Four funding lanes. All open now.
Homeward Bound NORMAN is positioned to access multiple federal, philanthropic, and tax-credit funding streams simultaneously — each reinforcing the others.
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC)
The federal gateway. CoC designation is required to access most federal homeless assistance funding — and it legitimizes the entire system to funders. CoC establishes HMIS, Coordinated Entry, Housing Navigation, and makes Norman competitive for annual renewal grants.
FEMA BRIC / HMGP
The Reed Avenue Resilience Center's safe room component qualifies for FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Oklahoma's tornado risk makes this a compelling application — and the safe room transforms a housing project into federally-fundable resilience infrastructure.
LIHTC + Operating Support
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are the primary private financing mechanism for affordable permanent supportive housing. When Norman demonstrates a coherent, HUD-aligned system, LIHTC applications become more competitive — and operating subsidies through Project-Based Section 8 and HOME funds complete the stack.
Catalytic Foundation Support
Foundation and philanthropic investment is the catalyst that unlocks everything else. Early philanthropic capital funds the planning, staffing, and organizational infrastructure needed to pursue federal grants. A $1M foundation investment can unlock $10M–$15M in federal matching funds — making it among the highest-leverage philanthropy available.
Every funder has an angle here.
Homeward Bound NORMAN speaks directly to the priorities of every major funding audience — foundations, public officials, residents, and service partners.
| Audience | What They Want to Hear | What We Show Them |
|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Foundations | Leverage, outcomes, governance, equity, replication value — their dollar goes further here than anywhere else. | Full capital stack, measurable milestones, stewardship language, lived-experience commitments, downloadable briefs. |
| 🏛️ Public Officials | Deadlines, match strategy, civic legitimacy, partner alignment — and a plan they can champion without political risk. | Grant calendar with deadlines, Reed Avenue rationale, CoC explanation, letters and memos from partners. |
| 🏘️ Norman Residents | Why this helps Norman, where the money goes, how their neighborhood benefits, and how they can be part of it. | Plain-language mission, local proof points, donation and volunteer pathways, neighbor stories. |
| 🤝 Service Partners | Their role in the system, how collaboration works, and that they won't be replaced or marginalized. | Coalition map, partner-specific pages, system architecture documents, next-step meeting invites. |
Grant Calendar & Funding Deadlines.
Federal · State · National Foundations · Oklahoma Funders · UN Alignment — every deadline, every contact, every direct email link.
🔴 Act Now
Immediate Action RequiredHUD CoC NOFO — FY2025 Competition
The FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity is open. OK-504 must submit renewals and any new Bonus projects through Thunderbird Clubhouse as Collaborative Applicant. Homeward Bound NORMAN's RRH Bonus project concept is drafted and ready for lead agency confirmation.
501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exempt Application — IRS Form 1023
Homeward Bound Oklahoma, Inc. is now incorporated with the State of Oklahoma and has an EIN. The next step is filing IRS Form 1023 (or 1023-EZ) for federal tax-exempt status. Without 501(c)(3) determination, foundation grants and major donor deductions are unavailable.
FEMA BRIC — Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities
National window: March 25 – July 23, 2026. Oklahoma subapplicants must submit by June 12, 2026 to allow state review time. Route through Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM). Reed Avenue safe room qualifies. Requires FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and active SAM registration. National competition pool: $757M. Individual projects up to $20M federal share.
Oklahoma OEM Contact: [email protected] — reach out now to begin working with Hazard Mitigation team.
🏛️ 2026 — Federal Grants
HUD · FEMA · Federal Programs🚨 Oklahoma ESG — Emergency Solutions Grant — OPEN NOW
Oklahoma ESG application period is open now through May 29, 2026. Administered by Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Applicants must be members of their local CoC (OK-504) and use or be ready to use HMIS. Funds: emergency housing, supportive services, eviction prevention, rapid rehousing. Mandatory workshop was March 26, 2026 — contact ODOC immediately to confirm eligibility.
Contact: Edith McKinley · [email protected] · (405) 213-7960
HUD CDBG — Community Development Block Grant (City of Norman)
The City of Norman receives annual CDBG allocations from HUD. CDBG funds can serve as match dollars for CoC applications, fund housing navigation staff, and support the Reed Avenue Resilience Center planning costs. Begin conversations with Norman City Planning now.
