fr 5900 n 21 fhip final 7.22.15.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

Fair Housing Initiative Programs

FR-5900-N-21

H44870 Stamp

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Funding Opportunity Description. I.

Award Information. II.

Eligibility Information.

Eligible Applicants. A.

Cost Sharing or Matching. B.

Other. C.

III.

Application and Submission Information.

Obtaining an Application Package. A.

Content and Form of Application Submission. B.

DUNS Number and SAM Registration. C.

Application Submission Dates and Times. D.

Intergovernmental Review. E.

Funding Restrictions. F.

Other Submission Requirements. G.

IV.

Application Review Information.

Criteria. A.

Review and Selection Process. B.

Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates. C.

V.

Award Administration Information.

Award Notices. A.

Administrative, National and Departmental Policy Requirements. B.

Reporting. C.

VI.

Agency Contact(s). VII.

Other Information. VIII.

Appendix. IX.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fair Housing / Equal Opportunity

Initial

14.408

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding the specific program requirements of this Program Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to the agency contact identified in Section VII. Please direct questions regarding the FY 2015 General Section to the Office of Strategic Planning and Management, Grants Management Division, at (202) 708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access these numbers via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Additional Overview Information

1. Incorporation of the General Section. HUD publishes a General Section each fiscal year that contains mandatory requirements for all applicants to HUD’s various competitive grant programs, including this NOFA. Applications must meet all of the requirements of the General Section in addition to the requirements of this NOFA to be considered and potentially receive funding. The full title of the General Section is the General Section to the Fiscal Year 2015 NOFAs for Discretionary Programs. Copies are available at Grants.gov or HUD's Funds Available page, http: //portal.hud.gov /hudportal /HUD?src= /program_offices /administration /grants /fundsavail.

2. OMB Approval Number(s): 2529-0033

I. Funding Opportunity Description.

A. Program Description.

1. Purpose.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) provides funding to fair housing organizations and other non-profits that assist individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination.

Currently FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants under three initiatives to carry out enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices and inform individuals of their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. The Initiatives are: the Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI), Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) and the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI).

2. Changes from Previous NOFA.

Program Office:

Funding Opportunity Title:

Announcement Type:

Funding Opportunity Number:

Primary CFDA Number:

Due Date for Applications: 08/26/2015 http://www.grants.gov http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/fundsavail

Effectiveness - The PEI pilot program under the FY 2014 NOFA has not been funded for new applicants. To determine pilot program effectiveness, the FHIP will continue to fund the pilot program for those grantees selected under the 2014 NOFA and analyze results. FHIP will fund the second year of the PEI pilot for the three successful grantees at the advanced, proficient and standard tier levels as specified in the 2014 NOFA. The second year funding is based on successful completion of first year performance goals, and performance based on (1) Quality of Project Management, (2) Quality of Tasks/and Grant Activities, (3) Timeliness, and (4) Thoroughness of Quarterly Reports. The FY2014 pilot program continues to focus resources on practices with the strongest evidence of success and allows grantees to qualify for a four tiered grant funding model.

1.

PEI Multi-Year (PEI-MY) Funding – FHIP is increasing the amount of the PEI-MY component award from $325,000 to $350,000. Under this increase, FY2015 applicants are required to demonstrate that the organization will carry out the required activities listed in Appendix B, the PEI-MY activity list, including expanded education and outreach activities, and prepare their Statement of Work (SOW) and budget to meet those requirements. The increased funding amount applies to FY2015 PEI-MY applicants. Existing PEI-MY grantees will continue to be funded at prior approved levels.

2.

Special Emphasis Component – This is a new Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) component. Projects that are eligible for funding under the Special Emphasis Component are those that expand the capacity of existing eligible organizations. The service expansion category will support fair housing enforcement and education efforts by existing organizations with Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) containing populations of 1 million or more. Heavily populated MSAs present significant challenges to identify and address housing discrimination; therefore, expanded activities and additional resources may be needed to effectively address the scope of potential discriminatory practices. The Special Emphasis Component will support one or more statutorily eligible private fair housing organizations that conduct complaint intake and investigation, testing, enforcement of meritorious claims, and related education activities, including the development and execution of projects to identify and pursue cases involving systemic patterns of discrimination that affect large numbers of people in underserved areas or individual cases in those areas.

3.

