Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative (COVID-19)
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act) (Public Law 116-136, approved March, 27, 2020), HUD is making available $1 million dollars through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) Component in supplemental grant funding for creating and disseminating fair housing education and outreach materials as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this Notice is to seek applications from eligible entities that will create and disseminate fair housing education and outreach materials in COVID-19 affected areas. During this national emergency, HUD wants to remind housing providers and the public of important federal fair housing laws that protect persons from discrimination, including harassment and intimidation in housing and related services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability. Persons with disabilities, including those who are older and have underlying medical conditions, are vulnerable and at high risk for a severe, life-threatening response to COVID-19. HUD recognizes that these persons may face unique fair housing and civil rights issues in their fair housing related services. Housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations that may be necessary to deliver housing and services to persons with disabilities affecting major life activities. In addition, HUD wants to prevent discrimination and harassment against people who, because of racial profiling, are perceived to be associated with this disease. Historically, the number of fair housing complaints increases in the aftermath of a disaster or emergency. The provision of widespread, highly visible outreach and education activities regarding the Fair Housing Act requirements is essential during this critical time to control the number of Fair Housing Act violations.
FHIP funds fair housing organizations and other non-profits to enforce the Fair Housing Act and other federal, state, and local laws collectively to prohibit discrimination in nearly all housing transactions and residential settings across the nation, including rental housing, nursing homes, permanent shelters, and other places where people live and receive services together. The FHIP EOI NOFA is to support FHIP grantees in developing and disseminating fair housing education and outreach materials designed to inform members of the public concerning their rights and obligations under the Fair Housing Act in COVID-19 affected areas. This EOI NOFA includes funding for two components:
- $500,000 for a National Media Campaign; and
- $500,000 for general education and outreach activities aimed to inform people of their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act;
This NOFA will receive applications for the EOI awards related to the coronavirus only.
Preference Points: Applicants can choose to apply for either Opportunity Zones, Promise Zones or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) only 2 points will be awarded.
Quarterly Reporting/Final Report. All grant recipients under this NOFA are required to submit quarterly reports and a final report which must include meaningful data derived from client feedback on how they benefited from the organization's project activities. Reports must report on outcomes and evidence of continued project success. The reports may also include but are not limited to: (1) positive customer experience; (2) efficient and effective administrative costs; (3) high ethical standards; (4) overall positive community/target area changes; (5) innovative strategies that contribute to cost effectiveness and other program improvements and success stories.
Additional CARES Act Reporting. Section 15011 of the CARES Act requires that recipients of $150,000 or more of CARES Act funding submit, not later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter, a report containing information regarding the amount of funds received; the amount of funds obligated or expended for each project or activity; a detailed list of all such projects or activities, including a description of the project or activity; and detailed information on any subcontracts or sub-grants awarded by the recipient. As outlined in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum, M-20-21, existing reporting requirements are anticipated to meet the requirements of Section 15011, but the content and format for this reporting is still under development and will need to be reviewed against current program practices. The Department will work in coordination with OMB to ensure that this requirement can be fulfilled by recipients of CARES Act funding in a manner that utilizes to the greatest extent possible existing reporting streams, providing the necessary transparency and accountability with minimal additional burden. If additional reporting is necessary, further guidance will be released by the Department in the near future.
Opportunity Title: Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative (COVID-19)
FR-6400-N-70
CFDA No: 14.416
Application Opening Date: June 8, 2020
Application Due Date: July 8, 2020
OMB Approval No: 2528-0229
Agency Contact: Myron.P.Newry@hud.gov. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Please note that HUD staff cannot assist applicants in preparing their applications