ability of Rural Housing Development Organizations (RHDOs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), local governments, and Indian Tribes (eligible beneficiaries) to carry out affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households. This includes supporting pathways for homeless populations to self-sufficiency and stable housing. The RCB program achieves this by funding National Organizations with expertise in rural housing and rural community development who work directly to build the capacity of eligible beneficiaries.

Under this competition, RCB also prioritizes projects in Opportunity Zones, broadens access for rural and small towns, and promotes better accountability in ensuring the program expands and achieves intended outcomes.

2. Funding Details Type of Funding Instrument G (Grant)

Available Funds Funding of approximately $6,000,000 is available through this NOFO.

Additional funds may become available for award. Use of these funds is subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the selection process contained in this NOFO.

Estimated Number of Awards 5 awards from available funding Length of Performance Period:

48-month project period and budget period Length of Periods Explanation:

B. Agency Contact(s) See Contact and Support section of this NOFO.

II. ELIGIBILITY

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

B. Eligible Applications

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 8 of 63

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligible Applicants If your organization is not an eligible applicant, your application won’t be reviewed or scored, and you won’t receive funding from HUD.

1. Eligible Entity Types:

25 (Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)) Additional Information on Eligibility You cannot apply as an individual.

Faith-based organizations may apply just like any other organization. HUD does not have any policies or practices that unfairly target these institutions.

Only National Organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, other than institutions of higher education, may apply for RCB funding.

For the purpose of the RCB program, a National Organization must be a single non-profit organization including those that are faith-based, that has ongoing experience conducting RCB eligible capacity building activities in rural areas with rural housing organizations, local governments, and Indian tribes as evidenced by work within the last ten years in at least eight of HUD’s Federal regions. Having relevant experience working in one state in a HUD region is sufficient for counting that region towards the eight-region minimum. HUD’s Federal regions are described on HUD’s website at: https://www.hud.gov/contactus/local#regions.

Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at 24 CFR 5.109, and subject to the protections and requirements of 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., HUD will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization based on the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

2. Restrictions

a. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements You must meet the current General Statutory and Regulatory Eligibility Requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, your application won’t be scored, and you won’t receive funding from HUD. This is a threshold requirement for all HUD funding.

In accordance with both Executive Orders 14321 and 14224; grantees, subgrantees and/or beneficiaries are expected to adhere to the EOs.

b. Resolution of Civil Rights Matters If you have any outstanding or unresolved judgments for violating civil rights laws, you must settle them before you apply. If you don’t, settle the civil rights law violations before you apply, your application won’t be scored, and you won’t receive funding from HUD. This is a threshold requirement for all HUD funding.

B. Eligible Applications

1. An application from an eligible entity is considered for funding if it meets basic threshold https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/part-5/appendix-Appendix%20A%20to%20Subpart%20A%20of%20Part%205 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/12/2025-02611/eradicating-anti-christian-bias https://www.hud.gov/contactus/local#regions.

https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/Eligibility-Requirements-Addendum-FY2025.pdf

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II. Eligibility CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 9 of 63 requirements and passes merit review.

2. Your application must support the goals of this NOFO.

3. Awards made under this NOFO will not be used to conduct activities that subsidize or facilitate illegal racial preferences or other forms of illegal discrimination, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching This Program does not require cost sharing or matching but provides points based on leverage, as described below.

There is no match requirement under the Rural Capacity Building program. However, applicants are encouraged to secure leverage, or voluntary committed cost sharing as defined in 2 CFR §200.1, from non-Federal public, private, and/or nonprofit sector resources (such as financing, supplies, or services). Applicants who submit evidence of leverage will receive credit in the review of their application. The pledged leverage becomes a binding requirement of the award. Documentation of leverage through Letters of Firm Commitment and a Leverage Summary must meet the requirements outlined in Rating Factor 5 of this

NOFO.

If the anticipated leverage is not provided, HUD will reassess the application with the corrected leverage commitment. If the application is no longer able to be funded after re-rating and re-ranking the application, HUD will rescind the grant and recapture grant funds.

