Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announces the availability of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program.
The IHBG program is authorized under Title I of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), as amended, (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.). Under the program, eligible Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) receive grants to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to benefit low-income Indian families, except under some circumstances as provided in section 201(b) of NAHASDA.
In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Appropriation Act) (Public Law 118-42), approved March 9, 2024, Congress provided a total of $150,000,000 for competitive grants to eligible IHBG recipients authorized under NAHASDA in addition to formula-based funding. This NOFO describes the criteria that HUD will use to award IHBG Competitive grants, and outlines program requirements.
In January 2017, HUD released a study titled, “Housing Needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Tribal Areas: A Report from the Assessment of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing Needs.” The study found that conditions for tribal households are substantially worse than other U.S. households, with overcrowding in tribal areas being especially severe. The study found that between 2013-2015 alone, 68,000 new units were needed to help eliminate overcrowding and replace physically deteriorating units. Additional information is available at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/HNAIHousingNeeds.html
The Department recognizes that this additional IHBG funding provides an opportunity to fund strong and viable affordable housing projects in Indian Country. These projects could begin to address the concerns identified in the study.
HUD will give priority to projects that spur construction and rehabilitation of housing, while considering housing need and the recipient's administrative capacity. HUD strongly encourages new affordable housing construction projects that will increase the number of housing units available for low-income Indian families and help address the housing shortage in Indian Country. Additionally, HUD encourages housing rehabilitation projects that will increase the useful life of existing affordable housing units and alleviate substandard housing conditions. HUD also encourages the acquisition of existing housing units that increases housing stock and necessary affordable housing-related infrastructure projects that will enable future construction or rehabilitation.
Finally, Indian tribes and TDHEs that are applying for funding under this NOFO are encouraged to propose projects that are part of a comprehensive plan to address housing conditions in their communities, including overcrowding, physically deteriorating units, and housing that is inaccessible for individuals with disabilities, as appropriate. Applicants should also engage in long-term planning and ensure that the project being proposed is part of a holistic plan that considers planned future infrastructure development, economic development opportunities, and more.
All applications received through this NOFO that pass initial application screening and threshold review will be rated. Funds will be awarded in rank order based on the score received on the application submitted under this NOFO. HUD reserves the right to issue a supplemental or independent NOFO if necessary (e.g., to ensure that all appropriated funds are awarded, consistent with Section VI.A.2.d.). Grantees must comply with the requirements of NAHASDA and 24 CFR part 1000.
The Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) within HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing will administer this program.
Program Office: Public and Indian Housing
Funding Opportunity Title: Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program
Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6800-N-48
Assistance Listing Number: 14.867
OMB Approval Number(s): 2577-0218
Initial Opening Date for Applications: May 29, 2024
NOFO Modification Post Date: July 8, 2024
Estimated Due Date for Applications: 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on August 29, 2024
Modified Program NOFO and Other NOFO Documents
FAQs: None at this time. Check back later.
Agency Contact: Questions regarding specific program requirements for this NOFO should be directed to:
Email: IHBGCompetitiveProgram@hud.gov
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have speech and other communication disabilities may use a relay service to reach the agency contact. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, visit the webpage for the Federal Communications Commission. Note that HUD staff cannot assist applicants in preparing their applications.