Opportunity Information: Apply for FR 6500 N 04
The 2021 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Renewal NOFO is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designed to strengthen economic opportunity for families already receiving HUD housing assistance. The core purpose of the program is to help participating households increase earned income, build financial capability, reduce reliance on welfare assistance, and move toward long-term economic independence. Rather than providing direct cash assistance to families, the grant funding primarily supports the staffing capacity needed to run strong local FSS programs, especially through the salaries and training of FSS Program Coordinators.
Under this renewal notice of funding opportunity, HUD provides grants to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) so they can employ and train FSS Program Coordinators who work with families served through the Housing Choice Voucher program, including both tenant-based vouchers and project-based vouchers (HCV/PBV), as well as families in Public Housing (PH). Coordinators are the operational backbone of the program: they help families set goals, connect to services and opportunities, and navigate the systems that can increase income and stability. This can include linking families to job training, education, childcare, transportation support, financial counseling, credit-building products, benefits counseling, and other community-based resources. The program is intentionally structured around local partnerships, meaning PHAs are expected to build strategies that reflect the job market, service network, and economic conditions in their communities.
A defining feature of FSS is the formal five-year Contract of Participation (COP) signed between the PHA and each participating family. This contract lays out the responsibilities of both parties and incorporates a training and services plan tailored to the family’s goals. The plan typically focuses on steps that lead to greater self-sufficiency, such as completing a credential, securing stable employment, increasing earnings, improving budgeting habits, and addressing barriers to work. The COP structure also underscores that FSS is not a quick intervention; it is meant to provide sustained, goal-oriented support over multiple years while families pursue meaningful income gains and stability.
The NOFO also emphasizes an important fairness requirement: PHAs are not allowed to restrict participation only to families deemed most likely to succeed. In practice, this means the program cannot be limited to “easier-to-serve” households and should remain open to eligible families who want to participate, even if they face significant challenges. That requirement reinforces the program’s equity focus and aligns with the broader federal goal of expanding economic mobility for households with the greatest need.
This funding opportunity is identified as a renewal, meaning it is intended to continue support for existing FSS coordinator positions and ongoing program operations rather than launch entirely new programs from scratch. The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number FR 6500 N 04, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (now commonly referenced through related assistance listings) number 14.896, within the housing funding activity category. HUD anticipated making a large number of awards (expected awards: 700), reflecting the nationwide scale of FSS across many PHAs. The listed award ceiling is shown as 0 in the source data, which typically indicates that award amounts vary by formula or eligibility-based calculation rather than a single fixed maximum amount published in the notice summary.
Eligibility is summarized in the posting as “Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification),” but the program description makes clear that PHAs are the primary eligible applicants for this renewal funding, because the grant supports FSS coordinators serving HCV/PBV and Public Housing households. The notice also references a statutory change that potentially expands eligibility in the future, but it is not fully implemented yet (described below). Applicants would need to follow the NOFO’s eligibility instructions and documentation requirements to confirm whether they qualify under the renewal category and what conditions apply.
The notice also situates FSS within the legal and policy updates made by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 115-174), enacted May 24, 2018. Section 306 of that law amended the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to revise the FSS program in several ways, including changes related to program eligibility, escrow deposits, and supportive services. It also gives the HUD Secretary authority to establish a funding formula and expands potential eligibility for grant awards to private owners of project-based rental assistance (PBRA) properties. However, the NOFO explicitly notes that these statutory changes are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations. In other words, while the law signals a direction for future program administration, applicants and current grantees must still operate under the rules and requirements that are currently in force until HUD formally implements the changes through regulations.
Key administrative details in the source information include the posting date (creation date) of July 28, 2021, and an original application closing date of August 27, 2021, with the deadline listed as 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the opportunity category is discretionary, meaning awards are made through a competitive or merit-based federal process under the NOFO’s criteria rather than through automatic entitlement.
