HUD — Department of Housing & Urban Development

Yes. Nonprofits are major recipients of HUD competitive grants, especially for homeless services (CoC), fair housing, housing counseling, and community development. Formula grants like CDBG go to local governments who may sub-grant to nonprofits.

The CoC program funds a comprehensive community approach to homelessness. Local CoC collaboratives (typically led by a nonprofit or government Collaborative Applicant) submit a unified annual application to HUD. Individual organizations cannot apply directly to HUD — they apply for funding within their local CoC's application. Awards fund transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and street outreach. CoC programs are renewed annually and require annual performance reporting through HMIS (Homeless Management Information Systems).

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) distributes formula funds annually to HUD entitlement cities (over 50,000 population) and states for distribution to smaller communities. At least 70% of CDBG funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Nonprofits typically access CDBG funds by applying to their local city or county government's annual CDBG application cycle — not directly through HUD. Eligible uses include housing rehab, public facility improvements, economic development, public services (capped at 15%), and planning.