National/Regional Testing –This is a new FHOI component designed to support the development of a national/regional testing program to identify discrimination based on race or national origin in real estate sales, real estate steering or rentals. Applicants should propose at least 250 completed matched pair tests in an identified geographic region or regions (including at least two states and at least one metropolitan area with a population exceeding 100,000). The proposed protocol should include multiple contacts/visits by testers in the course of one test. Applicants should consider the analysis and results found in Housing Discrimination Against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012 found at http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.html and develop protocols to be approved by HUD consistent with use for enforcement activity, if justified.

4.

National Programs Component – Sex Discrimination. This is a new Education and Outreach (EOI) Initiative component designed to develop a national program that undertakes specific education and outreach Fair Housing Act projects that focus on activities countering sex discrimination (Domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender stereotyping or discrimination based on gender identity). Under certain circumstances, complaints involving sexual orientation or gender identity may be investigated under the Fair Housing Act. Thus, applicants should focus on education and outreach activities based on complaints involving prohibition against discrimination on non-conformance with sex stereotypes. Under certain circumstances victims of domestic violence may be afforded protection under the Act. Thus, applicants should ensure that all education and outreach activities are activities protected under the Fair Housing Act.

5.

National Programs Component – Sex Discrimination/Familial Status Discrimination. This is a new EOI Initiative component designed to develop a national program that undertakes specific

6.

http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.html education and outreach Fair Housing Act projects that focus on activities on countering sex/familial status discrimination.

National Programs Component – National Origin Discrimination. This is a new EOI Initiative component designed to develop a national program that undertakes specific education and outreach Fair Housing Act projects that focus on activities on countering national origin discrimination in rental, sales, or lending.

7.

National Programs Component – Disability Discrimination. This is a new EOI Initiative component designed to develop a national program that undertakes specific education and outreach Fair Housing Act projects that focus on activities on countering disability discrimination based on Housing Discrimination Study (HDS) research results on housing discrimination encountered by individuals with mobility impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities or mental illness.

8.

Previously selected PEI MY Funding Component applicants receiving their second or third multi-year payments will be funded at the previously established levels.

9.

NOFA Priorities. Applicants are advised that under the FY2015 NOFA, "NOFA Priorities" are referenced and scored under Factor 3. However, applicants must review Section 2, “NOFA Priorities” for additional detailed instructions on what information the narrative response must include to meet this subfactor criteria. For additional information, please see Factor 3 and Section 2 of this NOFA, and the FY2015 General Section.

10.

Component Removed – A previous FY2014 component, EOI-General (EOI-G) is eliminated for FY2015; therefore the component is not included in this FY2015 NOFA.

11.

3. Definitions.

a. Eligibility Requirements – Eligibility requirements are those requirements that must be met for an application to be eligible for funding. Deficiencies in meeting an eligibility requirement may be categorized as either curable or non-curable.

b. Threshold Requirement – Threshold requirements are a category of eligibility requirements. A threshold requirement is a requirement that must be met in order for an application to be reviewed.

Threshold requirements are not curable.

Threshold requirements are listed in Section III.C.2. of both the 2015 General Section and in this Program

NOFA.

Applicants must ensure their application package addresses all threshold requirements. Please check your application carefully!

c. Deficiency – Deficiencies are not the same as errors. Errors are never curable except as permitted under Section IV.C.2. Deficiencies are items of missing or omitted information within a submitted application.

Deficiencies typically involve missing documents, information on a form, or some other type of unsatisfied information requirement (e.g., an unsigned form, unchecked box, etc.). Depending on specific criteria, deficiencies may be either curable or non-curable.

d. Curable Deficiency – A curable deficiency is a specific type of deficiency that applicants may correct with timely action. To be curable the deficiency must:

– Not be a threshold requirement;

– Not influence how an applicant is ranked or scored versus other applicants; and

– Be remedied within the time frame specified in the notice of deficiency.

e. Non-Curable Deficiency – An applicant cannot correct a non-curable deficiency after the submission deadline. Non-curable deficiencies are deficiencies that if corrected would change an applicant’s score or rank versus other applicants. Non-curable deficiencies may result in an application being marked ineligible, or otherwise adversely affect an application’s score and final determination.