In practical terms, this renewal NOFO is best understood as HUD’s mechanism for keeping local FSS programs staffed and functioning, so coordinators can continue providing structured, multi-year coaching and service linkage for HUD-assisted families. The program’s overall aim is straightforward: use stable housing as a platform, then pair it with coordinated services and goal-setting so families can increase earnings, strengthen financial resilience, and move closer to self-sufficiency over the five-year participation period.Apply for FR 6500 N 04
- The US Department of Housing and Urban Development in the housing sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2021 Family Self-Sufficiency – Renewal NOFO" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 14.896.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 28, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 27, 2021 The application deadline is 115959 PM Eastern Standard time on. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 700 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 2021 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Renewal NOFO
What is the 2021 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Renewal NOFO?
The 2021 FSS Renewal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is designed to support and strengthen local Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs that serve families already receiving HUD housing assistance.
What is the purpose of the FSS program supported by this grant?
The FSS program is intended to help participating households increase earned income, build financial capability, reduce reliance on welfare assistance, and move toward long-term economic independence. It is structured as sustained, goal-oriented support over multiple years rather than a short-term intervention.
Does this grant provide direct cash assistance to families?
No. Based on the information provided, the grant funding primarily supports the staffing capacity needed to operate strong local FSS programs, especially through the salaries and training of FSS Program Coordinators, rather than direct cash payments to families.
Who is the primary applicant/eligible entity for this renewal funding?
The description indicates that Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are the primary eligible applicants for this renewal funding, because the grant supports FSS Program Coordinators serving families in the Housing Choice Voucher program (including tenant-based and project-based vouchers) and in Public Housing.
What does it mean that eligibility is listed as “Others” in the posting?
The opportunity summary lists eligibility as “Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).” However, the program description provided makes clear that PHAs are the primary eligible applicants for this renewal. Applicants are expected to follow the NOFO’s eligibility instructions and documentation requirements to confirm whether they qualify and under what conditions.
What makes this a “renewal” NOFO rather than a new program opportunity?
This NOFO is described as a renewal, meaning it is intended to continue support for existing FSS coordinator positions and ongoing program operations, rather than to launch entirely new programs from scratch.
What is funded through this renewal NOFO?
The funding primarily supports employing and training FSS Program Coordinators. The coordinators are described as the operational backbone of FSS programs and are central to running local program operations.
What do FSS Program Coordinators do?
FSS Program Coordinators work with participating families to set goals, connect to services and opportunities, and navigate systems that can increase income and stability. Examples of supports and linkages mentioned include job training, education, childcare, transportation support, financial counseling, credit-building products, benefits counseling, and other community-based resources.
Which HUD-assisted households are served through the coordinator roles funded here?
The NOFO supports coordinators who work with families served through the Housing Choice Voucher program, including both tenant-based vouchers and project-based vouchers (HCV/PBV), as well as families in Public Housing (PH).
How long is the FSS commitment for a participating family?
A defining feature of FSS described here is a formal five-year Contract of Participation (COP) signed between the PHA and each participating family.
What is the Contract of Participation (COP)?
The COP is a formal five-year agreement between the PHA and the participating family. It lays out the responsibilities of both parties and incorporates a training and services plan tailored to the family’s goals.
What kinds of goals and activities are typically included in an FSS training and services plan?
The plan typically focuses on steps leading to greater self-sufficiency, such as completing a credential, securing stable employment, increasing earnings, improving budgeting habits, and addressing barriers to work.
Is the FSS program designed to be short-term assistance?
No. The information provided emphasizes that FSS is not a quick intervention. It is meant to provide sustained support over multiple years while families pursue meaningful income gains and stability.
Does the NOFO include any equity or fairness requirements for participation?
Yes. The NOFO emphasizes that PHAs are not allowed to restrict participation only to families deemed most likely to succeed. The program should remain open to eligible families who want to participate, including those who face significant challenges.
How are local communities expected to implement the FSS program?
The program is described as intentionally structured around local partnerships. PHAs are expected to build strategies that reflect the job market, service network, and economic conditions in their communities.
What is the funding instrument type and opportunity category?
The funding instrument type is a grant. The opportunity category is discretionary, meaning awards are made through a competitive or merit-based federal process under the NOFO’s criteria rather than through an automatic entitlement.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this NOFO?