Leverage funds must be used for RCB eligible activities in approved action plan activities and are subject to the same rules and requirements set forth in this NOFO, including a prohibition on fees or profit. In addition, loans made with non-RCB funds that a beneficiary must repay are not considered leverage. However, if the loan is offered at below market interest rates, the cost difference between the lower interest rate and the market interest rate can be accepted as leverage with proper documentation.

The RCB Program does not allow Federal sources to be used as leverage. All leverage funds, including in-kind contributions, must conform to the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200.1 and 2 CFR 200.306. Leverage sources may come from public (non-Federal), private, and nonprofit sources, including, but not limited to:

1. State and local housing finance agencies;

2. Local Governments;

3. Foundations;

4. Government Sponsored Enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Banks, Fannie

Mae, and Freddie Mac;

5. Colleges and universities;

6. Financial institutions or banks; and

7. Other private funders.

Once an RCB award is made, the grantee will be required to show evidence through semi-https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Cost%20sharing%20or%20matching)

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II. Eligibility CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 10 of 63 annual reports and the final closeout report to HUD that the amount of committed leverage was received and used for the intended purpose. Subject to HUD approval, sources of leverage funds may be substituted with other eligible leverage sources after grant award, if the total dollar commitment is met.

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

III. Program Description

A. Purpose

B. Goals and Objectives

C. Authority

D. Unallowable Costs

E. Indirect Costs

F.

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

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III. Program Description CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 12 of 63

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Purpose The RCB program enhances the capacity and ability of Rural Housing Development Organizations (RHDOs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), local governments, and Indian tribes (eligible beneficiaries) to carry out affordable housing and community development activities in rural areas for the benefit of low- and moderate-income households. The RCB program achieves this by funding National Organizations with expertise in rural housing and rural community development who work directly to build the capacity of eligible beneficiaries.

B. Goals and Objectives Program Goals:

1. Award national nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, with expertise in rural housing and community development to build the capacity of local governments, Indian Tribes, RHDOs, Rural CDCs, and Rural CHDOs, to serve low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas.

2. To increase capacity building efforts to enable CDCs, CHDOs, and Indian Tribes to access federal funds.

3. To assist rural community organizations to evaluate performance, work with their rural communities, use available resources more effectively, and link plans to foster regional planning.

4. Promote and enhance activities by local governments, Indian tribes, CDCs and CHDOs that lower the cost-of-living and provide price relief for American families. This will allow the beneficiary organizations to create new housing units, assist and create businesses and create well-paying jobs.

5. Promote and enhance activities that assist rural communities in utilizing the benefits of investments in Opportunity Zones

C. Authority Funding for this program is provided by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4, approved March 15, 2025.

D. Unallowable Costs The following is a non-exhaustive list of some ineligible activities and costs, and it does not represent ALL the ineligible activities or ineligible costs possible in the RCB program.

Construction, acquisition, leasing, development, or housing rehabilitation costs are not eligible activities with RCB funds. RCB funds may be used to build the capacity of eligible beneficiaries to be able to engage in construction, rehabilitation, or development work, but the funds cannot be used to directly fund those activities. All activities are categorically excluded from environmental review under NEPA.

1. Food and meals. Food is considered an entertainment cost (2 CFR 200.438) and is an

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III. Program Description CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 13 of 63 ineligible expense.

2. Fundraising with RCB funds is prohibited in accordance with 2 CFR 200.442.

3. Issue advocacy or political engagement with RCB funds is prohibited in accordance with

2 CFR 200.450.

Under Title IV of the Personal Responsibility & Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Only United States citizens or “qualified aliens” are eligible for benefits under this program.

E. Indirect Costs If you expect to charge indirect costs to the award, submit the Indirect Cost Information for Award Applicant/Recipient form (HUD-426) with your application.

You are required to provide documentation identifying the federally negotiated indirect cost rate from the cognizant agency that shows the approved rate or provide an attachment that states that the de minimis rate of 15% Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) will be used.

