News Release

HUD HOSTS FREE TRAINING TO COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED GROUPS SEEKING GRANTS
Tutoring builds on Administration promise to "level the playing field" for grassroots organizations

WASHINGTON - Many smaller community and faith-based organizations have difficulty navigating the application process for federal grants. To help these community service providers better access federal funding, the Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced an ambitious schedule of free grant writing seminars designed to create an equal opportunity for those seeking grant funding.

"The Art & Science of Grant Writing" training sessions will provide personal instruction from key HUD staff on how to become more competitive for federal grant funds, how to qualify for 501c3 nonprofit status, and how to structure an organization to secure government funds. Each session will be held at local facilities such as universities, community centers, churches and hotels. For a complete schedule of these training sessions, visit HUD's website.

"Many of these smaller community-based organizations simply can't afford an experienced grant writer to apply for federal grants," said HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson. "I'm convinced that by educating these grassroots organizations in the finer points of grant writing, we ultimately invest in the people and places that these groups help."

HUD's tutorials not only prepare prospective nonprofit applicants to compete for federal grant funding but also corporate and foundation sources as well. To date, hundreds of organizations have been awarded more than $48 million in funding because of HUD's intensive two-day trainings.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. M ore information is available via the Internet at www.hud.gov or espanol.hud.gov.

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