HUD makes $1 billion available in grants through 35 programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today published its Fiscal Year 2008 "SuperNOFA," an annual funding notice that makes available more than $1 billion in grants through 35 programs (see attached list). HUD intends to offer an additional $1.5 billion in homeless grants later in the year through a new electronic application process that will significantly streamline funding of thousands of homeless assistance programs nationwide.
To make funding opportunities available to the public as soon as possible, HUD is posting its SuperNOFA electronically through www.grants.gov in advance of the Federal Register publication on May 12, 2008. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read funding notices thoroughly and to follow the registration information available in the General Section of the SuperNOFA published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2008.
"Each year we try to make the process of applying for grants as user-friendly as possible," said HUD Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi. "HUD continues to be a leader in moving toward e-government and later this year, we'll take another giant step forward as we launch a new electronic application process for our homeless grant programs."
For the past four years, HUD has required nearly all grant applications to be submitted electronically through http://www.grants.gov/. This year, applicants for funding through HUD's Continuum of Care homeless assistance programs will submit their applications electronically through the HUD e-snaps system (electronic-special needs assistance programs system). A Notice explaining the e-snaps registration process for Continuums of Care was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2008. HUD's Continuum of Care Notice of Funding Availability is expected to be published no earlier than July 1, 2008.
The electronic grant submission process is critical element of President Bush's management agenda to increase funding opportunities for states, local governments and nonprofit grassroots organizations that house and serve lower income families living in their communities. Last year, more than 4,600 applicants successfully submitted their applications electronically.
HUD is continuing to provide help so that every applicant can successfully meet this year's electronic submission requirements. HUD's Desktop User's Guide provides easy-to-follow instructions to guide applicants through the electronic submission process. In addition, HUD also offers training via webcast. For a list of training programs, visit HUD's website.
###
HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/ and espanol.hud.gov.