Education and Outreach Initiatives

To assist organizations that are regional and local, community based, and national, that develop, implement, carry out, or coordinate programs and/or activities to educate the public concerning their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act

The purpose of the assistance listing is to develop and implement projects to educate the public about their rights under the Fair Housing Act or State or local laws that provide substantially equivalent rights and remedies for alleged discriminatory housing practices. The listing serves the general public and is unique as it ensures the public is aware of their fair housing rights, including those related to non-discrimination in housing related transactions. An additional purpose is to provide funding to organizations to administer a training program for test coordinators who train fair housing testers.

Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations, other Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations, other non-profit organizations representing groups of persons protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, State and local agencies certified by the Secretary under Section 810(f) of the Fair Housing Act, or other public or private entities that are formulating or carrying out programs to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.

Housing, Training, Law, Justice, and Legal Services Financial assistance may be used for education and outreach projects conducted to educate the public to assist in preventing or eliminating discriminatory housing practices. Projects and activities must be fair housing related projects. Eligible projects and activities must be conducted in accordance with procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 125 and the NOFO. Financial assistance is provided to public and private entities that engage in conducting projects that further fair housing through education and outreach. Funds may not be used for purposes of settling claims, satisfying judgments, or fulfilling court orders in any litigation action involving either the Department or housing providers funded by the Department. Funds may not be used by the Department for administrative costs. Funds may not be used for payment of expenses in connection with litigation against the United States. Funding is based on congressional appropriations.

Financial assistance may be used for education and outreach projects conducted to educate the public to assist in preventing or eliminating discriminatory housing practices. Projects and activities must be fair housing related projects. Eligible projects and activities must be conducted in accordance with procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 125 and the NOFO. Financial assistance is provided to public and private entities that conduct projects that further fair housing through education and outreach. Funds may not be used for purposes of settling claims, satisfying judgments, or fulfilling court orders in any litigation action involving either the Department or housing providers funded by the Department. Funds may not be used by the Department for administrative costs. Funds may not be used for payment of expenses in connection with litigation against the United States. Funding is based on congressional appropriations.

Funding is in accordance with requirements and forms provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with project periods ranging from 12 to 18 months. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Assistance is awarded through funding documents and grant agreements obligating documents. Funds are released through HUD's financial system. The NOFA specifies the award/funding information, including the length of project period.

The selection criteria are based on rating and ranking by a Technical Evaluation Panel. Under this competitive process, applicants are ranked based on Rating Factors points, preference points, and past performance and applicant risk. The specific criteria and points assigned are listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Applications are evaluated competitively and awarded points based on the Selection Criteria included in the published Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The date range for approval/disapproval ranges from 120 to 180 days. The final decision rests with the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or her/his designee.

Extensions may be requested within the period of performance but no later than 30 days prior to the end of the performance period. Awardees must receive written approval from the Government Technical Representative or Government Technical Monitor for all grant extensions.