Innovation Fund (Innovation Grants)

Innovation Fund (Innovation Grants) is sponsored by Front Porch Investments. The Innovation Fund supports bold ideas that help the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro region build more affordable homes, faster and more equitably.

Innovation Grants : Innovation Fund : What We Do : Front Porch Investments Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Grant Cycle! Front Porch Investments’ Innovation Fund supports bold ideas that help our region build more affordable homes, faster and more equitably. We fund research, tools, and new approaches that strengthen the housing ecosystem across the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro.

Research & Market Insights: Research that helps our region better understand what’s getting in the way of building enough housing and what changes could make a real difference. This includes work that brings together data, lived experience, and community voice to inform better housing decisions.

Examples of strong fits include: Studies that identify housing supply gaps at the neighborhood or regional level Research on barriers like zoning rules, permitting timelines, soft costs, or small-site development challenges Community-driven engagement that shapes future housing types or locations Research that examines how housing systems impact racial equity This category does not support: Feasibility studies for a single development Design or engineering work for a specific project Capacity Building for the Housing Ecosystem: Investments in the people, organizations, and shared tools that make it possible for more housing to get built and for projects to move forward more efficiently.

This category is about expanding who can participate in housing development and strengthening the systems that support them.

Examples of strong fits include: Training or learning opportunities for emerging developers, especially BIPOC-led and community-rooted groups Capacity-building support for nonprofits entering or growing their development work Shared tools like land identification platforms, GIS tools, or zoning and permitting guides Practical templates, toolkits, or checklists that make infill or rehab projects easier to execute This category does not support: Staff roles tied to a single project General operating support Acquisition, predevelopment, rehabilitation, or construction costs Innovation in Design, Construction, & Housing Models: New ideas that lower costs, shorten timelines, or expand the types of housing that can be built affordably.

This includes testing, prototyping, or developing approaches that others can learn from and build upon.

Examples of strong fits include: Open-source architectural designs such as missing middle housing, ADUs, or small-lot infill Non site-specific pilots for modular, prefab, panelized, or off-site construction Design or development models that simplify permitting or reduce soft costs Prototype rehabilitation approaches that lower per-unit costs New ownership or delivery models like shared equity, co-ops, or multi-stakeholder structures Climate-resilient or energy-efficient housing models designed with affordability in mind This category does not support: Site-specific architectural or engineering work Construction of housing units Materials or modular orders tied to a single development Energy-efficiency upgrades for existing homes The Innovation Fund is designed to support innovative, high-impact projects that advances affordable housing solutions across the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro.

Grants will be awarded throughout the year, until funds are fully expended. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year, until funds are fully expended. We welcome conversations with organizations whose work aligns with these priorities.

Projects that appear to be a strong fit will be invited to submit a full application.

Organizations invited to apply for Innovation Fund grants typically meet the following criteria: Nonprofits, community-based organizations, or research institutions focused on affordable housing A proven track record of impactful projects that demonstrate innovation, equity, and community collaboration Projects aligned with one or more of the Innovation Fund’s focus areas If you’re exploring an idea and wondering whether it’s a fit, we encourage you to reach out.

We’re happy to talk it through.