F Program History Additional information regarding the RCB program can be found at the following link. Section 4 and Rural Capacity Building Programs | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The following changes were made to the FY 2025 NOFO Sections:

Section III. Program Description – This section has been updated

a. Civil Rights Goals have been removed Section V: Application Review. This Section has been updated

a. HBCU preference points have been removed.

b. Environmental Justice Preference Points have been removed

c. Opportunity Zones are included in the Rating Factors 3 and 5.

d. On order to be recommended for funding applicants must score a minimum of 9 points in Rating Factor 1.

e. Point values for Rating Factors 1-5 have been updated.

f. Fair Housing Rating Factor 3 has been removed.

g. NOFO rating factors have been revised to use plain language.

Section VII: Post Award Requirements and Administration: This section has been updated:

a. Added requirements related to implementing Executive Orders

b. Added Remedies for Noncompliance

G Other Information Eligible Activities and Priorities. Funds may only be used to conduct the following activities:

1. Training, education, support, and advice to enhance the technical and administrative https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Indirect%20cost) https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/community-section-4 https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/community-section-4

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

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III. Program Description CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 14 of 63 capabilities of CDCs and CHDOs to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low and low and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas. This may include building the capacity of CDCs and CHDOs to:

• Participate in consolidated planning and Continuum of Care program planning efforts to help ensure rural participation, including persons experiencing homelessness in assessing area needs;

• Navigate the increased housing and community development resources provided by the Federal Government and assist in directing Federal investments to underserved communities;

• Provide training best practices for utilizing Opportunity Zones as incentives for community investment;

• Consult broadly within the community;

• Cooperatively plan for the use of available resources in a comprehensive and holistic manner; and

• Assist in evaluating performance under these community planning and coordination efforts and in linking plans with neighboring communities to foster regional planning.

2. Pass-through grants, loans, predevelopment assistance, or other financial assistance to CDCs and CHDOs to increase their capacity to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low-income or low- and moderate-income families and persons in rural areas.

3. Such other activities as may be determined by the grantees in consultation with the Secretary or his or her designee.

At this time, eligible program activities allowed under the third listed eligible activity only include HUD reviewed and approved reasonable administrative activities directly related to the grantee's management of its RCB program. Some examples of reasonable administrative activities specific to the management of the RCB program include the preparation of RCB action plans and activities, preparation of RCB program reports, and management of the implementation of the first and second eligible activities. For any other activities to qualify under the third listed eligible activity it must first be proposed in an action plan, and then reviewed and approved by HUD through the action plan process after a grant award is made;

thus, it should not be proposed through this application.

Any RCB funded activity that results in the creation of intangible property, including but not limited to the creation of curriculum, trainings, data or research findings is subject to the rules at 2 CFR 200.315. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.315, the Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.

Program Priorities. Activities undertaken as part of, or as a result of, capacity building efforts described in this section should build pipelines and support the implementation of other HUD housing and community development programs, in addition to issues related to comprehensive neighborhood revitalization activities.

Through these activities, grantees are encouraged to align with and support projects that

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

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III. Program Description CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 15 of 63 create opportunities for investments focused on job growth, economic recovery, and neighborhood revitalization. Additionally, grantees are encouraged to consider how CDCs and CHDOs may align investments with regional planning for sustainable economic development if such efforts are underway in the jurisdiction.

RCB program priorities should focus on:

• supporting homeownership and affordable housing in general,

• activities that support homeownership,

• organizations assisting veterans,

• organizations assisting first-responders,

• organization assisting people with disabilities,

• organizations that assist the homeless population achieve self-sufficiency and stable housing,

• Organizations should engage in opportunities to use federal and state owned lands as described in the MOU between HUD and DOI.

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND

FORMAT

IV. Application Contents and Forms

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications

B. Budget

C. Narratives and Other Attachments

D. Other Application Content

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

VI. Submission Requirements and

Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

VIII. Contact and

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

IV. Application Contents and

Format

V. Application Review

Information

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Deadlines

VII. Post-Award Requirements and

Administration

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IV. Application Contents and Format CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 17 of 63

IV. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applications must include three main elements: a) standard forms, assurances, and certifications; b) budget; and c) narratives and other attachments. The content, forms, and format for each element are included in this section.

You may use this section as a checklist to ensure you submit a complete application.

If you don’t provide the required documents in the correct format, your application is incomplete.

