NEW YORK — The Citi Foundation has launched a $20 million request for proposals to help nonprofit housing developers address barriers to building and preserving affordable housing across the United States.
The 2026 Housing Supply RFP is part of Citi’s Blueprint for Housing Opportunity initiative, a five-year housing affordability commitment. Through the program, 20 nonprofit housing developers will each receive $1 million to support affordable housing supply in communities with significant need, according to the foundation.
The grants are designed to help nonprofits preserve existing affordable housing and move new housing projects forward during the early stages of development. Eligible uses include site evaluations, early design, engineering and appraisals.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge across the country. The release notes that nearly half of renter households are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, citing the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
“Philanthropic capital can be a powerful tool in helping affordable housing projects move faster and helping bridge the affordability gap facing Americans in communities large and small,” said Brandee McHale, president of the Citi Foundation and head of community investing and development at Citi.
McHale said nonprofit developers often carry important projects through years of early planning before construction can begin.
“Through these grants, the Foundation aims to support these supply-side champions and bring more housing to low-income communities across the country,” McHale said.
The $20 million grant opportunity is part of the Citi Foundation’s broader plan to deploy $50 million over five years to address housing affordability and strengthen the financial health of residents in low-income communities. Citi’s related Blueprint for Housing Opportunity initiative includes a $60 billion financing commitment intended to advance housing affordability and help create and preserve at least 250,000 units nationwide.
For communities facing rising rents and limited housing options, the initiative reflects a practical form of compassion: investing in the organizations already working closest to the need. Nonprofit housing developers often serve as the bridge between vision and stability, helping families move toward safer homes, stronger neighborhoods and better financial footing.
The Citi Foundation said the announcement builds on Citi and the foundation’s long-running support for community development and housing solutions. Over the past decade, the foundation has invested in nonprofits focused on affordable housing development, preservation and financial guidance for homeownership.
Applications are due by noon Eastern time July 1, 2026.
Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude, said the initiative highlights the kind of community-centered investment that can change the direction of families’ lives.
“When housing becomes more stable, hope has room to grow,” Petillo said. “Supporting the people and organizations who build that stability is one of the clearest ways we can turn compassion into lasting community strength.”