The DuPage Continuum Collaborative Applicant is starting the application and selection process for HUD’s 2021 Continuum of Care funding. This is an open invitation to apply for funds in the 2021 competition for both funded and non CoC funded organizations. Applicants may apply for renewal or new projects. Both current grantees and new agencies not previously funded may apply. This includes victim service providers with consideration of their data and the population they serve. Eligible project applicants include nonprofit organizations, states, local governments, public housing agencies and instrumentalities of state and local governments. For profit entities are not eligible. The only new projects that may be applied for are those described below. Please note only those applicants that apply for a new project will be considered for any bonus or reallocation funds which may become available when HUD makes their 2021 funding announcement. This notice is publicly posted on www.dupagehomeless.org.
There are firm deadlines for submission of the required documents in ZoomGrants. All projects must complete a Project Performance Evaluation (PPE) in ZoomGrants by February 25, 2021. All CoC members will receive a link with this notice and it will also be posted on www.dupagehomeless.org. The answers to this questionnaire may trigger further review by the Gaps and Needs Committee. If a project meets all eligibility criteria, the applicants will then complete a Business Plan and Cost Forms in ZoomGrants. All approved projects must complete the Business Plan and Cost Forms in ZoomGrants by April 2, 2021. While the amount of HUD funds available has not been announced, last year the DuPage Continuum had an annual renewal amount of approximately $5.0 million. In 2019, there was also a bonus amount of approximately $237,000 for one or more new projects. This amount may be more in 2021 since there were no new projects in 2020.
In this FY2021 DuPage County CoC funding process, applicants may submit funding requests for renewal projects and requests for new projects. Each CoC must review all current projects to determine the extent to which each project is necessary and addresses the HUD policy priorities. All projects are subject to reallocation. Reallocation is a process whereby a CoC reallocates funds in whole or in part from a renewal project to create one or more new projects. Please refer to the DuPage CoC Reallocation Policy at www.dupagehomeless.org/NOFA. All projects will be evaluated for reallocation both on performance and on expenditure of grant funds.
New projects may be created through bonus funds, reallocation of current renewal funds OR a combination of reallocation and bonus funds. For all new projects, 5 types of projects are allowed: • Permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless that meet Dedicated PLUS or the standard dedicated chronic population • Rapid Rehousing projects that serve individuals, families and unaccompanied youth who meet the NOFA criteria • Joint TH and PH-RRH component project • Dedicated HMIS only by the current HMIS Lead • Coordinated Entry (supportive services only) to develop or operate a coordinated entry system. The term of new projects may be 1, 2 or 3 years for leasing and 1-5 years for rent assistance. There is no match requirement for leasing, but there is a 25% match for Rental Assistance, Supportive Services, Administrative and Operating Costs. All renewal projects are eligible to apply for funding in this competition at their current level or a reduced amount. All will be evaluated for performance and unspent funds. Renewals may also apply to reallocate their project to another type of eligible project. This will then be considered a new project and subject to the HUD rules of new project selection.
There will be a separate NOFA for Domestic Violence (DV) projects. Applications may be submitted now. CoC's may create any of the following project types if the amount is at least $25,000: Rapid Rehousing (PH-RRH); Supportive Services Only - Coordinated Entry (SSO-CE) that targets victims of domestic violence (only 1 such application is allowed). The eligible population is survivors of domestic violence who are defined as homeless at 24CFR 578.3 (4). All DV projects must be for a grant term of one year.
Verbal presentations on ALL NEW projects and any renewal projects with proposed changes or projects with questions from the project performance evaluation will be held at the Gaps & Needs Committee meeting March 4, 2020. ALL PROJECT APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND. The meeting will be held virtually. Virtual meeting information is available by contacting continuum@dupageco.org. Unless a project clearly does not meet eligibility requirements, all new projects go to the next level and complete a Business Plan with Cost Forms. All eligible projects must complete a full Business Plan and Cost Forms in the ZoomGrants internet based application system. These will be available in ZoomGrants on February 25, 2021. Cost Forms will be a separate upload using an excel spreadsheet. Please be aware that it is a competitive process. The Business Plan and Cost Forms in ZoomGrants are due for submission by April 2, 2021. If you have any questions or would like to review an individual project, please contact Lisa Snipes, Continuum Planner at Lisa.Snipes@dupageco.org or 630-407-6413. Note: The Planning grant is not required to complete this application process because it is an administrative grant that can be applied for if it is available. Also, the HMIS grant renewal will not complete this application process but will be evaluated on the data standards and its Annual Progress Report at the March meeting. Resources: Continuum of Care Homelessness Assistance Program Highlights and Systems Information may be located at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/coc/