Do not submit password protected or encrypted files.

Page Limitation and Font Size. The narrative addressing the Five Factors is limited to no more than 40 typed single spaced pages using a Times New Roman standard 12-point font (footnotes and endnotes may be presented in size 10 font).

1. All applicants should include the applicant’s name, UEI number, and page number on each page of the narrative. HUD will not review more than 40 single spaced pages for all Five Factors. The page limit does not include the Indirect Cost rate determination, HUD Form 4130 Multi-Year Budget, or any of the other required documents that are provided as attachments.

2. Prohibition on Materials Not Required. Materials other than what is requested in this NOFO are prohibited. Reviewers will not consider resumes, charts, letters, or any other documents attached to the application that are not specified or requested in this NOFO.

3. Additional Information on the RCB program and Frequently Asked Questions. HUD may provide a summary of Frequently Asked Questions. Please check the RCB program webpage on the HUD website at Section 4 and Rural Capacity Building Programs | HUD.gov / U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 4 Applicants should include a one page abstract with the application. The abstract should include the following information:

• Grantee Name

• Grantee Address

• Project Name

• Project Director

• Project Director Contact Information

• Purpose

• Activities to be performed- please list program priorities that are being addressed from the program priorities section of the NOFO

• SMART Goals (Program Level and Project Level)

• Expected Targets

• Deliverables and Expected Outcomes

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IV. Application Contents and Format CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 18 of 63

• Subrecipient Activities

• Requested Amount

• Leverage

• Approved Indirect Cost Rate 5 Threshold Summary: A Threshold Summary must be included at the beginning of the narrative portion of the application and it will count against the narrative page limit.

HUD reserves the right to review publicly available information (e.g., organizational website, IRS website https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ to verify that application materials are consistent with such information.

To accurately determine the applicant's eligibility, the Threshold Summary must clearly identify specific activities and cite the:

• HUD Region where the activity was conducted;

• State(s) within the HUD Region where the activity was conducted;

• Type and mode (e.g. onsite, online, etc.) of eligible activity (e.g. loans, grants, trainings);

• Name and type of eligible beneficiary of the activity;

• Year(s) the activity was conducted (years must be specific; do not cite any activity older than 10 years.); and

• Amount of funding expended on this activity.

HUD Region Represented

State(s)Serve d within the HUD Region

Type and Mode of Eligible Activity

Name and Type of Beneficiary(ie

s) Served (no more than 5 examples for each)

Specific Year(s) Conducted

Total Amount of Funding for this Activity

8 MT Grant: Direct provision of funds following an RFP process

My Town

CDC, CDC

2019 $15,000

5 WI, MN

Grant: Direct provision of funds following an RFP process

Your Town, Inc., CHDO, Happy Meadow, Inc., CDC

2018, 2019, $50,000 https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

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IV. Application Contents and Format CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 19 of 63

Town of Smallville, local government

7 MO

Training:

Onsite

Homes for Our Town, Rural Housing Development Organization Building our Community, CDC

2022 $17,000

If a single activity or type of activity was conducted in multiple HUD regions, or if the beneficiaries crossed HUD regions, please list the activity separately such that only one HUD Region is represented per row. To establish national scope, applicants need only present one example of relevant work that meets the criteria for a National Organization for each of the minimum eight regions that they have worked in. In addition, it is expected that the work presented in this Threshold Summary will be consistent with the applicant's narrative in Factor 1 for experience. The Threshold Summary will not affect the applicant's overall score on the application; it will only be used to determine the organization's eligibility to apply for RCB program funding.

As a reminder, the Threshold Summary should be included at the beginning of the applicant's program narrative prior to the response to the Five Factors.

40 pages is the total maximum length of all narratives.

Other Narratives are limited to a total of 40 typed pages of single-spaced.

• Paper size: 8.5" x 11"

• Margins: Minimum of 1 inch on all sides

• Line spacing: Single-spaced

• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point (10-point font may be used for footnotes and

Element Submission Form

Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications Upload using each required form.

Budget Use the required budget form.

Narratives and Other Attachments Insert each in the Attachments form.

