The funding opportunity "Advancing HUD's Learning Agenda through Cooperative Agreements with Minority Serving Institutions" (Funding Opportunity Number FR-6900-N-29F) is offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program aims to support high-quality research that addresses critical housing and community development issues while expanding research capacity at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs). Research proposals must align with HUD's Learning Agenda, which includes seven thematic areas: community development, disaster recovery, fair housing, homelessness, homeownership, housing and health, and Native housing needs.

Approximately $10 million is available through this funding opportunity, with award amounts ranging from $250,000 to $2.5 million. HUD anticipates granting 25 to 40 awards, with a performance period of 12 to 60 months based on project complexity and methodology. Eligible applicants must be federally recognized MSIs and should submit proposals addressing at least one of the designated research questions within the thematic areas. The program encourages proposals leveraging the unique relationships and insights of MSIs in their communities, emphasizing a wide range of research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.

Applicants must submit a single application that may include up to four distinct research project proposals. Each proposal is independently evaluated on criteria such as contribution to HUD's research priorities, methodological soundness, team capacity, project management, and budget reasonableness. Additional narratives are required to address advancing racial equity, promoting fair housing, and showcasing the applicant's experience working with underserved communities. Applications must also include detailed budgets, appendices with resumes of key personnel, and references attesting to the applicant's research capabilities.

Key submission requirements include adherence to the Grants.gov electronic application process, with applications due no later than April 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must also ensure compliance with SAM.gov and UEI registration requirements. HUD emphasizes the importance of timely submissions, as late applications will not be considered. Institutions with limited technological access may request a waiver to submit paper applications, provided the request is made at least 15 days before the deadline.

HUD will conduct a two-stage review process, beginning with a threshold eligibility review followed by a merit evaluation of proposals that meet the eligibility criteria. Applications will be scored on a 100-point scale, with funding decisions also factoring in geographic diversity, alignment with HUD priorities, and the applicant's capacity to manage federal funding. HUD reserves the right to partially fund applications, redistribute funding, or adjust award conditions to address administrative priorities.

Award notifications are expected by September 1, 2025, with project start dates beginning October 1, 2025. Awardees must comply with HUD's reporting requirements, including quarterly progress updates, financial reporting, and a final narrative report summarizing project outcomes. HUD encourages awardees to disseminate research findings widely, aligning with the program's goal to enhance policy and program implementation at federal, state, and local levels.