Indian Housing Block Grants

The Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBG) program is authorized under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. §4101 et seq.) (NAHASDA). Regulations for the program, which are found at 24 CFR Part 1000, were w

Funds are awarded based on a formula, which was written by HUD in negotiation with Tribes and TDHEs.

Indian tribes (as defined under section 4(13) of NAHASDA); Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) (as defined under 4(22) of NAHASDA)

The primary beneficiaries of funds are families that meet the criteria of NAHASDA and 24 CFR 1000.104.

IHBG funds must be used in accordance with the affordable housing activities established in section 202 of NAHASDA. Some of the eligible activities include housing development, operating and modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems in Indian Country.

IHBG funds must be used in accordance with the affordable housing activities established in section 202 of NAHASDA.

IHBG grant funds not used in one fiscal year can be used in any subsequent fiscal year (NAHASDA sec. 203(g)).

IHBG formula grants: The environmental effects of each activity carried out with assistance under this part must be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321) and the related authorities listed in HUD's implementing regulations at 24 CFR parts 50 and 58. An environmental review does not have to be completed prior to HUD approval of an IHP. IHBG competitive grants: Applicants must comply with HUD environmental review requirements, in accordance with 24 CFR 1000.18-1000.24. An eligible grant recipient can assume environmental responsibilities under 24 CFR part 58 or decline to assume environmental responsibilities and request HUD perform the review under 24 CFR part 50, in accordance with 24 CFR 1000.20(a). An environmental review, all required notifications, and approval of the request for release of funds and certification when applicable under 24 CFR part 58 or HUD's approval of the project or activity under 24 CFR part 50, must be completed before a recipient may acquire, rehabilitate, convert, lease, demolish, repair or construct property, or commit HUD or local funds (non-HUD funds) for these activities in conjunction with the proposed project. Environmental review resources including training, guidance, forms, sample letters and worksheets are available on the HUD Exchange at: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/environmental-review/.

IHBG funds must be used in accordance with the affordable housing activities established in section 202 of NAHASDA. Some of the eligible activities include housing development, operating and modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, housing management services, crime prevention and safety activities, and model activities that provide creative approaches to solving affordable housing problems in Indian Country.

Upon approval of the IHP, and as soon as a Congressional release has been obtained, HUD's Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) sends the applicant an award letter and a grant agreement to sign and return. If the grant recipient does not have one, it has to establish an account in HUD's Line of Credit Control System (LOCCS).

IHBG formula grants: eligible grant recipients must submit an Indian Housing Plan (IHP) to HUD, except as provided in section 101(b)(2) of NAHASDA no later than 75 days before the beginning of a tribal program year.