Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF)

The funds are invested in eligible projects to increase the supply and reduce the costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities. Workforce housing is housing that meets the needs of working families and is attractive to new residents locating in a rural community. Housing Projects Eligible for RWHF Awards Include: New owner-occupied housing costing no more than $375,000. New rental housing units costing no more than $300,000. Owner-occupied or rental housing units for which the cost to substantially rehabilitate exceeds 50% of a unit’s assessed value. Upper-story housing. Rehabilitation/conversion of an existing building into housing. And in all cases, housing that does not receive federal or state low-income housing tax credits, Community Development Block Grants, HOME funds, National Housing Trust Fund, or funds from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund that would restrict the level of individual or household income to anything less than 100% of AMI. Eligible Areas Communities in a county with a population of less than 100,000, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census, are eligible. Presently, this excludes communities in Sarpy Counties. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants must be non-profit development organizations, approved by the Department director, that invest or intend to invest in workforce housing eligible activities, and that have an active board of directors with expertise in development, construction and finance. Awards RWHF awards are made on a competitive basis until funds are no longer available. The initial competitive application cycle took place in 2017-18. Subsequent allocations of funds allowed for two application cycles in both the 2020 and 2022 program years. In 2024, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $12,500,000 for a fourth program year of the Rural Workforce Housing Fund. The 2024 RWHF program requires a minimum investment of 25% of the RWHF award in matching funds. Matching funds can be dollars contributed by and regional political subdivisions, or other non-profit organizations into a single investment fund administered by the eligible nonprofit development organization. Award Evaluation Competitive applications for RWHF program funds are evaluated on demonstrations of: Ongoing workforce housing needs as identified by a recent housing study. Difficulties filling employment positions or attracting workers in communities or regions with a low unemployment rate. A community’s or region’s commitment to growing its housing stock. A project’s likelihood of occupancy in a period of 24 months. The ability to grow and manage an investment fund for rural workforce housing. Application 2024 Rural Workforce Housing Fund Application PDF copy of Application Application Period: Open Date: 10/17/2024 3:00 PM (CT) Close Date: 1/15/2025 6:00 PM (CT) Apply Now Application Guidelines Guidelines Title File Type Date Housing Application Best Practices March 14, 2024 2024 RWHF Exhibit 106 for LOI and Application. Excel October 16, 2024 2024 RWHF Application Guidelines PDF October 17, 2024 Forms & Templates Contract Special Conditions Forms & Templates Authorization to Request Funds RWHF Grantee Information Sheet Performance of RWHF Contract Forms & Templates RWHF Drawdown Form Reporting Forms & Templates 2025 RWHF Annual Report Form for 2020 Recipients RWHF Annual Report Investments Verification of Lawful Presence for Public Benefits Eligibility Data for Applicants and Recipients