A CHDO is a private, non-profit, community-based service organization established to develop affordable housing or carry out other qualified initiatives. CHDO certification is necessary to become eligible for certain federal funds available for community development.  

The Department of Housing's (DOH) CHDO certification program offers two distinct opportunities for interested organizations.  

CHDO Certification

To be certified as a CHDO, an organization must meet specific legal and organizational characteristics described below. Interested groups can view and respond to an open Request for Information (RFI) application, accessible on the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) website. The CHDO certification period opens each fall and continues through the winter. For FY24, the RFI is now closed.  

To be eligible, organizations must meet the following criteria:  

• Be an existing non-profit 501(c)(3) development agency 
• Meet the regulatory Board Composition Threshold  
• Have organizational capacity and set organizational structure to carry out the activities they are planning 
• Have sufficient capital to advance their projects   
• Adhere to all federally established CHDO requirements including:
  
  • 24 CFR 92 Subpart G   
  • CPD-97-11 CHDO Guidance  
  • CPD-06-01 CHDO Operating Expenses  
  • CPD 97-09 CHDO Proceeds   

Capacity Building Award 

Existing CHDO-certified organizations may apply for up to $50,000 in funding for capacity-building activities. The CHDO Capacity-Building Award is available through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, which opens during the City's Community Development Grant Application (CDGA) round. A notice of the next CDGA RFP funding opportunity will post on the DPS website. To be eligible to apply to the RFP, organizations must have an unexpired CHDO Certification issued during the RFI or annual renewal process. In addition to the CHDO Certification requirements, respondents to the Capacity Building Award must also:  

• Have plans that are well grounded in understanding current community housing conditions, housing needs, and need for supportive services   
• Commit to advancing the housing needs of people marginalized by race, ethnicity, citizenship, ability, sexual orientation, arrest or conviction record, or income 

2024 Certified CHDO Agencies

• AFC Community Development Organization 
• Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation* 
• Claretian Associates* 
• Here to Stay Community Land Trust 
• Hispanic Housing Development Corporation
• Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (HOME)
• Interfaith Housing Development Corporation
• Latin United Community Housing Association* 
• Sarah’s Circle* 
• The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc.  
• The Resurrection Project*
• Voice of the People in Uptown, Inc.* 
• Miraculous Insights