Housing Counseling & Education (HCE)
🏛 Virginia Housing Development Authority
✓ Free, no account · Source: Virginia state grants portal · Last verified May 31, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies serving Virginia. Eligible applicants include HUD-approved Local Housing Counseling Agencies, Participating Housing Counseling Agencies, Multi-State Organizations operating in Virginia, and National intermediaries with Virginia branches.
Agencies must be in good standing with Virginia Housing and cannot use grant funds as sole funding source. Funding supplements existing programs only.
Applicants propose budgets up to $100,000. Awards are reimbursed at $500 per service based on actual services delivered. The grant period is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
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Program description
Funding Announcement: Virginia Housing Housing Counseling and Education Grant May 2026 Funding Purpose: REACH Virginia FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Virginia Housing reinvests a portion of our net revenues into Virginia’s communities through REACH Virginia (Resources Enabling Affordable Community Housing in Virginia). This is a multifaceted resource that Virginia Housing uses to support vital housing initiatives through our Homeownership, Rental and Community Outreach programs. The intent of Housing Counseling and Education (HCE) Grant is to fund HUD-approved Housing Counseling Programs to educate families and individuals in order to help them make smart decisions regarding improving their housing situation and meeting the responsibilities of tenancy and homeownership. Virginia Housing grant funds must supplement an agency’s housing counseling program, and not be the sole source of funding. Eligibility Criteria: HUD Approved Local Housing Counseling Agencies, HUD Approved Participating Housing Counseling Agencies, HUD Approved Multi-State Organizations doing business in Virginia, or National intermediaries with Virginia branches are eligible to apply. Agency must be in good standing with both the Virginia Housing HUD Housing Counseling and Education Grant and the Virginia Housing Housing Counseling and Education Grant. Program Parameters: Approved agencies must comply with the Virginia Housing HCE Handbook and the HUD Housing Counseling Handbook. Click on the attachments in the opportunity section of this funding opportunity to access the HCE handbook for a detailed explanation of the scope of housing counseling and group education services allowed under this funding opportunity, disbursement and reporting requirements. The period of performance for this funding opportunity is July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Awarded grantees may be reimbursed at $500 per service based on the actual number of services provided. Application Process: Agencies seeking funding should apply to Virginia Housing’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) using the Grants Management System at https://vhdagrants.com. For questions concerning this program or assistance with application submission, contact Frank Curbeira, Strategic Housing Officer, at (804) 343-5818. Application Requirements: Housing Counseling and Education Goals Proposed Budget – Proposed HCE budgets may be up to $100,000 . Awards are based on the availability of Virginia Housing funding. Approval: Selected agencies will receive a Grant Award Notification (GAN) and an addendum to their Grant Agreement if approved for funds under the award. Agencies must return the signed addendum to Virginia Housing with signature by an authorized representative. All applicants have the option to submit a request at grants@virginiahousing.com for a debriefing within thirty (30) days of approval or denial.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grants Management System application form
- Housing Counseling and Education Goals statement
- Proposed Budget (up to $100,000)
- Proof of HUD approval status
- Documentation of existing funding sources
- Grant Agreement addendum (if awarded)
Program contact
- 👤 Frank Curbeira
- 📧 Frank.Curbeira@virginiahousing.com
- 📞 (804) 343-5818
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, multi-state organizations, and national intermediaries with Virginia operations. Your agency must be in good standing with Virginia Housing.
What can grant funds be used for?
Housing counseling and group education services following the HUD Housing Counseling Handbook and Virginia Housing HCE Handbook. Funds supplement existing programs only.
How much funding is available?
Awards range from $10,000 to $100,000. Reimbursement is $500 per service delivered based on actual output.
What is the application deadline?
June 8, 2026. Submit through Virginia Housing's Grants Management System at vhdagrants.com.
What does the grant cover?
Services helping families and individuals with homeownership, tenancy, and housing decision-making. Both one-on-one counseling and group education count toward reimbursement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your HUD approval status and Virginia Housing standing before applying. Late discovery of ineligibility wastes effort.
- Document your existing funding sources clearly. Reviewers want assurance this grant truly supplements your program.
- Plan realistic service targets aligned with your capacity. Reimbursement depends on actual services delivered at $500 per service.
- Review both the HUD Housing Counseling Handbook and Virginia Housing HCE Handbook before writing your proposal. Compliance is non-negotiable.
- Contact Frank Curbeira early with questions about eligible activities and budget scope. Clarity upfront prevents delays or rejection.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without current HUD approval or while out of good standing with Virginia Housing. Using grant funds as primary program funding instead of supplemental. Underestimating service costs or overestimating delivery capacity compared to staffing and resources.
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