Comprehensive Housing Counseling (CHC) and the Housing Counseling Training (HCT) NOFO (FY2026)

The Comprehensive Housing Counseling and Housing Counseling Training program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through its Housing Counseling Assistance Program. HUD is the primary federal agency responsible for national housing policy and programs that support affordable housing, community development, and housing stability. This funding opportunity is part of HUD’s broader effort to strengthen the capacity of housing counseling agencies that provide direct services to individuals and families navigating housing challenges. These agencies play a critical role in ensuring access to safe, affordable housing and in preventing foreclosure, eviction, and housing discrimination. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that deliver counseling and training services to renters, homeowners, and prospective buyers. The program focuses on improving financial literacy, property maintenance awareness, and overall housing stability for clients. It also supports training initiatives for housing counselors to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery nationwide. The funding is designed to strengthen the infrastructure of housing counseling networks and expand access to reliable housing assistance resources. Funds awarded under this program may be used for a range of housing counseling activities, including one-on-one counseling, group education sessions, outreach efforts, and training for housing counselors. Allowable uses emphasize improving financial management skills, preventing housing crises, and supporting sustainable homeownership or rental outcomes. While the funding supports operational and programmatic costs, applicants must comply with HUD program requirements outlined in federal regulations and agency guidance. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this funding opportunity, which reduces barriers for eligible applicants. Eligibility is limited to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, including state governments, state housing finance agencies with appropriate statutory authority, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. For training-specific awards, eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with at least two years of experience delivering housing counseling training services nationwide. Applicants must meet all program compliance standards and cannot receive duplicate funding across multiple roles or affiliations within the same funding cycle. Individuals, foreign entities, and sole proprietorships are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process requires electronic submission through the designated federal grants platform by the specified deadline. Applicants must ensure they are approved participants in the HUD Housing Counseling Program prior to the notice of funding opportunity issuance. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants can expect to provide organizational information, program plans, and evidence of compliance with HUD standards. Evaluation criteria are expected to focus on organizational capacity, program effectiveness, and alignment with HUD housing counseling objectives. The timeline for this opportunity is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date at the end of September and an application deadline at the end of November. Awards are anticipated to be announced by late January, with project activities beginning shortly thereafter in early February. This program is part of HUD’s annual funding cycle, suggesting recurring availability. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor official HUD and grants platforms for updates, and they may direct inquiries to the program contact email provided by HUD.