2022 Capacity Building Program Request for Proposals (RFP)
New Application Deadline: Monday, July 25, 2022 at Noon (CT)
RFP Informational Session: June 14, 2 p.m. CT
(Registration not needed. Click on the link to join the informational session at the scheduled time. Presentation will be recorded and saved to the Minnesota Housing’s website)
Minnesota Housing’s Capacity Building Program will fund activities that build the capacity of organizations and communities to address root causes of housing challenges and create thriving and inclusive communities. Communities Most Impacted by housing challenges and disparities are experts and key partners in developing solutions to these challenges. Minnesota Housing trusts organizations and communities to use their knowledge and creativity to develop strategies that work for them.
Minnesota Housing may award grant funds up to $1,450,000. Over the course of a two-year grant period, selected grantees will utilize Capacity Building Program grant funds for one of the following two uses:
- Organizational Capacity Building:
Estimated Available Funds: $950,000 (subject to applications received)
Maximum Individual Award: $55,000 (typical award size may range from $20,000 to $55,000)Grantee will use the funds to build its own capacity to address root causes of housing challenges and housing disparities, build power in Communities Most Impacted by housing challenges and disparities, pilot innovative solutions to housing challenges, and support inclusive and equitable communities.
- Intermediary Capacity Building:
Estimated Available Funds: $500,000 (subject to applications received)
Maximum Individual Award: $75,000 (typical award size may range from $30,000 to $75,000).Pass-through grants awarded to sub-grantees must be less than $25,000.Grantee will use the funds to build the capacity of others through pass-through grants and/or technical assistance (see definition of both terms below) in the Grantee’s area of experience and expertise. The purpose of intermediary capacity building is to develop and strengthen the capacity of communities, stakeholders, and organizations operating in the areas of housing planning, community and program development, and community engagement.
Eligible Applicants
- Tax-exempt nonprofits
- Tribal governments and Tribal Business Entities
- Collaborations between two or more entities, so long as at least one participating entity is a tax-exempt nonprofit, Tribal government or Tribal Business Entities and will be designated to enter into contracts with Minnesota Housing.
Ineligible Applicants:
- Non-Tribal government entities and for-profit businesses
Ineligible Expenses:
- Direct housing development and pre-development costs
- Direct housing services including rental assistance, affordability gap or down-payment assistance
- Lobbying or other direct political activities
- Shelter planning and/or services
How to Apply:
2022 Capacity Building Program RFP – Overview, Instructions, and Application
Please review this document carefully. It provides a detailed description of the RFP and application instructions. It also includes the application for reference only. Please follow the instructions below to submit a complete application.
NOTE: The recording includes the former application deadline. The new application deadline is Monday, July 25, 2022 at Noon.
There are two steps to submitting a complete application:
STEP 1: Application Materials
Follow this link to complete Applicant and Proposal Information sections and upload the following required documents:
- Responses to Application Questions (Name: “Applicant Name_Application”)
- Application Signature Page (Name: “Applicant Name_Signature Page”)
- Proposal Budget (Name: “Applicant Name_Budget”)
- Proposal Work Plan (Name: “Applicant Name_Work Plan”)
- If applicable, Secretary of State “Print Out” of Business Record https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search
(Certificate of Good Standing is not required)
STEP 2: Financial documents
Submit Financial Documents through this secure site and enter this email address in the “Recipient Email” Box: CommunityDevelopment.MHFA@state.mn.us
Submit Financial Documents through this secure site and enter this email address in the “Recipient Email” Box: CommunityDevelopment.MHFA@state.mn.us
Applicant’s Current Financial Information: Non-governmental organizations applying for $25,000 or more must supply the following financial documentation depending on the organization’s total gross revenue (refer to table below).
Subgrantee(s)’ Current Financial Information: Organizational Capacity Building subgrantees that are 1) non-governmental organizations and 2) will receive a subgrant of $25,000 or more must supply the following financial documentation depending on the organization’s total gross revenue (refer to table below):
| Documentation | Total Gross Revenue |
|---|---|
| Board-review Financial Statements | Under $50,000 (or not in existence long enough to have completed IRS Form 990 or an audit) |
| IRS Form 990 and Aging Schedule (IRS Form 990 EZ is not accepted) |
$50,000-$750,000 |
| Certified Financial Audit | Over $750,000 |
Detailed Minnesota Housing’s Secure Upload Tool Instructions to upload financial documents:
- Click on this link: https://mnhousing.leapfile.net
- On the Secure Upload Page enter this email address in the “Recipient Email”: CommunityDevelopment.MHFA@state.mn.us
- Press Start
- Enter your name and email address
- Click Select files to send (Regular Upload).
- Click Browse. Select the file (repeat if needed up to 10 times).
- Click Upload & Send.
Technical Difficulties
If you have technical difficulties submitting your application, please email CommunityDevelopment.MHFA@state.mn.us as soon as possible and prior to the application deadline. If there is time before the application deadline, we will attempt to help you trouble-shoot during business hours, but cannot guarantee we will be able to resolve the issue prior to the application deadline.