Program Definitions

The definitions that apply to this FHIP NOFA are:

a. Administrative Costs. Administrative costs include providing clerical expenses; providing or securing legal services; providing or securing financial management services such as accountants, consultants, sub-contractors, or others retained by the organization.

b. Allegation. Allegation means an intake where there are one or more claims of a violation of a fair housing law. Allegations are only applicable to those protected classes under fair housing laws that are in effect within the applicant’s service area.

c, Broad-based. Broad-based means not limited to a single fair housing issue (such as insurance, mortgage lending, or advertising), but rather covering more than one issue related to discrimination in the provision of housing covered under the Fair Housing Act.

d. Complaint. Complaint means a filed fair housing complaint accepted by HUD or a FHAP agency as jurisdictional.

e. Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act means Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3601-3620).

f. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Agencies. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies, as described in 24 CFR 115, means State and local fair housing enforcement government agencies that receive FHAP funds to administer laws deemed substantially equivalent to the Fair Housing Act.

g. Fair Housing Counseling – means the process used by fair housing organizations to advise persons about their rights and responsibilities, available options for exercising their rights, and remedies provided under fair housing laws.

h. Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (FHO). Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (FHO) means an organization engaged in fair housing activities as defined in 24 CFR 125.103.

i. Full-service Projects. Full-service projects must include the following enforcement-related activities in the project application: interviewing potential victims of discrimination; taking complaints; testing;

evaluating testing results; conducting preliminary investigations; conducting mediation; conciliating;

enforcing meritorious claims through litigation or referral to administrative enforcement agencies; and disseminating information about fair housing laws.

j. Intake. Intake means housing contacts/queries received by a fair housing organization. Intakes may be in-person or by phone, mail or email contact and documented through the fair housing organization’s standard intake form or database entry. Information gathered at intake starts the fair housing process.

Repetitive contacts from a single individual may not be counted as an intake unless the additional contact contains a new allegation or relates to a new respondent. Intakes do not include someone returning a non-enforcement related phone call, a telemarketer calling the office, or incoming personal phone calls.

k. Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction under the Fair Housing Act is established when the complaint is filed in a timely manner; the complainant has apparent standing; the respondent and the dwelling involved (where the complaint involves a provision or denial of a dwelling) appear to be covered by the Fair Housing Act;

and the subject matter and the basis of the alleged discrimination may constitute illegal practices as defined by the Fair Housing Act.

l. Meritorious Claims. Meritorious claims means enforcement activities by an organization that resulted in lawsuits, judgments, consent decrees, legal settlements, HUD or substantially equivalent agency (under 25 CFR 115.6) conciliations, or organization-initiated settlements, with the outcome of monetary awards for compensatory and/or punitive damages to plaintiffs or complaining parties, or other affirmative relief, including the provision of housing (24 CFR 125.103), for complaints that are jurisdictional under the Fair

Housing Act.

m. Lending Discrimination. Lending discrimination means discriminatory practices against persons protected under the Fair Housing Act, in the mortgage process and includes, but is not limited to the use of deceptive, misleading or discriminatory practices to sell services that promise foreclosure relief to homeowners, and the failure to deliver those services. Lending discrimination includes actions that may violate the Fair Housing Act in the making, servicing, or purchasing of home loans or loans secured by a home.

n. Operating Budget. Operating budget means an organization's total planned budget expenditures from all sources, including the value of in-kind and monetary contributions, in the period for which funding is requested.

o. Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (QFHO). Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (QFHO) means an organization engaged in fair housing activities as defined in 24 CFR 125.103.

p. Partnership – means a collaboration with one or more identified agencies, task forces, FHAP organizations, or other groups to successfully realize the service or activity planned. A partnership may be formal and contractual in nature with specific roles and deliverables defined, or less formal cooperation through volunteer efforts accomplished without a contract.

q. Referral. Referral means referring to HUD or to a FHAP agency an intake, alleging possible violations of fair housing laws.

r. Regional/Local/Community-Based Activities. Regional/Local/Community-Based Activities are defined at 24 CFR 125.301(a) and (d).

s. Rural Areas. Rural Areas mean any of the following:

(1) A non-urban place having fewer than 2,500 inhabitants (within or outside of the metropolitan areas).

(2) A county or parish with an urban population of 20,000 inhabitants or less.

(3) Territory, including its persons and housing units, in rural portions of “extended cities.” The Census Bureau identifies the rural portions of extended cities.

(4) Open country that is not part of or associated with an urban area. The USDA describes "open country" as a site separated by open space from any adjacent densely populated urban area. Open space includes undeveloped land, agricultural land, or sparsely settled areas, but does not include physical barriers (such as rivers and canals), public parks, commercial and industrial developments, small areas reserved for recreational purposes, or open space set aside for future development.

