Fair Housing Initiatives Program – Education and Outreach Initiative
🏛 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, and other entities working to prevent housing discrimination and educate the public about fair housing rights.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate capacity to develop and implement fair housing education and outreach programs. Organizations can apply for general education initiatives or national media campaigns. Geographic scope is national; applicants can serve any region.
Activities include creating educational materials, conducting outreach events, supporting local fair housing programs, and developing media campaigns. Projects address fair housing law awareness for housing providers, tenants, and the general public.
The grant requires a clear work plan, timeline, and measurable outcomes for education and outreach activities.
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Key dates
- Jul 2, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 2, 2026 Application deadline in 109 days
- Feb 28, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
Congress in 1988 established the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) with a purpose of providing funding to entities to work alongside HUD to “prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices” 42 USC § 3616a(a).
FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants. under several initiatives.
The overarching purpose of the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) is to educate the public, housing providers and other stakeholders about their rights and obligations under provisions of fair housing laws, through the development, implementation, carrying out and coordinating or education and outreach programs. 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1); 24 CFR 125.301(a).
The National Media Campaign component (EOI-NMC) is “designed to provide a centralized, coordinated effort for the development and dissemination of fair housing media products.” 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1). A portion of NMC funds are specifically meant to increase participation in the annual national fair housing month. Under a cooperative agreement, HUD will exercise the right to approve, and have substantial involvement in, all proposed deliverables, as well as the Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW).
The General Component (EOI-GC) is designed to carry out projects programs that prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices by establishing or supporting regional, local, and community- based education and outreach activities, events, and programs. For grants and cooperative agreements, HUD will conduct monitoring reviews, request quarterly reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant’s Work Plan or SOW. Most EOI funds are awarded under grant agreements. However, national funds are awarded under cooperative agreements managed by Headquarters since the awards have a nationwide impact and therefore require more complex and frequent oversight as well as Departmental approval of deliverables.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Detailed Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW)
- Project narrative and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation and financial statements
- Evidence of nonprofit status (IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter or equivalent)
- Resumes of key project personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Katherine Vasilopoulos
- 📧 katherine.vasilopoulos@hud.gov
- 📞 202-402-8701
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 14.416 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$243,550
-
$122,526
-
$119,455
-
$117,410
-
$114,493
-
$113,133
-
$102,581
-
$102,394
-
$93,362
Top States by Funding
- DC 1 awards $0.2M
- NH 2 awards $0.2M
- IL 2 awards $0.2M
- MA 2 awards $0.2M
- VT 1 awards $0.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 14.416). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $10,548,628 | |
| 2025 | $9,454,040 | |
| 2026 est. | $10,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for FHIP education and outreach grants?
Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations can apply. You must demonstrate capacity to implement fair housing education programs.
What is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is November 2, 2026. Start preparing your application well in advance.
What types of activities does this grant support?
Funding supports fair housing education programs, outreach events, media campaigns, and community-based awareness initiatives.
How competitive are these grants?
Competition is moderate to strong. Award amounts range from $175,000 to $2.5 million, with a total pool of $10.75 million. Quality of approach and demonstrable capacity are key factors.
What are typical project durations and requirements?
Projects typically last 1-3 years. You'll need quarterly reports, HUD approval of all deliverables, and a detailed work plan.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear work plan showing measurable education outcomes. HUD approves all deliverables upfront, so detail matters.
- Use data on housing discrimination in your service area to justify your approach. Connect activities to specific fair housing law violations or gaps.
- Build partnerships with housing providers, legal aid organizations, and tenant advocates. Collaboration strengthens applications.
- Focus on underserved or vulnerable populations if possible. Document how your program reaches renters, homebuyers, or providers most affected by discrimination.
- Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period. Explain how programs will continue or generate future support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear, measurable outcomes or connection to specific fair housing laws. Work plans must show specific education targets and evaluation methods.
Applicants underestimate HUD's approval requirements and oversight. Budget time and resources for quarterly reporting and frequent communication with HUD staff.
Proposals focus too narrowly on one audience (e.g., only tenants) without addressing fair housing obligations of housing providers and landlords.
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