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IV. Application Contents and Format CPD-2600-DC-0008 Page 20 of 63 endnotes only)

• Header Information:

Each narrative page must include:

• Applicant’s name

• UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number

• Page numbers

HUD will only review the first 40 pages of narrative content submitted for:

• Factors 1-5

• Threshold Summary

• Abstract Exclusions from Page Limit:

The following required attachments do not count towards the 40-page narrative limit:

• Letters of Firm Commitment (for leveraging documentation)

• Indirect Cost Rate documentation

• Non-Profit Status documentation

• HUD Form 4130: Multi-Year Budget

• Any other required supporting documents submitted as attachments Applicants must strictly adhere to these instructions. Failure to comply may result in portions of your application not being reviewed.

A. Standard Forms, Assurances, and Certifications You must properly complete and submit with your application the standard forms, assurances, and certifications identified below. You can find all forms in the application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms. You can also read more about standard forms on HUD’s Funding Opportunities page.

Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-424

Applicant and Recipient Assurances and Certifications

(HUD 424-B)

Required with the application Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD-424B

Applicant/Recipient Required with the application Page limit: Not applicable https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/images/Standard-Application-Forms.pdf https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/CFO/images/Standard-Application-Forms.pdf

II. Eligibility III. Program Description

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Forms/Assurances/ Certifications Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Disclosure/Update Report

(HUD 2880)

File name: HUD-2880

Certification Regarding Lobbying Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Lobbying Certification form

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

If applicable, required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: SF-LLL

You may correct technical errors in any required forms during the allowable period, except for the SF-424 or any forms associated with merit review, which must be complete and accurate upon initial submission.

B. Budget You must submit a budget with your application to support your project narrative.

At a minimum, your budget must indicate direct and any indirect costs.

Applicants are required to provide documentation identifying the federally negotiated indirect cost rate from the cognizant agency that shows the approved rate or provide an attachment that states that the de minimis rate of 15% Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) will be used.

Refer to Section III.E Indirect Cost Rate, for full details on this requirement.

Budget Form/Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Multi-Year Budget (HUD 4130) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD Form 4130 Form location: Download Instructions

Indirect Cost Information Certification (HUD-426) Required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: ICR Doc.

Form location: Download Instructions

C. Narratives and Other Attachments If applicable, you must upload narrative and other attachments in Grants.gov using the Attachments Form. When using the Attachments Form, you can upload PDF, Word or Excel formats.

https://grants.gov

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Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Abstract Required with the application

Page limit: One page Include as cover page to rating factor responses

Response to Rating Factors Required with the application

See Section V.B File name: Narrative Rating Factors

Threshold Summary before rating factors

Required with the application

Nonprofit Status – Documentation

If applicable, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File Name: Nonprofit Status

Code of Conduct If not included in HUD’s eLibrary, this document is required with the application

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Code Acceptable Content

D. Other Application Content

Document Submission Requirement Notes/Description

Negotiated HUD Form(s)

The applicant must provide documents once the notification of the award is made

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD Form 4130

A signed Indirect Cost Form

The applicant must provide documents once the notification of the awards is made

Page limit: Not applicable File name: ICR Doc

A signed HUD Form 1044 HUD will send the form to applicant for signature and processing.

Page limit: Not applicable File name: HUD Form 1044 https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/grants-code-of-conduct https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/conductgrants

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A signed Grant Agreement HUD will send the form to applicant for signature and processing.

Page limit: Not applicable File name: Grant Agreement

1. Technical Application Errors HUD will contact you to fix a technical error with your timely application after the due date.

Technical errors, if corrected, do not affect (positive or negative) your merit rating under this NOFO. Examples of technical errors include, but are not limited to: inconsistencies in funding requests; a missing or incomplete form or certification; failure to submit an otherwise sufficient application under the correct Assistance Listings number or Funding Opportunity Number in Grants.gov; improper signature on a form or certification; and missing or inappropriate eligibility documentation.

HUD will send notice to the authorized organization representative to fix a technical error.

You must respond timely and appropriately to HUD’s notice (see submission requirements).

