Note: We are no longer accepting applications for operating grants. The window to apply ended September 1st. Future grant cycles are unlikely to include operating support.
OPERATING GRANT GUIDELINES
On this page: Funding Overview, Info Video, Eligibility, Timeline, Applicant Resources, Sample Application
Through our partnership with the City of Omaha, we are excited to be offering one-time ARPA operating grants in the Fall 2023 Development and Preservation Fund cycle.
The goal of grants this cycle is to provide unrestricted support to Omaha-based, Omaha-serving housing-supportive nonprofits.
Funding will be distributed proportionately amongst eligible applicants based on relative size of eligible housing investments within Omaha city limits. The application did not include a dollar request field; rather, questions captured information on housing-related expenses in relation to an organization's overall budget, as well as those dedicated for use in Omaha. Please see the sample application at the bottom of this page to best understand what was asked.
GRANT CYCLE OVERVIEW
- Estimated Funding Pool: $3 million
- Focus: One-time unrestricted operational support
- Funding Source: ARPA
- Eligible Applicants: Housing-supportive nonprofits that are based in and serving Omaha
Please watch the video below for complete information on operating grants in the current funding cycle:
Video Transcript | Presentation PDF
ELIGIBILITY
Front Porch Investments and the City of Omaha collaborated closely to develop guidelines for operating grants that align with the purpose and structure of ARPA funding and the current agreement in place between our organizations. The eligibility requirements to qualify for funding reflect these goals and outcomes, and all criteria as defined below must be met for applicants to be considered eligible for this round of grant support.
Key Eligibility Definitions
What do we specifically mean by "Omaha-based, Omaha-serving housing-supportive nonprofits" when defining applicant eligibility?
- Housing-Supportive Nonprofit
Over 50% of the total organization budget is allocated to affordable housing
- Omaha-Based Nonprofit
Headquartered inside the Omaha city limits
- Omaha-Serving Nonprofit
Over 50% of the organization’s housing budget supports activities within Omaha city limits
- Affordable Housing
Housing expenses that total no more than 30% of the household income for households earning at or under 120% of the area median income (AMI) in the Omaha area
Calculating Housing-Related Expenditures
For the purpose of this grant cycle, the following activities may be included in the calculation of an organization’s housing-related costs:
- Developing, preserving, or rehabbing affordable housing units
- Owning or operating affordable housing units or permanent supportive housing
- Affordable housing advocacy and policy work
- Affordable housing education and/or affordable housing financial education support and programming
- Providing direct rental assistance for individuals and families for permanent housing
- Resources dedicated to supporting the transition of individuals and families into permanent housing (this does not include congregate or non-congregate shelter placements)
- Eviction prevention services
- Affordable housing workforce development
- Case management and direct services related to permanent housing supports
- Other direct housing-related activities not listed here (describe in narrative; must be related to permanent housing support)
The following items should not be included in calculating an organization’s housing-related costs:
Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Proposals will be closely reviewed to confirm eligibility of applicants and housing-related costs for the purpose of proportionate distribution.
TIMELINE
1 | Application Period
Applications were accepted August 1st through September 1st.
2 | Review Process
- STEP 1 Initial Assessment: Applications and included budgets will be thoroughly reviewed to assess eligibility of both organization and outlined expenses.
- STEP 2 Allotment Calculation: Based on relative size of eligible housing investments within Omaha, a formula will be used to determine proportionate distribution amongst eligible applicants.
- STEP 3 Award Approval: Calculated allotments will be presented to the Review Committee, followed by the Board of Directors, for final review and approval of distribution amounts.
3 | Notifications and Public Announcements
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions at the end of November 2023. Public announcements will follow in early December.
4 | Award Disbursement
Grant recipients will receive funds in December 2023.
5 | Reporting
Reporting requirements are anticipated to be minimal per the use of one-time operational support this round. Expectations will be outlined at the time of award.
GRANT APPLICANT SUPPORTS
Helpful Resources
- Sample Application – English: pdf, docx | Spanish: pdf, docx
- City Limits Map – to confirm project site is within the City of Omaha boundaries
- Area Median Income (AMI) Limits Chart – effective June 15, 2023
- Submittable Instructions – navigating the online portal
- General ARPA Info – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) homepage
Language Accessibility
We have installed a plug-in for language translation on our website, positioned at the top right of this page. Application preview documents are provided above in English and Spanish. Also available is a transcript of the funding information video, which includes auto-generated closed captions in English. Word (docx) versions of additional materials can be shared upon request for independent translation.
If additional language assistance or accessibility supports are needed to apply, please email Tess at tess@omahafoundation.org. We proudly partner with World Speaks for translation services, and Front Porch will cover the cost of pre-approved services during application periods.
Funding Information Video
Please watch the video above for complete information on one-time operating grants in the Fall 2023 Development and Preservation Fund cycle.
Video Transcript – including section start times
Presentation PDF – including bookmarked slides
-
ON THIS PAGE
ARPA funding is made possible through a partnership with the City of Omaha.
