URA Opens Grant Applications for Innovative Housing Solutions

The URA has opened an application to fund innovative solutions to the affordable housing crisis. Part of the Housing Opportunity Fund, these innovation grants are designed for nonprofits, community organizations or a similar entity to receive funding for projects that don't fit neatly into established programs.

Applicants should read over the full program guidelines. The minimum grant distribution is $50,000, and the maximum funding available for this round is $300,000. The URA will enter into contracts with selected applicants and reimburse them for costs incurred on a per-project basis.

Who Can Apply

The program is available to organizations only, not individuals. Individuals in need of housing assistance should use other URA housing programs. Grantees receiving funding must meet the following requirements:

• A nonprofit, community group, local representative, or some other collective entity created for the benefit of the individuals they represent
• Demonstrated experience administering housing service programs or building construction projects
  
  

How to Apply

First, visit the Demonstration Program page and read over the program guidelines. To submit the best application possible, prepare an innovative idea and answers to questions like:

• Does the idea support homeowners or renters? At what AMI level are the homeowners or renters?
• Is the organization a nonprofit, or is there a nonprofit partner involved?
• What is the argument for the idea, and is there data to back it up?
• How will the idea become a sustainable practice in the future?
• Can the idea target City of Pittsburgh residents, specifically?
• What is the timeline of construction or service provision?

Supporting documentation like project budgets, 501(c)(3) determinations and evidence of past success will help make an application stronger. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2026, at 4 p.m.

Apply now