(5) Any place in whole or in part, not located in a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

t. Statement of Work (SOW). Statement of Work (SOW) means a document that describes all the tasks necessary to do the work, includes all the steps needed for good management control and specificity regarding work to be done and deliverables, and provides a basis for mutual understanding of the requirements and tasks.

u. Systemic Housing Investigation. Systemic housing investigation means an investigation of alleged discrimination that is pervasive or institutional in nature, or where the collection and analysis of data to develop a complaint will involve complex issues, novel questions of fact or law, or will potentially affect a large number of persons. Systemic investigations may focus not only on documenting facts involved in the alleged discriminatory housing practice that is the subject of the complaint; they may also involve the identification of additional victims or the reviewing of policies and procedures related to matters under investigation to make sure that they also comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Fair Housing Act. Systemic investigations may include investigation of discrimination in rental, sales, lending, or homeowner’s insurance practices and may include investigations into whether a HUD-funded entity has engaged in discriminatory practices or has failed to affirmatively further fair housing. Systemic investigations may be local, regional, or national in scope.

v. Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP). Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) means a panel whose mission is to accomplish sound, impartial, and comprehensive evaluation of proposals consistent with the Notice of Funding Availability. TEP members are selected from a diverse pool of evaluators, including HUD staff and outside (contract) individuals. Individuals are selected for TEP participation based on skill, background and expertise in areas which include but are not limited to fair housing experience, grant writing and evaluation expertise, strong analytical and writing skill, or education and outreach, civil rights or other related exeprience.

w. Testing. Testing is an investigative tool used to gather evidence. A test is a covert investigation by a QFHO or FHO involving one or more persons who initiate contact with a person or entity for the purpose of gathering information about housing policies, treatment and/or practices to compare with the requirements of fair housing laws or other civil rights laws. A test may involve comparing how persons similarly situated except for a protected characteristic are being treated.

x. Test Part. Test part means a contact by a tester with an entity that is or may be covered by the Fair Housing Act. The contact may be by telephone, email, or in person. A test part does not include a preliminary contact by an employee of a QFHO or FHO to determine office hours, operational issues or other information needed to conduct a test. A test part may represent a single test, may be part of a matched pair test, which has two test parts, or be part of a multiple contact test with three or more parts.

y. Underserved Areas. Underserved Areas means areas where there are no Fair Housing Initiatives Program or Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies and where either no public or private fair housing enforcement organizations exist or the jurisdiction is not sufficiently served by one or more public or private enforcement fair housing organizations and there is a need for service.

z. Underserved Populations. Underserved Populations means groups of individuals who are:

(1) Of an immigrant population (especially racial and ethnic minorities who are non- English-speaking or have limited English proficiency);

(2) Living in a rural area;

(3) Homeless;

(4) Persons with disabilities (physical or mental); or

(5) Persons in areas where there is inadequate protection and ability to provide fair housing service from a State or local government or private fair housing organization.

B. Authority.

Section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3616), established FHIP. The implementing regulations are found at 24 CFR Part 125. FHIP is authorized under Sec. 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended. The available funding is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law 113-235, approved December 16, 2014).

II. Award Information.

A. Available Funds.

HUD is making available through this NOFA $39,200,000 for Fair Housing Initiative Programs.

Additional funds may become available for award under this NOFA as a result of HUD's efforts to recapture unused funds, use carryover funds, or because of the availability of additional appropriated funds. Use of these funds will be subject to statutory constraints. All awards are subject to the applicable funding restrictions described in the General Section and to those contained in this NOFA.

Funding for additional years beyond FY2015 is subject to the availability of appropriations.

FHIP funds are used to increase compliance with the Fair Housing Act. This year, funding is available under three Initiatives: Private Enforcement (PEI), Fair Housing Organization (FHOI) and Education and Outreach (EOI) Initiatives. Multi-year awards beyond FY2015 funding are subject to appropriations and the availability of funds.

The following is a general description of each program initiatives (see chart in section III. A. for all eligibility requirements and a listing of related components):

Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI).This Initiative provides funding to private, non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations that meet statutory requirements to conduct investigation and enforcement of alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act.

1.

Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI). This Initiative provides funding to establish new fair housing enforcement organizations and to support the continued existence of fair housing organizations in building their capacity to enforce the prohibitions on discrimination set forth in the Fair Housing Act.