The Funding Opportunity Number provided is FR 6500 N 04.
What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 14.896 (now commonly referenced through related assistance listings).
What is the posting (creation) date for this opportunity?
The posting (creation) date provided is July 28, 2021.
What was the original application deadline?
The original application closing date listed is August 27, 2021, with a deadline time of 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time.
How many awards were expected to be made?
HUD anticipated making a large number of awards, with expected awards listed as 700, reflecting the nationwide scale of FSS across many PHAs.
Is there an award maximum (ceiling) amount listed?
The award ceiling is shown as 0 in the source data. This typically indicates that award amounts vary by formula or eligibility-based calculation rather than a single fixed maximum amount published in the notice summary.
What law is referenced as affecting the FSS program?
The opportunity references the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 115-174), enacted May 24, 2018. Section 306 amended the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and revised aspects of the FSS program.
What kinds of program changes are mentioned in the statutory update?
The description notes changes related to program eligibility, escrow deposits, and supportive services. It also notes that the law gives the HUD Secretary authority to establish a funding formula and expands potential eligibility for grant awards to private owners of project-based rental assistance (PBRA) properties.
Are the statutory changes from Public Law 115-174 already in effect for this NOFO?
No. The NOFO explicitly notes that these statutory changes are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations. Until HUD formally implements the changes through regulations, applicants and grantees must operate under current rules and requirements.
Does this NOFO expand eligibility to private owners of PBRA properties right now?
The information provided indicates that the law expands potential eligibility in the future, including to private owners of PBRA properties, but the NOFO states these changes are not in effect until HUD issues implementing regulations. Based on the text provided, applicants must follow the current rules in force for this renewal cycle.
In practical terms, what is HUD trying to accomplish with this renewal funding?
The renewal NOFO is described as HUD’s mechanism for keeping local FSS programs staffed and functioning so coordinators can continue providing structured, multi-year coaching and service linkage for HUD-assisted families. The overall aim is to use stable housing as a platform and pair it with coordinated services and goal-setting so families can increase earnings, strengthen financial resilience, and move closer to self-sufficiency over the five-year participation period.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FR 6500 N 04) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Healthy Homes Production Grant Program Apply for FR 6500 N 44 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 44 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants Apply for FR 6500 N 25 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 25 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| GPD Capital Grant Apply for VA GPD CG FY2022 Funding Number: VA GPD CG FY2022 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Category: Housing Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Department's Fiscal Year 2021 Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant Program Apply for FR 6500 N 33 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 33 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY21 NOFO Housing Counseling Training Grant Program Apply for FR 6500 N 30 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 30 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY 2021 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program Apply for FR 6500 N 34 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 34 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| HUD’s National Homeless Data Analysis Project Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Apply for FR 6500 N 85 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 85 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| Capital Fund At Risk/Receivership/ Substandard/ Troubled Program Apply for FR 6500 N 81 Funding Number: FR 6500 N 81 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| HUDRD - Qualitative Data Collection for Cohort 2 MTW Expansion- Rent Reform Experiment Apply for FR 6600 N 29D Funding Number: FR 6600 N 29D Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| HUDRD-Exploring the Feasibility of Linking Eviction Records to Administrative Databases for HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program Apply for FR 6600 N 29E Funding Number: FR 6600 N 29E Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Impact Evaluation of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program Apply for FR 6600 N 83 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 83 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Competitive NOFO for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Apply for FR 6600 N 41 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 41 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Lead and Healthy Homes Technical Studies (LHHTS) Grant Program Pre- and Full Application Apply for FR 6600 N 15 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 15 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Apply for FR 6600 N 13 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 13 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program Apply for FR 6600 N 39 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 39 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program Apply for FR 6600 N 48 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 48 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages Apply for FR 6600 N 23 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 23 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Continuum of Care Competition and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants Apply for FR 6600 N 25 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 25 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| 2022 Family Self-Sufficiency NOFO Apply for FR 6600 N 04 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 04 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Healthy Homes Production Grant Program Apply for FR 6600 N 44 Funding Number: FR 6600 N 44 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Housing Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
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