Virginia Housing Launches New Program to Boost Partner Capacity

March 7, 2024

Across the Commonwealth, Virginia Housing partners with organizations that do the critical work of bringing housing services to their communities. From local governments that plan for affordable housing to nonprofits that connect clients with support services, these organizations are an essential piece of the puzzle. Many also operate with limited budgets and resources.

Virginia Housing recently launched the Capacity Building Implementation Grant Program, which offers housing-focused partners up to $250,000 to carry out the goals laid out in their strategic plans.

Virginia Housing Capacity Grants Up to Now

Virginia Housing has offered two Capacity Building grants for a number of years: the Capacity Building Planning Grant Program and the Capacity Building Training Grant Program. At $25,000 and $5,000 respectively, these grants fund critical needs such as strategic and succession planning and professional development for partners across the Commonwealth. These resources help organizations to be high-performing and resilient, making them better equipped to navigate the ever-changing housing landscape.

How the New Grant Works

The new Capacity Building Implementation Grant builds on the existing Capacity Building grants to fund larger, more complex projects. Its funding can be used to address challenges related to five key focus areas:

1. Funding and Sustainability
   
Assistance for growing revenue streams and remaining financially stable.
2. Technology
   
Assistance for assessing and addressing hardware, software and security concerns.
3. Governance
   
Assistance for strengthening an organization’s board of directors.
4. Marketing and Public Awareness
   
Assistance for creating capital campaigns for fundraising and marketing plans for connecting with the organization’s community.
5. Program Development
   
Assistance with adjusting programs to better align with desired outcomes.

“Having high-capacity, high-impact partners is key to providing access to critical services and bringing affordable housing online,” said Director of Strategic Housing Chris Thompson.

 

“Virginia Housing is proud to invest resources in improving those organizations’ performance. The Capacity Building Implementation Grant Program is another illustration of that commitment, providing resources to implement solutions that will help our partners work efficiently and effectively.”

 

Applications for the Capacity Building Implementation Grant are being accepted until Thursday, April 17. To learn more about criteria and eligibility, or to apply, please visit VHDAGrants.com.