Competitive grant process. Rental housing development program designed to encourage the production and preservation of affordable rental housing. Two competitive grant rounds offered during the spring and fall of each year. THDA's Tennessee Housing Trust Fund Competitive Grants are awarded to agencies for the purpose of developing and/or preserving rental housing for low- and very-low income households, the elderly, and those with special needs. Examples of special needs populations include the disabled, formerly incarcerated individuals, victims of domestic abuse, and youth aging out of foster care.