Your application is not eligible for funding if you fail to fix the error to HUD’s satisfaction by the due date in HUD’s notice. HUD will not review information submitted after the due date in HUD’s notice.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW

INFORMATION

V. Application Review Information

A. Threshold Review

B. Merit Review

C. Risk Review

D. Selection Process

E. Award Notices

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V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Threshold Review When you apply: Your application is reviewed to make sure it meets the threshold requirements of this NOFO. If your application has a technical error, HUD will allow you to correct it. If you fail to meet any of the threshold requirements, your application is not eligible for HUD funding. If you do meet the threshold requirements, your application moves to Merit Review (the next step).

1. Timely Application Submission Late applications are not evaluated and not eligible for funding. See deadlines in Section VI.

2. Complete Application If your application is timely, HUD will confirm completeness. Your application is considered for funding if it is complete and responsive to the requirements in this NOFO. If your application is incomplete, HUD will ask you to fix any technical errors. Otherwise, incomplete and nonresponsive applications are not considered for funding.

3. Eligible Applicant Upon receipt, HUD will confirm whether you are an eligible applicant. Applications from ineligible applicants do not proceed to merit review and are not eligible for HUD funding.

HUD will use your Threshold Summary to determine your eligibility as an applicant and whether your application is rated.

B. Merit Review If your application meets the threshold requirements, a panel will review and score its merits.

The panel may include HUD employees and non-employees. They will evaluate your application based on the following criteria. The results of the evaluation are shared with senior HUD officials who make the final decisions about funding consistent with this NOFO.

Merit Review Summary

1. Rating Factors Your application must include a response to the following criteria.

Criterion Total number of points = 100 Rating Factor 1: Capacity of the Applicants and Relevant Organizational Experience 20 points

Rating Factor 2: Extent of the Problem and Need for Capacity Building 9 points

Rating Factor 3: Soundness of Approach 32 points Rating Factor 4: Leveraging Resources 10 points Rating Factor 5: Achieving Results and Program Evaluation 29 points

Total 100 points

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Rating Factors Details

Criterion Max points = 100

Rating Factor 1: Capacity of Applicant and Relevant Organizational Experience 20 max points

Describe your organization’s capacity to manage federal grants and implement eligible Rural Capacity Building (RCB) activities with rural organizations. A minimum of 9 points is required to be considered for funding under this factor. Applicants are required to score a minimum of 4 points in both Organizational Capacity and Eligible Activity Experience in Rural Areas, including in Rural Opportunity Zones, in order to be considered for funding under this factor.

You must be prepared to launch the RCB program immediately upon award and have the management, organizational, and financial capacity to do so. RCB funds must only support activities that assist eligible beneficiaries; they cannot be used to build your own organizational capacity.

Demonstrate experience and readiness in the following areas:

1. Project management

2. Rapid program design and launch

3. Financial management

4. Contract and subrecipient oversight (if applicable)

5. Outcome tracking and evaluation

6. Accountability, quality control, monitoring, and internal audit in accordance with 2 CFR Organizational Capacity (10 points) Demonstrate sufficient management, financial, and programmatic capacity by addressing the following:

1. Management Capacity

• Describe the organizational structure as it relates to staff managing the RCB grant.

• Include an RCB-specific organizational chart with brief role summaries of key staff overseeing the program and funds.

• Highlight the experience and qualifications of staff responsible for managing federal grants and implementing the RCB program.

• Explain the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including those with various partners and across different geographic areas.

If any part of the RCB program will be managed by contractors, explain the reasons and benefits for using contractors for FY 2025. Describe the selection process used or planned for procuring qualified individuals or organizations to carry out these responsibilities.

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Criterion Max points = 100

Do not include résumés or any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) beyond names and titles (see 2 CFR 200.1 for more information on PII).

Focus on the key staff managing the RCB program and delivering eligible activities. If any positions are vacant or contingent upon award, identify the staffing gaps and explain how and when they will be filled.

If currently funded under a previous RCB grant, describe past performance in managing federal funds, meeting leverage commitments, and complying with HUD’s financial and monitoring requirements. HUD will evaluate past performance based on Sections V.B.1 and V.B.2 of this NOFO.

