Rural communities face distinct challenges in providing affordable homes—from aging housing stock to limited development capacity, vast geographies, and constrained local resources.
To support communities facing these barriers, Enterprise recently awarded more than $1.9 million in Section 4 grants to 37 rural organizations to advance housing development, community resilience, and economic opportunity across 27 states and Puerto Rico.
"Rural housing challenges require rural-led solutions," said Robin Wolff, senior director of Enterprise's Rural Communities program. "These grants give local organizations the tools and flexibility to innovate in ways that make sense for their communities—whether that's promoting homeownership, supporting predevelopment work, or addressing needed infrastructure for a changing climate."
Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by Enterprise, the Section 4 Capacity Building Program remains one of the nation’s most effective tools for strengthening community development corporations and community housing development organizations. These grants help local partners expand staff, deepen technical expertise, and accelerate the housing development, preservation, and revitalization efforts that build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.
Grant Recipients
The selected nonprofits reflect a broad range of work across the country, from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic to Deep South, and the Midwest to the Great Plains. Here’s how this year’s grantees are using their awards to support affordable homes in thriving communities.
Adults and Youth United Development Association Inc. (Texas)
Supports staff retention and organizational capacity, including staff implementing affordable housing initiatives, conducting a housing needs assessment, and participating in training and travel.
Avesta Housing Development Corporation (Maine)
Adds a housing counselor to expand homeownership programming, including first-time homebuyer classes, administrative support, and one-on-one counseling.
Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc. (New York)
Advances infill development and acquisition strategies by supporting staff, consultants, professional development, and related travel.
Bogalusa Rebirth (Louisiana)
Strengthens organizational capacity by supporting staffing, program development consulting, software fees, office needs, and financial preparation.
Bread of Life Community Development Corporation of Louisiana (Louisiana)
Supports the predevelopment of a 20-acre affordable housing project through engineering, surveying, infrastructure planning, regulatory submittals, and accounting needs.
Cathedral Square Corporation (Vermont)
Funds feasibility and due diligence for a 30-unit senior housing project, including architectural/engineering work and staff training for maintenance capacity.
Catholic Charities Housing Services–Diocese of Yakima (Washington)
Builds capacity within its property management program to strengthen operational efficiency and service to residents.
Central Mississippi Housing Development Corporation (Mississippi)
Expands staffing and strategic planning to address affordable housing shortages, including a development director and consultant for support for rural housing analysis.
Chaffee Housing Trust (Colorado)
Enhances accounting systems needed for organizational growth through staffing, consulting, and travel for community engagement.
Communities Unlimited Inc. (Arkansas/Texas)
Expands staffing for its COME HOME housing initiative in East Texas, supporting a community housing technician’s role in regional housing services.
East Carolina Community Development Inc. (North Carolina)
Strengthens financial and administrative capacity by supporting finance staff, legal and IT services, cloud-based systems, compliance needs, and staff professional development.
Elevation Community Land Trust (Colorado)
Addresses environmental and infrastructure needs at mobile home parks through specialized consulting and develops a Homeowner Portal to improve communication and operations.
Embarras River Basin Agency Inc. (Illinois)
Supports its healthy homes program by funding housing counseling staff and related travel and training to address housing instability in rural communities.
Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (Oregon)
Expands rural housing development and preservation by hiring an affordable housing associate to support land acquisition, development, and wraparound services.
Fondo CRH (Puerto Rico)
Builds capacity to support rural community land banks by funding complementary staff positions, predevelopment activities, and staff professional development.
Gateway Community Development Corporation (Mississippi)
Advances predevelopment for Roberts Estates II, a planned 33-unit affordable housing development.
Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, Inc. (Alabama)
Expands capacity for rural affordable housing development, preservation, and management through staffing support.
Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development Inc. (Indiana)
Enhances capacity through real-estate development consulting and expanded faith-based land development partnerships, along with equipment and network upgrades.
Housing For Communities Inc. (Oklahoma)
Builds capacity for rural housing initiatives through staffing, consulting, staff development, and travel.
Housing Options & Planning Enterprises Inc. (Maryland)
Creates a USDA Rural Loan packager position and supports training, travel, and outreach tied to expanding homeownership opportunities.
Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (Delaware)
Hires a construction project manager for a 36-unit development and supports travel, software, and equipment needs.
LEAP Charities Inc. (Idaho)
Supports a feasibility specialist to accelerate housing development opportunities and funds needed for computer equipment.
Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment (Texas)
Supports staffing for the LIFE Build pre-apprenticeship and housing program plus efforts to secure state housing contracts.
Moab Area Community Land Trust (Utah)
Funds operational needs of a development manager to lead project management, acquisitions, construction oversight, and engagement for the Arroyo Crossing subdivision.
NeighborGood Partners Inc. (Delaware)
Maintains capacity for USDA RD 502 loan packaging services for low-income households across three rural counties.
Penquis C.A.P. Inc. (Maine)
Supports staffing to identify potential housing acquisitions, conduct the necessary due diligence, and manage regulatory requirements.
Red River Community Housing Development Organization (North Dakota)
Supports staff to expand rural homeownership development, including piloting modular and manufactured housing strategies.
Self-Help Enterprises (California)
Implements Salesforce to enhance operational capacity through consulting support for customization, integration, staff training, and ongoing maintenance.
Southern Tier Housing Corporation (Kentucky)
Strengthens construction capacity by hiring a construction project manager and supporting oversight within the construction department.
Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (Minnesota)
Builds organizational capacity in finance and asset management, including consulting, staff development, and technology for new staff.
Tangi Community Development Corporation (Louisiana)
Expands affordable housing capacity through staffing, training, and consulting for project financing.
Thrive Allen County Inc. (Kansas)
Hires a housing coordinator to lead housing programs, assessment work, community outreach, and related travel.
Tri-County Housing Inc. (Colorado)
Supports staffing and consulting to complete lease-up and stabilization for a 30-unit permanent supportive housing development.
Tunica County Community Development Coalition Inc. (Mississippi)
Supports staffing for affordable housing development and financial counseling, along with predevelopment coordination with architects and engineers.
Woodlands Development Group Inc. (West Virginia)
Builds capacity to own and manage a large rural rental property by supporting staffing and new property management software.
Wyoming Housing Network LLC (Wyoming)
Hires a construction project manager and funds training, technology, and housing counseling certification to strengthen development capacity.
Yellow Springs Home Inc. (Ohio)
Expands staffing and professional services to grow affordable housing development and preservation, including replicable architectural and engineering support.
