The Burlington Housing Trust Fund (BHTF) is soliciting proposals for fiscal year 2025 (FY2025) to support affordable housing projects and related capacity-building efforts in Burlington. With a total of $1,750,000 available, the fund aims to promote, retain, and create long-term affordable housing for households with very low, low, and moderate incomes. Eligible applicants include non-profit and municipal corporations, limited equity housing cooperatives, for-profit corporations, partnerships, and individuals. Capacity grants are also available to support staffing, training, planning, fundraising, and operations for non-profits focused on housing preservation or development for low-income populations.

To qualify, all proposed projects must serve households earning no more than 100% of the median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Preference is given to initiatives targeting households with incomes at or below 50% of the median income. Funding priority will be directed towards perpetually affordable housing projects, especially those creating new permanently affordable units. Non-profit organizations that provide supportive services, as opposed to housing development, can apply for capacity grants with a maximum award of $10,000 per program.

Applications must be submitted by email no later than October 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The submission should include a completed application form and any required attachments, sent in PDF format to Rebeka Lawrence-Gomez at rlawrencegomez@burlingtonvt.gov. The Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO) will initially review applications for eligibility, after which the Housing Trust Fund Administrative Committee will make funding decisions, expected by December 6, 2024.

Funds awarded for FY2025 must be expended by June 30, 2025. For additional details or questions about the application process, applicants can contact CEDO Housing Program Manager Rebeka Lawrence-Gomez at 802-734-8019 or via email.