1.Capacity to Deliver Eligible Activities Identify the skilled and experienced key personnel responsible for delivering proposed eligible capacity building activities in rural areas. If any roles are unfilled, describe your plan to recruit or procure individuals with expertise in capacity building for rural housing and community development providers. Demonstrate your ability to carry out each proposed eligible activity. Clearly identify skills and experience working with veterans, the homeless, the disabled, first-responders and affordable housing programs.

If contractors or subrecipients will be used to support delivery of eligible RCB activities, explain the reasons for this approach. Describe the selection process whether through recruitment or procurement for securing qualified individuals or organizations to deliver capacity-building activities to eligible beneficiaries. This description must align with your program activity approach in Factor 3.

2. Financial Capacity Demonstrate the ability to manage and expend federal funds efficiently, in compliance with grant requirements. HUD will assess this based on your status as a new or currently funded applicant:

• New Applicants (no RCB grant awards from FY 2019–FY 2024) Demonstrate that a financial management system is in place to manage and produce data relevant to federal grants.

• Describe key components of the system

• List financial reports regularly reviewed by senior management and HUD

• Identify the reports that will be used to manage the RCB program

• Explain how the system has supported successful implementation of similar-sized or comparable grants

• Currently Funded Applicants (managing one or more RCB grants from FY 2019–FY 2024)

i. Financial Management System Demonstrate that a financial management system is in place to manage and generate data

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• Describe system components

• List financial reports regularly reviewed by senior management and HUD

• Identify the reports to be used for FY 2025 RCB implementation

• Explain how the system has supported timely and successful execution of similar or past RCB grants

ii. Timely Expenditure and Disbursement Describe the timeliness of expenditures and disbursements for RCB grants awarded from FY 2019 to FY 2024, using data from HUD’s Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS)/DRGR as of 30 days prior to this NOFO’s published due date.

Include the following information for each RCB grant awarded from FY 2019–2024:

• The LOCCS/DRGR data pull date

• Award amount for each grant year

• Amount and percentage committed to eligible activities (based on a HUD-approved activity plan)

• Amount and percentage disbursed (as of LOCCS data no later than 30 days before this NOFO’s published due date)

• Remaining undisbursed balance for each award HUD will evaluate past performance based on timely fund commitment and disbursement, using benchmark expectations in the table below. This includes completion, return of unspent funds, or applicable extensions for FY 2018 awards.

HUD will calculate the drawdown rate by comparing the amount disbursed (as of the LOCCS pull date) to the total award for each grant year. Applicants will be evaluated proportionally based on the number of awards received, with scoring focused on performance not quantity of awards. Points will reflect the applicant’s ability to draw down funds in a timely manner, based on the grant start dates.

Grant Year Percent of Funds Expected to be drawn down from DRGR/LOCCS

2019/2020 100%

2021/2022 50%

2023 25%

2024 25%

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Eligible Activity Experience in Rural Areas, including in Rural Opportunity Zones (10 points) Describe your organization’s experience in rural areas, including:

1. Capacity building for rural organizations through RCB-eligible activities that support affordable housing and community development for eligible beneficiaries

2. Efforts to increase rural participation in HUD, USDA-Rural Development, and other federal programs, including your own experience with these programs

3. Research on national rural conditions and participation in communities of practice with researchers and national rural housing organizations

4. Capacity building, training, and strategic investment advice for rural organizations that are operating in Opportunity Zone areas Include details on the type and scale of activities performed, and the type and geographic reach of rural organizations served. Include experience working organizations that serve the homeless, veterans, affordable housing programs, the disabled, and first-responders.

Rating Factor 2: Extent of the Problem and Need for Capacity Building

9 max points

Describe the capacity building needs of eligible beneficiaries in rural areas, with emphasis on the specific rural areas where FY 2025 RCB funds will be used. Clearly explain the nature and scope of those needs in relation to the eligible activities and priorities outlined in Section III.F. Support the description with credible, reliable, and quantitative data.

Need for Capacity Building in Rural Areas

1. Affordable Housing and Community Development Needs (3 points) Describe the general socioeconomic needs of rural communities, families, and individuals.

This may include housing, economic conditions, health, accessibility, education, infrastructure, and related issues.