HUD HOME Investment Partnerships — OHFA
HOME funds support affordable housing development and rental assistance. Combined with LIHTC financing for Reed Avenue, HOME can complete the capital stack for permanent supportive housing units. Oklahoma HOME applications typically open mid-year.
🏗️ 2026 — State & Capital Programs
OHFA · ODMHSAS · OklahomaOHFA LIHTC / AHTC — Affordable Housing Tax Credits
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency's competitive LIHTC cycle. Funding Period 1: January 22, 2026 (passed). Funding Period 2: June 25, 2026. Developer-oriented competitive financing for affordable rental housing. Reed Avenue's PSH units are the primary application target. Requires developer partner — begin OHFA pre-application outreach now.
Contacts: Darrell Beavers, Director · [email protected] · (405) 419-8261 | Corey Bornemann · [email protected] · (405) 419-8134 | Emily Myers · [email protected] · (405) 419-8135
OHFA National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
Approximately $1,912,500 available for 2025–2026 NHTF program year. Applications open May 13, 2026; due June 25, 2026; OHFA board consideration September 23, 2026. Rental projects only. Targets very low-income housing at 30% AMI or poverty level. Eligible: local governments, nonprofits, for-profits, public housing authorities, tribal entities.
Contact: Same OHFA Housing Development team — call before preparing application.
ODMHSAS — Behavioral Health Housing & Case Management Funding
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services funds behavioral health case management, PATH outreach, Intensive Outreach and Navigation (ION), and supportive housing statewide. These are contract/provider-based — not open competitive grants. Route through Thunderbird Clubhouse and Transition House as existing ODMHSAS-certified providers.
Contact: Malissa McEntire, Manager of Integrated Care · [email protected] · (405) 248-9341
🏦 2026–2027 — Foundation & Philanthropic Targets
Foundations · United Way · Major DonorsCatalytic Foundation Anchor Gift — $1M–$3M Target
A single anchor philanthropic commitment of $1M–$3M unlocks $10M–$15M in federal matching funds — making it the highest-leverage philanthropy available in this space. Target: 1–2 Oklahoma-based foundations with housing, poverty, or community development focus. 501(c)(3) determination required before approach.
United Way of Norman — Program & Match Funding
United Way of Norman is a natural match partner and community credibility anchor. Coordinate on program grants for housing navigation and case management, and leverage their corporate network for additional match dollars. Food & Shelter currently receives United Way support — align rather than compete.
Corporate & Faith Community Giving Campaign
Norman businesses, OU-affiliated donors, and the 45+ faith congregations in the coalition represent a significant unrestricted giving base. Structured annual campaign targeting $250K–$500K/year to fund organizational infrastructure, HMIS coordination, and volunteer programming. Launch after 501(c)(3) is confirmed.
📅 2027 — Scale Phase Funding
System Growth · Capital ProjectsHUD CoC NOFO — FY2027 Competition (New Projects)
By FY2027, Homeward Bound Oklahoma should be positioned to apply for additional CoC program components — Joint TH-RRH, SSO-CE, and expanded PSH — based on demonstrated performance from FY2025 Bonus project. Data from WellSky/ServicePoint HMIS will be the backbone of this application.
Reed Avenue Construction Financing Close
Target date for closing the full Reed Avenue Resilience Center capital stack: LIHTC equity + FEMA BRIC/HMGP grant + HOME funds + City of Norman CDBG match + philanthropic catalytic gift. Construction start: 2027. Unit delivery and occupancy: 2028–2029.
HUD-VASH Tribal Partnership — Chickasaw Nation
Explore a formal Tribal HUD-VASH application for Native American veterans experiencing homelessness in Cleveland County, in partnership with the Chickasaw Nation Housing Authority and the Chokka'Killimpi' Family Resource Center (Norman). Requires MOU and formal tribal partnership in place by 2026.
Annual HUD CoC Renewals — Sustaining the System
OK-504 has received 5 consecutive years of HUD CoC renewal funding totaling $2.35M (2020–2024). Renewals are performance-based — the stronger the HMIS data, exits to permanent housing, and system performance, the more competitive the renewal. Annual renewal cycle managed by Thunderbird Clubhouse.
