Private Enforcement Initiatives (14.418)
Private Enforcement Initiatives (Assistance Listing 14.418) is run by the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It awarded $177 million in 261 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $679,163 per award on average. 1 funding opportunity is open or forecast now.
The typical award was $761,883. Half of the 261 awards fell between $350,000 and $850,000, and they ranged from $54,509 to $1.3 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$177 million
- Grant awards261
- Typical award$761,883
- Awarded in FY 2025$38.9 million
- Size rank639 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceCooperative agreements
Key findings
- Annual funding rose from $8.8 million in fiscal 2021 to $38.9 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 639th largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 20 largest recipients received 24% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 43 states and territories.
What the program funds
To support private non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations in the investigation and enforcement of violations of the rights granted under title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 2801); develop, implement, and carry out, related activities and enforcement under the Fair Housing Act or State or local laws that provide substantially equivalent rights and remedies for alleged discriminatory housing practices; objectives include carrying out testing and other investigative activities.
Open opportunities
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
Qualified Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (QFHO) with at least two years of experience in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations, and enforcement related experience and meritorious claims in the three years prior to filing the application for funding; or Fair Housing Enforcement Organizations (FHO) with at least one year of experience in the enforcement-related activities listed above in the two years prior to the filing of the application for funding. If the applicant is neither a QFHO nor FHO with the requisite experience, the organization is ineligible for funding under the Private Enforcement Initiative.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Funds can be used by private tax exempt non-profit fair housing enforcement organizations to support enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices. Eligible projects and activities must be conducted in accordance with procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 125 and eligible activities provided under the NOFO. Funding may not be used for activities that are not civil rights related enforcement or education and outreach activities. Funds may not be used for purposes of settling claims, satisfying judgments or fulfilling court orders in any litigation action involving either the Department or housing providers funded by the Department. Funds may not be used by the Department for administrative costs. Funds may not be used for payment of expenses in connection with litigation against the United States. Funding is based on and contingent upon congressional appropriations. Funds may not be used for purposes of settling claims, satisfying judgments or fulfilling court orders in any litigation action involving either the Department or housing providers funded by the Department. Funds may not be used by the Department for administrative costs. Funds may not be used for payment of expenses in connection with litigation against the United States.;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Award range and average, in the agency's words
$425,00 per project period. $1,275,000 total funding for multi-year (3 years)
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: Grant funds will be used to: implement an expanded program of paired sales and rental testing, paired mortgage lending tests, reasonable accommodation testing and accessibility surveys; provide a hotline for housing providers seeking legal advice on fair housing laws; conduct fair housing trainings and webinars for housing providers and industry professionals; provide Fair Housing outreach to the community; conduct intakes on housing discrimination allegations; file fair housing complaints; conduct litigation and mediations; and monitor past settlements to ensure compliance.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Private Enforcement Initiatives (14.418) awarded $177 million across 261 grant awards, an average of $679,163 per award.
Who usually wins
Nonprofits received 99% of the money, state and local governments 0.7%.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonprofits | 255 | $176 million | 99% |
| State and local governments | 6 | $1.2 million | 0.7% |
By state
41 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 29 | $21.5 million |
| Illinois | 22 | $15.9 million |
| New York | 22 | $14.8 million |
| Ohio | 21 | $13.7 million |
| Florida | 13 | $9.5 million |
| Michigan | 13 | $8.1 million |
| Massachusetts | 11 | $6.9 million |
| Pennsylvania | 10 | $6.5 million |
| Texas | 9 | $5.3 million |
| District of Columbia | 8 | $5.0 million |
| Alabama | 5 | $3.9 million |
| New Jersey | 5 | $3.7 million |
| Oklahoma | 5 | $3.6 million |
| Washington | 5 | $3.4 million |
| Tennessee | 5 | $3.4 million |
| Mississippi | 5 | $3.3 million |
| Arizona | 4 | $3.2 million |
| Georgia | 5 | $3.1 million |
| Connecticut | 3 | $2.8 million |
| Minnesota | 3 | $2.4 million |
| Utah | 2 | $2.0 million |
| North Carolina | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Virginia | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Arkansas | 3 | $2.0 million |
| New Hampshire | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Hawaii | 3 | $2.0 million |
| Idaho | 3 | $1.8 million |
| Indiana | 3 | $1.8 million |
| Kentucky | 3 | $1.7 million |
| North Dakota | 3 | $1.7 million |
| Nevada | 3 | $1.7 million |
| Colorado | 2 | $1.6 million |
| Maine | 2 | $1.6 million |
| Delaware | 2 | $1.6 million |
| Louisiana | 2 | $1.6 million |
| Vermont | 2 | $1.6 million |
| Alaska | 3 | $1.6 million |
| Oregon | 3 | $1.3 million |
| Montana | 2 | $1.2 million |
| Missouri | 3 | $1.1 million |
| Iowa | 1 | $839,989 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $800,000 |