Housing, Homelessness & Community Development grants in Nebraska
HUD formula and competitive funds pass through states, counties, and cities to nonprofit developers, shelters, and service providers, creating very large local grant pools. In Nebraska, these funds reach housing, homelessness & community development businesses and nonprofits through Nebraska state agencies, county programs and city economic development offices, alongside direct federal awards.
Example programs available to Nebraska applicants
- HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Getting started in Nebraska
- 01Register your business with Nebraska (usually the Secretary of State) and get an IRS EIN.
- 02Check Nebraska licensing, permits and tax registration rules for housing, homelessness & community development.
- 03Register on SAM.gov for a free UEI so you can receive federal funds passed through Nebraska agencies.
- 04Contact your local Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free help with plans and applications.
- 05Ask your Nebraska city and county economic development office about local housing, homelessness & community development grants and incentives.
Who qualifies
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide shelter, housing, or supportive services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These organizations are core subrecipients for HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) funds.
- Nonprofit and for-profit housing developers building or rehabilitating affordable housing. HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds can go to both, and at least 15% of each jurisdiction's HOME allocation is reserved for certified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).
- Units of local government, public housing agencies, and tribal entities. These are eligible direct or sub-applicants for many HUD and USDA programs.
- Small businesses and microenterprises in low- and moderate-income areas, or owned by or employing low- and moderate-income people. They may receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) economic development assistance, such as microenterprise loans, grants, or technical assistance, where the local grantee offers it.
- Community-based organizations doing neighborhood revitalization, public facilities, fair housing, or public services. Under CDBG, each activity must meet a national objective, most commonly benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.
- Rural nonprofits, public bodies, and tribes. They may qualify for USDA Rural Development housing and community facility grants in eligible rural areas.
Where the funding comes from
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program: a competitive national funding round for permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, coordinated entry, and HMIS. Local CoCs review and rank projects. The CoC's designated Collaborative Applicant then submits a consolidated application to HUD through e-snaps.
HUD formula programs administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development: CDBG, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and the national Housing Trust Fund. HUD allocates these to states, entitlement cities, urban counties, and participating jurisdictions, which then subaward funds locally.
USDA Rural Development programs for eligible rural areas, including Housing Preservation Grants (Section 533), Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants (Section 523), and Community Facilities grants. HUD's Section 4 Capacity Building program is also federal, but it reaches local groups through national intermediaries.
State-administered CDBG and ESG programs, usually run by a state department of commerce, housing, or community affairs. These programs fund smaller cities, towns, and rural counties that do not receive federal funds directly, along with their nonprofit partners.
State housing finance agencies and state housing trust funds. They administer HOME and national Housing Trust Fund dollars for many areas, and many states also run their own homelessness, rental assistance, or affordable housing grant and loan programs. Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) are also allocated here, though they are tax credits rather than grants.
City and county community development or housing departments in CDBG entitlement communities and HOME participating jurisdictions. These departments typically issue annual Requests for Proposals (RFPs) tied to their Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for public services, housing rehab, public facilities, and economic development.
Local Continuum of Care lead agencies, local housing trust funds, United Ways, and community foundations. Many of these run their own homelessness and housing grant rounds and can provide the match funding that federal programs often require.
Common requirements
- An active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Registration is free; never pay a third party for it, and renew it every year. Subrecipients generally need a UEI, and direct federal applicants also need a Grants.gov account.
- Proof of legal status. This includes good standing with your state's Secretary of State and, for nonprofits, an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Many states also require charitable solicitation registration. CHDO status requires separate certification by the HOME participating jurisdiction.
- Financial documents: recent audited or reviewed financial statements, your latest IRS Form 990, an organizational budget, and written financial management policies. Organizations spending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year (for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2024) must obtain a Single Audit under 2 CFR Part 200.
- Governance and compliance policies. Expect to provide a board roster, bylaws, a conflict of interest policy, procurement policies, nondiscrimination and fair housing compliance, and, where applicable, a negotiated or de minimis indirect cost rate.
- Program-specific requirements. CoC- and ESG-funded projects must participate in the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and coordinated entry system. Many programs require matching funds, such as the 25% match for CoC and HOME and the generally 100% match for ESG.
- Construction and property requirements. HUD environmental review (24 CFR Part 58 or 50) must be completed before committing or spending funds on a project. Other rules may apply: lead-based paint rules, Davis-Bacon prevailing wages (for example, HOME projects with 12 or more assisted units and most CDBG construction), Section 3 hiring and contracting, and Uniform Relocation Act protections.
- Licenses and insurance. Have the business licenses, building permits, contractor licenses, and liability or property insurance appropriate to your activity. Shelters and service providers may also need health, fire, or occupancy approvals.
How to apply
- 01Identify your local grantees. Find your city or county community development department, your state CDBG, HOME, and ESG administering agency, and your local Continuum of Care lead agency. HUD's Exchange website (hudexchange.info) lists grantees and CoC contacts.
- 02Review the local plans and timelines. Read the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, attend public hearings and CoC meetings, and sign up for RFP notices so your project aligns with stated local priorities. Some CoCs require organizations to be active members before they can apply.
- 03Get your registrations and documents in order. Complete or renew SAM.gov and your UEI, and assemble your legal, financial, and policy documents. Secure written commitments for any required match, and confirm your project's eligibility and national objective with program staff.
- 04Submit a complete application by the local deadline. Include a clear need statement, measurable outcomes, a detailed budget, your organizational capacity and track record, and evidence of partnerships. CoC new or renewal projects go through the local CoC's ranking process before the consolidated submission to HUD.
- 05If selected, plan for compliance from day one. Execute the subrecipient agreement and complete any required environmental review before spending funds. Expect most funds to be paid on a reimbursement basis, and set up systems for record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring. Ask for feedback if your application is not funded.
Frequently asked questions
Can a for-profit small business get these grants?
Sometimes, depending on the program. CoC and ESG funds generally go to nonprofits and government entities, not for-profits. However, some local governments use CDBG for small business and microenterprise assistance in low- and moderate-income areas, and for-profit developers can receive HOME or other affordable housing funds for eligible projects. Availability depends entirely on your local grantee's priorities.
Can I apply directly to HUD for CDBG or HOME money?
Usually not. HUD allocates CDBG, HOME, and ESG by formula to states and local jurisdictions, which then run their own application processes. Most nonprofits and businesses apply to their city, county, or state agency. Even for the competitive CoC Program, projects are submitted through the local CoC's Collaborative Applicant.
Do these grants require matching funds?
Many do. The CoC Program generally requires a 25% match. HOME requires participating jurisdictions to provide a 25% match, which they may pass on to projects. ESG generally requires a 100% match. CDBG has no federal match requirement, but local grantees may favor leveraged projects. Always confirm the match rules in the specific local RFP or NOFO.
How long does the process take, and when will I receive money?
Local CDBG and HOME rounds often follow an annual cycle tied to the jurisdiction's Action Plan, and CoC awards follow HUD's yearly competition. Several months to a year can pass between application and contract. Most awards are paid as reimbursements after you spend funds, so plan for adequate cash flow.
Is funding guaranteed if my organization is eligible?
No. Eligibility only means you may apply. Awards are competitive or discretionary and depend on local priorities, available funding, application quality, and compliance capacity. Renewals are not automatic either, since CoC projects are re-ranked annually and federal appropriations can change from year to year.
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Researched from public sources. Program details change, so always confirm with the Nebraska funding agency. GrantVerify does not award grants or guarantee funding.