Private Enforcement Initiatives

To support private non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations in the investigation and enforcement of violations of the rights granted under title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 2801); develop, implement, and carry out, relat

The purpose of the listing is described above in the program objectives. The listing serves the general public and is unique as it ensures fair housing rights, including non-discrimination in housing practices including sales, rentals, financing and other housing related transactions.

Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHO) with at least two years of experience in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations, and enforcement related experience and meritorious claims in the three years prior to filing the application for funding; or Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHO) with at least one year of experience in the enforcement-related activities listed above in the two years prior to the filing of the application for funding. If the applicant is neither a QFHO nor FHO with the requisite experience, the organization is ineligible for funding under the Private Enforcement Initiative.

Any person or group of persons aggrieved by discriminatory housing practices because of race, color, religion, sex disability familial status or national origin. Persons or groups of persons, including landlords or real estate agents, to prevent discriminatory housing practices based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

Funds can be used by private tax exempt non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations to support enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Eligible projects and activities must be conducted in accordance with procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 125 and eligible activities provided under the NOFO. Funding may not be used for activities that are not civil rights related enforcement or education and outreach activities. 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 and contingent upon congressional appropriations.

Funds can be used by private tax exempt non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations to support enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Eligible projects and activities must be conducted in accordance with procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 125 and eligible activities provided under the NOFO. Funding may not be used for activities that are not civil rights related enforcement or education and outreach activities. 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 and contingent upon congressional appropriations.

The period when assistance is available varies and is dependent upon appropriations and NOFO www.grants.gov posting. For funded applicants, grants have a multiyear project period with 12-month budget periods. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Assistance is awarded through funding documents and negotiated grant or cooperative agreements and HUD financial system releases funds based on reimbursement of activities. Funding and Award Information is contained in the NOFO.

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 associated 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 NOFO. The final decision rests with the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or her/his designee.

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, but are not guaranteed to be approved. Awardees must receive written approval from the Government Technical Representative or Government Technical Monitor for all proposed grant extensions.