2.

Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI). This Initiative provides funding to organizations that inform the general public about their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act.

3.

HUD will award grants/cooperative agreements under each of these program initiatives. Applicants may be funded under the following Initiatives or Components based on eligibility:

a. Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) - $29,275,000

(1) Multi-Year Funding Component (PEI-MYFC) - $5,356,878;

Total PEI Multi-Year Funding (PEI-MYFC) is $29,275,000 (minus $23,918,122 set aside based upon appropriations for FY 2013 and FY 2014 Multi-year grantees).

b. Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI) - $6,425,000

(1) Special Emphasis Component - $2,500,000

(2) National/Regional Testing Component - $1,000,000

(3) Continued Development General Component (CDGC) - $1,425,000;

(4) Lending Discrimination Component (Lending) - $1,500,000

c. Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) - $3,500,000

(1) National-Based Programs

(a) National Media Campaign Component (EOI-NMCC) - $1,000,000

(b) National Programs Component – Sex Discrimination -$500,000

(c) National Programs Component – Sex /Familial Status Discrimination - $500,000

(d) National Programs Component – National Origin Discrimination - $500,000

(e) National Programs Component – Disability Discrimination - $500,000

(2) Regional/Local/Community Based Program (EOI-R/L/C-B)

Tester Review Training Component -$500,000

Applicants may apply for funding under multiple Initiatives/Components as long as the applicant meets the specific eligibility requirements for each Initiative/Component (see eligibility chart in Section III.A.1). A separate application must be submitted for each component. However, applicants will be funded in accordance with the funding restrictions listed under Section IV.F.5.

B. Number of Awards.

HUD expects to make approximately 50 awards from the funds available under this NOFA.

C. Minimum/Maximum Award Information.

The maximum award possible under this solicitation varies. Specific minimum and maximum award amounts, per component are listed in the Chart under Section III. Eligibility Information.

Estimated Total Funding: $39,200,000 Minimum Award Amount: $325,000 Per Project Period Maximum Award Amount: $1,000,000 Per Project Period D. Period of Performance.

Estimated Project Start Date: 08/30/2015 Estimated Project End Date: 08/29/2016 Other

The period of performance varies based on the specific Initiative and/or Component for which an applicant applies.

E. Type of Funding Instrument.

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement or Grant

HUD expects to award a fixed-price cooperative agreement or grant agreement to each applicant selected for award. The type of funding instrument HUD may offer a successful applicant that sets forth the relationship between HUD and the awardee will be a grant or cooperative agreement, where the principal purpose is the transfer of funds, property, services, or anything of value to the awardee to accomplish an eligible public purpose.

The agreement will identify the eligible activities to be undertaken, financial controls, and special conditions, including sanctions for violations of the agreement, reporting requirements including sub-recipient reporting requirements under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, and integrity requirements under Section 872 of the Duncan Hunter Defense Authorization Act of 2009. HUD will determine the type of instrument under which the award will be made and monitor progress to ensure that the awardee has achieved the objectives set out in the agreement. Failure to meet such objectives may be the basis for HUD determining the awardee to be in default of the grant or cooperative agreement and for exercising available sanctions, including suspension, termination, and/or recapture of funds. Also, HUD may refer violations or suspected violations to enforcement offices within HUD, the Department of Justice, or other enforcement authorities.

If funds are provided subject to a cooperative agreement, HUD will also exercise the right to have substantial involvement in all proposed deliverables, as well as the Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW). For grants and cooperative agreements, HUD will conduct monitoring reviews, request quarterly reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant’s Work Plan or SOW. Most reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant’s Work Plan or SOW. Most FHIP funds are awarded under grant agreements. However, national funds are awarded under cooperative agreements and remain in Headquarters since the grants have a nationwide impact, and therefore require more complex and frequent oversight as well as Departmental approval of deliverables, which is a higher level approval process than funds awarded under grant agreements.

F. Supplementation.

III. Eligibility Information.

A. Eligible Applicants.

Eligible applicants under the NOFA include:

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

1. Eligible Applicants. Depending on the component, eligible applicants may be Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) and Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs), public or private not-for-profit organizations or institutions, and other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices; agencies of State or local governments; and agencies that participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP).

