HUD CFBNP Continues Outreach and Training for Organizations Nationwide

Among its many roles, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (HUD CFBNP) works to engage faith-based and community organizations nationwide to more directly involve them in the work of the agency. Working with program offices across HUD, the Center helps to advance HUD’s mission in many ways. For example, the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program provides homeless veterans with housing and supportive services; the Continuum of Care program helps local communities and non-profit organizations fight homelessness by providing funding for rapid rehousing of homeless individuals. Finally, HUD CFBNP promotes inclusivity and combats discrimination in housing by supporting HUD’s programs for vulnerable populations, including the Supportive Housing for the Elderly and Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities programs.

In terms of its core goal of outreach to communities, HUD CFBNP continues to offer its signature Capacity Building Training for Emerging Organizations series around the nation. These workshops help demystify the federal grant process and build organizational capacity. The series also addresses misconceptions surrounding partnerships between faith-based organizations and the government; helps non-profit organizations more effectively achieve economic empowerment and wealth creation for their communities; and educates faith-based and community organizations about HUD and federal grant opportunities.

In day-long trainings, participants receive instruction from HUD staff on how to become more competitive for federal grants, how to become a nonprofit organization, and how to find and apply for funding. Using the HUD Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process as a model, HUD CFBNP trainers show participants how to read the Federal Register, provide an overview of Grants.gov, help participants identify appropriate funding streams and potential partners for their program, and discuss other tools and skills necessary to prepare a successful grant.

Launched in 2004, the Center has presented this training to organizations working in a variety of settings, including urban, suburban, and rural communities. Most recently, HUD CFBNP staff presented the training at the 100th anniversary of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference in Hampton, VA. Held every June, the annual conference is one of the oldest gatherings of African-American ministers in the United States, and typically draws over 7,000 participants from across the country. At the conference, HUD CFBNP staff hosted an exhibit booth where conference participants could obtain the most up-to-date information about programs and resources from the agency.

Since April 2014, HUD CFBNP has also conducted capacity building trainings in Brooklyn, NY, in partnership with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; in Hyattsville, MD; Reno, NV; Raleigh, NC; and as part of Houston, TX Money Week. 

For more information about the HUD CFBNP Capacity Building Training for Emerging Organizations series or to request training in your area, please email partnerships@hud.gov. 

Paula Lincoln is the Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (HUD CFBNP).