The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program (CFDA 14.267) is the largest federal program dedicated to ending homelessness in the United States, distributing approximately $3 billion annually to local communities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CoC Program funds a wide range of housing and supportive service interventions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. The CoC Program supports several project types: permanent supportive housing (PSH), which combines long-term housing with wraparound supportive services for chronically homeless individuals; rapid re-housing (RRH), which provides short-term rental assistance to quickly move people out of homelessness; transitional housing (TH) for populations that benefit from structured, time-limited residential programs; supportive services only (SSO) projects that connect people with housing search, case management, and employment services; and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), the data infrastructure that tracks homelessness across communities. A Continuum of Care is a local or regional planning body that coordinates housing and service funding for homeless families and individuals. There are approximately 400 CoCs across the country, each responsible for developing a coordinated community plan to address homelessness. Each CoC designates a single Collaborative Applicant — typically a local government, planning commission, or nonprofit — to submit the consolidated application to HUD on behalf of all project applicants within the CoC geography. The annual CoC Program Competition is one of the most significant federal grant competitions. HUD scores applications based on system performance measures including the rate of exits to permanent housing, returns to homelessness, length of time homeless, and the community's progress toward reducing overall homelessness. Communities must demonstrate coordinated entry systems, strategic use of Housing First approaches, and efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness. New project applications compete against renewal projects, and HUD uses a tiered funding structure that protects renewal funding while creating a competitive process for new and reallocated projects. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is typically published in late spring with applications due in late summer or early fall.

The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.

Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.

The Families First Community Grant Program is a competitive grant initiative from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) offering approximately $27 million in funding to support nonprofit organizations serving low-income Tennessee families. Grants fund programs across four priority areas: education, health, economic stability, and family well-being, aligned with TANF goals of promoting self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Tennessee that provide direct services to economically disadvantaged families. The 2025 application cycle closed July 10, 2025. This program reflects Tennessee's broader commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment in local organizations that address the root causes of poverty.