The following chart details each FHIP Initiative/ Component, the approximate available funding, and the eligible applicants and activities:

Initiative/ Component

Amount Available

Applicant Eligibility

Project Period

Award Caps Applicant Eligible Activities

Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) - Multi-year Funding Component

$5,356,878 Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs) with at least one year of experience in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations, and enforcement of meritorious claims in the two years prior to the filing of the application

(24 CFR

125.401(b)(2)) months

For FY 2015, up to $350,000 per year for a three-year duration. All prior second and third year grantees will be funded at their current levels.

Funding is based on the availability of appropriations.

All applicants must review Appendix B, which specifies the required activities that

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: (1) Intake of allegations of housing discrimination, testing, evaluating testing results, and providing other investigative work to provide a just resolution for discrimination that may violate federal, state or substantially equivalent local fair housing laws;

(2) investigation of discrimination, through testing and other investigative methods including systemic investigations; (3) Mediation or other voluntary resolution of allegations of fair and Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHOs) with at least two years of enforcement related experience as noted above, and meritorious claims in the three years prior to filing this application

(24 CFR

125.103).

Both FHOs and QFHOs must currently be conducting these enforcement activities and operating a full service program.

must be addressed in each application.

All funding is based on appropriations.

housing; (4) litigating fair housing cases, including procuring expert witnesses, and

(5) conducting fair housing education activities. Activities are eligible only in cases involving conduct prohibited by, or rights protected under, the Fair Housing Act. HUD will allow applicants under the PEI-Multi-year to modify their activities with the approval of the GTR based upon changing demographics and/or need.

Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI) – Special Emphasis Component/Systemic Investigations

$2,500,000QFHOs, FHOs, other private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations and nonprofit groups building their capacity to become a viable fair housing enforcement organization.

12-18 months

Up to $350,000

Applicants will strengthen their enforcement activities and build their capacity to conduct fair housing enforcement activities and fair housing education in MSAs with a population of 1 million or greater to pursue systemic cases that affect large numbers of people as well as pursuing individual complaints.

Activities should include identifying and addressing systemic and/or individual complaints of discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and other protected classes that create a barrier to inclusive housing communities.

Fair Housing Organization Initiative (FHOI) National/ Regional Testing Component

$1,000,000QFHOs, FHOs, other private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations and nonprofit groups building their capacity to become a viable fair housing enforcement organization.

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities include developing and supporting a national/regional testing program to identify discrimination based on race or national origin in real estate sales and rentals. Applicants should propose to complete at least 250 matched pair tests in an identified geographic region or regions (including at least two states and at least one metropolitan area with a population exceeding 100,000). The proposed protocol should include contacts/visits by testers to the same site.

Applicants should consider the analysis and results found in Housing Discrimination Against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012 found at http://www .huduser.org/portal/publi cations/fairhsg/hsg_d iscrimination_2012.htm l and develop protocols to be approved by HUD consistent with use for enforcement activity if justified.

Fair Housing Organization Initiative – Continued Development General Component

$1,425,000QFHOs, FHOs, other private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations

12-18 months

Up to $325,000

Eligible activities are those that build the capacity of an organization to become a viable fair housing enforcement organization. Examples http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.htm http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.htm http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.htm http://www.huduser.org/portal/publications/fairhsg/hsg_discrimination_2012.htm and nonprofit groups building their capacity to become a viable fair housing enforcement organization.

of activities for continued development of existing eligible organizations may include: (1) change from a fair housing education organization to one which will include an enforcement staff; (2) access more sources of expertise or technical assistance, such as hiring persons with investigative skills or legal expertise in lending to work in the organization; (3) provide continuing support to organizations recently established under ENOC; (4) expand testing expertise and experience.

Fair Housing Organization Initiative – Lending Discrimination Component

$1,500,000QFHOs, FHOs, other private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations and nonprofit groups building their capacity to become a viable fair housing enforcement organization.

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities include but are not limited to: (1) Intake and investigation of allegations of lending discrimination, or providing other investigative and complaint support for administrative and judicial enforcement of fair lending laws, related to the prevention of mortgage default in foreclosure, mortgage modifications and mortgage refinance; (2) Investigation of possible systemic violations and enforcement pursuant to other equal opportunity or fair lending statutes that accompany a suspected fair housing violation; (3) Analysis of disparities in mortgage lending data that results in investigations of complaints; and (4) Education and outreach activities may include:

providing education and counseling to persons who may have encountered lending discrimination in services, terms, strategies, or schemes related to the prevention of mortgage default or foreclosure.

