Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. The program is authorized under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 and is designed to support state, tribal, and local governments in addressing lead-based paint hazards in residential housing. The initiative reflects HUD’s broader mission to improve housing safety and public health, particularly for low-income families and children under the age of six who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning. The program also includes an optional Healthy Homes Supplemental component, which allows grantees to address additional environmental hazards affecting occupant health. The primary purpose of the program is to maximize the number of children protected from lead exposure by funding comprehensive identification and remediation efforts in privately owned housing constructed prior to 1978. Eligible activities include lead hazard evaluation, abatement, and control, as well as outreach and enrollment of eligible housing units. Funding may also support environmental reviews and limited related activities such as radon testing under certain conditions. However, there are strict limitations on the use of funds, including prohibitions on property acquisition, large equipment purchases above specified thresholds, and certain types of housing such as public housing or units built after 1977. Administrative costs are capped at ten percent, and at least sixty five percent of funds must be used for direct lead hazard control activities. The program requires a cost sharing or matching contribution equal to at least ten percent of the federal request. Matching funds must come from allowable non federal sources and must be documented through formal commitments such as memoranda of understanding or signed agreements. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all match commitments are fulfilled, even if originally pledged by third parties. Eligible match sources include property owner contributions, in kind donations, and discounted services, provided they are properly documented and valued at market rates. Eligibility is limited to governmental entities, including state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and federally recognized tribal governments. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet general federal eligibility requirements, including resolution of any outstanding civil rights violations and compliance with regulatory standards. Additional eligibility considerations include prior grant history and housing stock characteristics, which determine funding categories and maximum award amounts. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and require active registration in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. The application package includes standard federal forms, a detailed budget, and narrative responses addressing rating factors such as organizational capacity and justification of need. Supporting documentation such as resumes, memoranda of understanding, and certifications must also be included. Narrative responses are limited to fifteen pages and must follow specified formatting requirements. Applications undergo a multi stage review process beginning with a threshold review to ensure eligibility and completeness, followed by a merit review that scores applications based on capacity and need. A minimum score of seventy points is required for funding consideration. Additional factors such as risk assessment, organizational capacity, and past performance may influence final award decisions. HUD may also consider geographic distribution and readiness to implement the proposed project. The application deadline is August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 21, 2026, with a project start date of November 2, 2026. The period of performance is forty eight months, ending November 1, 2030. The program is offered as a one time funding opportunity under this notice, although similar funding rounds have been issued in prior years, indicating a recurring federal investment in lead hazard reduction efforts.

Focus heavily on demonstrating organizational capacity and documented need as these account for the majority of scoring points; ensure complete and compliant submission to pass threshold review