With the support of The Kresge Foundation, NCHH is expanding and “scaling up” its efforts to eradicate unhealthy living conditions through a new initiative called the Grassroots Advocacy Network for Healthy Housing. The Grassroots Advocacy Network will develop local solutions to the challenging problem of substandard housing and neighborhoods.
NCHH will facilitate peer communication, offer technical assistance and capacity building support, disseminate promising practices in organizing and housing policy, and provide opportunities for involvement in national advocacy work.
Application Process: NCHH plans to award subgrants of up to $15,000 to grassroots advocacy organizations to carry out activities such as the following:
-
Creating local demand for healthy housing through media outreach, policy advocacy, community meetings, and other activities;
-
Educating policymakers and the public about unhealthy conditions;
-
Holding public agencies accountable (e.g. to ensure that local housing maintenance codes are enforced);
-
Creating and sustaining valuable collaboration between the public and private sectors and within government; and
-
Other methods most appropriate to the local context.
Eligibility criteria: 501 (c)(3) organizations with annual budgets less than $1 million. Preference will be given to local community-based organizations and non-profits that are currently involved in tenant advocacy, health or housing policy, or environmental justice.
NOTE: DATE CHANGE: We have moved back the June 30, 2011 due date for the next round of grassroots advocacy for healthy housing applications. The new due date is August 15, 2011. There will be no October due date.
Deadlines for Applications: Please fill out the application and submit it with the requested supplemental information by 5:00 p.m. EST on August 15, 2011. Decisions will be made within 45 days of application deadline.
Click here for the application. [doc]
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Please confirm whether the completed application can be emailed.
A: There was conflicting language in the application. In one place it says “Email or mail 1 copy of your application and attachments to the National Center for Healthy Housing (see address on the first page or by email to: Amy Salls).” In another place it says “please don't send via express mail, UPS, Federal Express or ask for a return receipt. Faxed and e-mailed applications will not be accepted.” The application has been corrected to reflect that email submissions are accepted and encouraged.
Q: My organization is a project of a larger organization. Are we eligible to apply?
A: See #17 in the grant application, "if your organization is a chapter or subgroup of a larger entity with income or expenses over $1 million, explain why your finances are autonomous." If your organization has a separate budget and organizational structure you would need to explain that to be eligible to apply.
Q: My organization’s 501(c)(3) status is pending. Are we eligible to apply?
A: We are sorry but only organization’s with an approved 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.
Q: Are Capital Costs (e.g. a Building Build-out) acceptable uses of grant funds?
A: We are sorry but expenditures for capital costs are not eligible for this grant fund. The funds are intended to be used for grassroots organizing efforts.
Q: For references, do you need a letter from the reference or just contact information?
A: We just require the contact information.