Applicants may propose to perform education, training, technical assistance, and other services to enhance the capacity of existing organizations to investigate and enforce fair lending laws to address mortgage lending discrimination, and to provide advocacy and direct assistance to victims of fair housing and fair lending laws including fraudulent or predatory mortgage rescue schemes.

Education and Outreach Initiative

(EOI)

–National-Based Program—National Media Campaign Component

$1,000,000QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

12-18 months

Up to $1,000,000

This project will focus on the development of an innovative education and advertising campaign directed to the general public and addressing the general theme of support for diverse and inclusive communities consistent with Fair Housing Act principles, including the obligation to

Applicants must have at least five years of experience as an advertising, media or public relations organization or must partner with an advertising and media services organization with at least five years of experience as an advertising, media, or public relations organization.

affirmatively further fair housing in 42 U.S.C. 3608. Eligible activities will include:

the collection of existing materials from activities funded under the EOI-AFFH grants awarded in FY 2012, FY2013 and FY 2014 and providing them in Internet compatible formats and the development of new materials that may include media campaigns, webinars, development and dissemination of PowerPoint presentations, training curricula, or brochures suitable for use by the general public and may include social media utilization for educational purposes.

Activities also include the development of a campaign that supports the obligation to affirmatively further fair housing. The materials, including their production and availability in languages other than English, must be connected by a common theme or graphic design.

Education and Outreach Initiative National Programs Component – Sex Discrimination

$500,000 QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the

12-13 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities are those that propose a national education program that undertakes specific education and outreach projects consistent with the Fair Housing Act that focus on activities that counter sex discrimination in

VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In addition, applicant must show that they have experience to reach groups they target, show that they have experience working with the targeted populations and have experience or will partner with an organization experienced in directing national campaigns to these targeted populations.

discrimination in housing, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender stereotyping or discrimination based on gender identity. This includes: (1) developing and implementing novel ideas on a national basis to inform the general public, housing providers, and concerned persons about one or more forms of sex discrimination in housing, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender stereotyping or discrimination based on gender identity under the Fair Housing Act.

Under certain circumstances, complaints involving sexual orientation or gender identity may be investigated under the Fair Housing Act.

Thus, applicants should focus on education and outreach activities based on complaints involving prohibition against discrimination on non-conformance with sex stereotypes. Under certain circumstances may victims of domestic violence be afforded protection under the Act. Thus, applicants should ensure that all education and outreach activities are activities protected under the Fair Housing Act.

Such activities may include, but are not limited to, developing social media vehicles, print/electronic advertisements, and that these campaigns be placed in media vehicles to realize maximum effectiveness. All products must include messages that can be adapted into media, brochure and other formats, and all products must educate and enhance knowledge of the Fair Housing Act. Activities must include developing products that may be easily replicated in media, brochures and other formats.

Activities may include

(1) webinars and on-line materials that let people know about their rights; (2) conducting educational symposia or other training; (3) developing materials into languages applicable to communities throughout the project area(s); (4) providing outreach and information on fair housing through electronic media;

developing and distributing Fair Housing brochures, and in other formats.

Applicants should look to a common theme in development of all fair housing materials. All materials should be new materials that are customizable at the local level as determined by HUD.

Products must be provided in appropriate languages and deliverables must be provided in camera-ready format or other format suitable for Internet access and must be Section 508 compliant.

Education and Outreach Initiative National Programs Component – Sex/Familial Status Discrimination

$500,000 QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In addition, applicant must show that they have experience to reach groups they target.

Further, applicant must show that they have experience working with the targeted populations and have experience or will partner with an organization experienced in directing national campaigns to these targeted populations.

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities are those that propose a national education program that undertakes specific education and outreach projects consistent with the Fair Housing Act that focus on one or more forms of sex or familial status discrimination in housing. This includes:

(1) designing specialized outreach projects to inform all persons of the availability of their fair housing rights;

(2)developing and implementing novel ideas on a national basis to inform concerned persons, the general public and housing providers about one or more forms of sex/familial status discrimination in housing under the Fair Housing Act. Such activities may include, but are not limited to:

(1) developing social media vehicles that educate and enhance knowledge of the Fair Housing Act;

(2) webinars, and on-line materials that let populations. on-line materials that let people know about their rights; (3) conducting educational symposia or other training; (4) developing materials into languages applicable to communities throughout your project area; (5) providing outreach and information on fair housing through electronic media; and

(6) developing and distributing Fair Housing brochures.

