Eligible Projects include acquisition and/or rehabilitation for scattered-site rental (condominium, townhouse, single-family) and multifamily rental projects (30 units or less).  Projects should align with:

• The Fairfax County Consolidated Plan
• The Communitywide Housing Strategic Plan
• The Housing and Neighborhood Livability priority area outlined in the Fairfax County 20-Year Strategic Plan 
• The County's One Fairfax Equity Policy
• The recommendations issued by the Chairman’s Task Force on Equity and Opportunity

Additional points will be given to projects that include acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of affordable housing and serve households meeting one or more of the following special needs criteria:

• The following populations earning at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI):
  • Persons ages 62 and older;
  • Youth transitioning out of foster care;
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness (or at risk of homelessness);
  • Persons living with disabilities (physical, mental, or sensory);
  • Veterans;
• Survivors of domestic violence earning at or below 80% of AMI.

Additional points will also be given to Permanent Supportive Housing projects, meaning projects in which supportive services are provided to allow households to live independently, particularly those experiencing homelessness or meeting special needs criteria cited above.
 

The funding typically available under this RFP is between $1 million and $4 million, and consists of CDBG and HOME funds (to include a subset of HOME funds reserved for Community Housing Development Organizations).

Additional points are usually given to projects that can be completed by the end of the current fiscal year (June 30). However, funding awarded to successful applicants must be used (i.e., project completion and fully occupied by beneficiaries) within 24 months of approval by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) of grant awards.

To access CDBG and HOME funds, eligible applicants must have:

• A designation as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• A demonstrated successful track record in owning and managing real estate. If a non-profit applicant does not have an established track record, the organization is encouraged to partner with another non-profit organization with applicable experience.
• A demonstrated successful track record in the provision of services to persons from low-income households, experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, or from other special needs populations.  If a non-profit applicant does not have an established track record, the organization is encouraged to partner with another non-profit with applicable experience.
• A current sound financial condition. Non-profits will be required to provide the last three years annual audited financial statements and auditor's opinion and management letter, if issued. Audits must be conducted by an independent licensed certified public accountant. 
• No current debarment.  Any person or firm suspended or debarred from participating in County, State, or Federal procurement is ineligible to receive funding. This includes both applicants and any partnering organization identified as part of an application.

A Selection Advisory Committee is selected to review the proposals and provide recommendation to the FCRHA for funding at its December meeting.