Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge
Round 2 of the challenge is closed. On June 29, we’ll announce the 15 finalists moving to Round 3. Stay tuned!
Three Pillars of Innovation
The challenge will scale promising ideas, models and approaches across three focus areas.
Housing Construction
Housing Finance
Resident Services & Support
Round 2 Adjustments
With community leaders nationwide facing new, urgent demands during the pandemic, we modified the challenge’s timeline – while maintaining our commitment to award grants to six affordable housing innovations.
Challenge Timeline
Round 2
March 18 - May 15, 2020
Round 3
July 6 - September 21, 2020
Round 1
January 15 - February 19, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the challenge still accepting applications?
No, the deadline for Round 1 of the challenge was Feb. 19, 2020. Thank you to all who applied. Rounds 2 and 3 are by invitation only.
What if I started my application in SlideRoom but did not submit it — can I still do so?
No, if you started an application but did not complete and submit it by February 19, 2020, you may not submit it.
How is “affordable housing” defined in the challenge?
We understand that affordability varies based on multiple factors, including geography and market conditions. We’re looking for innovations that address the needs of low- to moderate-income households, and will prioritize proposals serving 60 percent of area median income (AMI) and below. At the same time, we will exercise flexibility up to 80% AMI based on the nature of the idea (e.g., rental vs. homeownership) and market context. We also will consider mixed-income strategies in which its estimated that the innovation will serve a majority of households at or below 60 percent AMI.
Can organizations submit more than one application?
Organizations can submit more than one application. However, only one application per idea will be allowed. In other words, organizations can submit multiple unique ideas to the same focus area. Organizations may also submit multiple unique ideas across different focus areas. However, we will not accept applications from different organizations for the same idea. Organizations must coordinate with their partners to determine one lead applicant. Finally, although organizations are permitted to submit more than one application, we strongly encourage you to prioritize your best ideas and submit one application.
My innovation overlaps with two different focus areas. Can I apply for more than one focus area?
No. You must select one primary focus area that best aligns with your innovation. The application does allow you to specify if your innovation overlaps with another focus area. However, there is no advantage or preference given to innovations that address more than one focus area.
What are the eligible expenses covered by this grant?
The grant funding is flexible and can be used for operational, programmatic and capital expenses.
See how breakthrough ideas grow into scalable solutions.