Activities must include developing products that may be easily replicated in media, brochures and other formats. Applicants should look to a common theme in development of all fair housing materials. All materials should be new materials that are customizable at the local level as determined by HUD.

Products must be provided in appropriate languages and deliverables must be provided in camera-ready format or other format suitable for Internet access and must be Section 508 compliant.

Education and Outreach Initiative - National Programs Component – National Origin Discrimination

$500,000 QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities are those that propose a national education program that undertakes specific education and outreach projects consistent with the Fair Housing Act that focus persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

In addition, applicant must show that they have experience to reach groups they target.

Further, applicant must show that they have experience working with the targeted populations and have experience or will partner with an organization experienced in directing national campaigns to these targeted populations.

Housing Act that focus on one or more forms of national origin discrimination in rental, sales, or lending. This includes: (1) designing specialized outreach projects to inform all persons of the availability of their fair housing rights;

(2)developing and implementing novel ideas on a national basis to inform persons, service providers, and the general public on one or more forms of national origin discrimination in housing under the Fair Housing Act. Such activities may include, but are not limited to:

(1) developing social media vehicles that educate and enhance knowledge of the Fair Housing Act;

(2) webinars, and on-line materials that let people know about their rights; (3) conducting educational symposia or other training; (4) developing materials into languages for national distribution providing outreach and information on fair housing through electronic media; and

(5) developing and distributing Fair Housing brochures.

Activities must include developing products that may be easily replicated in media, brochures and other formats.

Applicants should look to a common theme in development of all fair housing materials. All materials should be new materials that are customizable at the local level as determined by HUD.

Products must be provided in appropriate languages and deliverables must be provided in camera-ready format or other format suitable for Internet access and must be Section 508 compliant.

Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) – National Programs Component – Disability

$500,000 QFHOs, other FHOs, and other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Further, applicant must show that they have experience to reach groups they target. In addition, applicant must show that they have experience working with the targeted populations and have experience or

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Eligible activities are those that propose a national education program that undertakes specific education and outreach projects consistent with the Fair Housing Act that focus on one or more forms of discrimination based on disability in housing, and must be targeted consistent with available information on the outcomes of HUD’s Housing Discrimination Studies, to address the fair housing needs of one or more of these categories: (1) housing discrimination encountered by individuals with mobility impairments,

(2) housing discrimination encountered by individuals with hearing impairments, and (3) will partner with an organization experienced in directing national campaigns to these targeted populations.

housing discrimination encountered by individuals with cognitive disabilities or mental illness. This includes (1)developing and implementing novel ideas on a national basis to inform the general public, concerned persons, or housing providers about disability discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. Such activities may include, but are not limited to: (1) developing social media vehicles that educate and enhance knowledge of the Fair Housing Act; (2) webinars, and on-line materials that let people know about their rights; conducting educational symposia or other training; (3) developing materials into languages for national distribution;

(4) providing outreach and information on fair housing through electronic media; and

(5) developing and distributing Fair Housing brochures.

Activities must include developing products that may be easily replicated in media, brochures and other formats. In addition, applicants should look to a common theme in development of all fair housing materials.

Materials must be new materials that are customizable at the local level as determined by HUD.

Products must be provided in appropriate languages and deliverables must be provided in camera-ready format or other format suitable for Internet access and must be Section 508 compliant.

Education and Outreach Initiative – Tester Review Component

$500,000 QFHOs, FHOs, other nonprofit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Applicants must have at least a minimum of two years of testing experience and expertise.

12-18 months

Up to $500,000

Applicant’s proposed activities should include developing methods for testing based on data from prior FHIP tester training results and provide continued technical assistance with existing materials and updating these materials for FHIP applicants who have participated in training under the national testing training program and to include others to attend the same training or training similar in scope and complexity.

Activities may include:

(a) sharing methodologies for rental and sales tests, lending and insurance tests, and Internet/email testing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and disability; (b) collecting information on accomplishments and successful cases as a result of the training;

(c) review of tester profiles, test assignments, preparation of testers, and costs of tests.

Training must address strategies to uncover violations of the Fair Housing Act.

HUD does not award grants to individuals. HUD will also not evaluate applications from ineligible applicants.

All applicants must have an active Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number (http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform) and have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.sam.gov) before submitting an application.