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Fair Housing Initiative Programs (FHIP) Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) - FAQs

What is the FHIP Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) grant opportunity?

The Fair Housing Initiative Programs (FHIP) Private Enforcement Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to strengthen private, nonprofit fair housing enforcement work by supporting tax-exempt fair housing organizations that investigate and pursue alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to support practical, frontline fair housing enforcement activities, including complaint intake, investigations, and fair housing testing. The funding is described as being for enforcement-focused work rather than general housing services or unrelated community programs.

Who is this grant meant to support?

This opportunity is meant to support tax-exempt fair housing organizations doing enforcement work under the Fair Housing Act, particularly organizations that can intake complaints, investigate discrimination matters, and conduct testing.

Are all nonprofits eligible to apply?

No. Eligibility is not broadly defined as all nonprofits. Eligible applicants are limited to organizations that meet HUD's definitions and requirements for Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHOs) or Qualified Fair Housing Organizations (QFHOs), with additional eligibility conditions referenced in the application materials (including those referenced in Section III.A).

What are FHOs and QFHOs in this context?

FHOs and QFHOs are categories of organizations defined in HUD regulations (24 CFR 125.103). The opportunity states that applicants must be QFHOs or FHOs as defined in those regulations and must meet the specific eligibility conditions in the application materials.

How is the opportunity organized?

The opportunity is organized into three components: (1) the General Component (PEI M), including a Multi-Year option; (2) the Mortgage Rescue Component (PEI MRC); and (3) PEI PB, described as a continuation for certain prior-year grantees.

What is the General Component (PEI M)?

The General Component (PEI M) is aimed at established fair housing enforcement organizations that already have experience handling discrimination matters and conducting investigations and testing. It also includes a Multi-Year option.

What experience is generally expected for the General Component (PEI M)?

Under the stated eligibility framework, FHOs must generally have at least one year of relevant experience. QFHOs must generally have at least two years of experience in areas such as complaint intake, investigation, and fair housing testing. Applicants must still meet the specific eligibility conditions listed in the application materials, including the detailed requirements referenced in Section III.A.

What does the Multi-Year option refer to?

The General Component (PEI M) includes a Multi-Year option. The description provided indicates it is part of the PEI M track, though the specific terms and requirements would be set out in the full notice and application instructions.

What is the Mortgage Rescue Component (PEI MRC)?

PEI MRC is a component focused on combating abusive mortgage practices, reflecting concerns about mortgage-related scams and predatory conduct that harmed homeowners and communities.

Is eligibility for PEI MRC different from the General Component?

Eligibility is described as similar to PEI M in that applicants still need to be QFHOs or FHOs as defined in HUD regulations (24 CFR 125.103). However, PEI MRC also has additional, distinct requirements beyond the general track.

What additional capacity is expected for PEI MRC applicants?

Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity to address abusive mortgage practices in their communities. This implies the ability to identify, investigate, document, and pursue enforcement related to mortgage-related scams, predatory conduct, or other abusive mortgage practices.

What is PEI PB?

PEI PB is described as a continuation component for grantees from FY 2009 and FY 2010. This suggests that a portion of the funding was reserved to continue or extend previously funded work rather than being fully open to new applicants, with specifics to be set out in the full notice and instructions.

When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on July 26, 2011, created on August 29, 2011, and had a closing date of September 1, 2011. The archive date was September 9, 2011.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

HUD estimated total funding at $26,000,000.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA 14.418 (Private Enforcement Initiatives).

What type of funding instrument is used?

The opportunity uses the grant funding instrument type.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states that it does not require cost sharing or matching.

How were applicants instructed to access the application and instructions?

HUD directed applicants to download the application and instructions using the CFDA number only.

Who can be contacted for help obtaining the full announcement electronically?

HUD provided contacts within the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, FHIP Division: Myron P. Newry and Paula Stone.

What phone numbers are listed for the agency contacts?

Myron P. Newry can be reached at 202-402-7095, and Paula Stone can be reached at 202-402-7054. The numbers are noted as not toll-free.

Where are the key eligibility details located?

HUD notes that applicants must meet the specific eligibility conditions listed in the application materials, including the detailed requirements referenced in Section III.A and an eligibility chart referenced there.