🏛️ National Foundations & Philanthropies
Gates · MacArthur · Ford · Hilton · Kresge · Melville & MoreBill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Co-founder of Funders for Housing and Opportunity (FHO). Gates invests in systems, data, and scalable homelessness solutions — not local operational funding. Approach requires demonstrating HMIS data quality, system coordination, and replication value. Does not accept unsolicited proposals; relationship-driven entry only.
John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Known for housing innovation and the competitive "100&Change" initiative (single $100M grant). MacArthur funds housing policy, innovation, and equity — slow cycle, relationship-driven. Also a founding member of Funders for Housing and Opportunity. Watch for their "Big Bets" and Window of Opportunity housing program cycles.
Ford Foundation
Funds housing justice, equity, and systems-level change. In August 2025, Ford co-launched the HouseUS Fund with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with $7.5M in seed funding for grassroots and community-led housing solutions. Ford's Just Cities & Regions program is the primary vehicle. Approach requires demonstrated community engagement and equity framing.
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
One of the top 20 US foundations by assets ($6B endowment). Has dedicated Homelessness program area investing $100M+ annually. Application cycles: February, June, and October. Does not accept unsolicited proposals for homelessness program — proactively seeks grantees. Requires demonstrated PSH, Housing First, and system-level impact. CoC designation and HMIS data are key credentialing factors.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
Health + housing nexus is RWJF's primary entry point. Co-launched HouseUS Fund ($7.5M) with Ford in 2025. New opportunity: "From Insight to Action: Health Equity Research that Meets This Moment" — releases April 20, 2026. Watch RWJF.org. The place-based "Local Data for Equitable Communities" CFP closed March 3, 2026. Oklahoma behavioral health + housing + ODMHSAS data story is directly aligned. Frame housing as health equity.
Program Staff: George Hobor PhD, Senior Program Officer | Katie Corbit MPH, Program Officer
Kresge Foundation
Founding member of Funders for Housing and Opportunity. Human Services team funds place-based housing innovations, PSH development, and coordinated homelessness systems. Cross-sector collaboration (health + housing + economic mobility) is a primary focus. Live Current Funding Opportunities portal — check for open housing-health initiative calls.
Staff: Raquel T. Hatter, Managing Director | Joelle-Jude Fontaine, Sr. Program Officer · [email protected] | Demetrius Starling, Program Officer
Melville Charitable Trust
The largest US foundation dedicated exclusively to ending homelessness. Focuses on inequitable systems driving homelessness, lack of rapid pathways to permanent housing, and racist housing/zoning/land-use policies. Primary funder of Funders Together to End Homelessness. Oklahoma is underrepresented in their portfolio — a real opportunity. Strategy- and relationship-driven process; no open public RFP verified.
Staff: Susan Thomas, President | Alyia Gaskins, Senior Program Officer (Housing Affordability & Stability)
Annie E. Casey Foundation
FHO founding member. Focuses on family economic security, housing stability, and child well-being. Strong alignment with family homelessness prevention, eviction diversion, and rapid rehousing for families. Oklahoma families in the CoC system are a direct fit for Casey's equity and economic stability programs.
🏦 Corporate Foundations & Banks
Bank of America · Wells Fargo · JPMorgan · Enterprise · FHLBBank of America Charitable Foundation — Stable Housing & Empowering Communities
Bank of America has two annual grant cycles. The Stable Housing and Empowering Communities cycle specifically funds affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development. Application period: May 18 – June 29, 2026. Unsolicited applications accepted only during posted dates. Must have 501(c)(3) status. Oklahoma organizations eligible.
Bank of America — Basic Needs & Income Creation
The second Bank of America cycle funds basic needs and income creation — covering food security, emergency assistance, and economic stability programs that complement housing work. Application period: February 2 – March 2, 2026. This cycle has already opened for 2026.
Wells Fargo / Enterprise — Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge
Wells Fargo and Enterprise Community Partners have launched the 2026 Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. Five individual grants of $2 million each for proven, scalable housing innovations. Round 1: April 1 – May 15, 2026. Round 2: August 10 – September 18, 2026. Open to nonprofits, housing authorities, tribal housing entities, and 501(c)(3) quasi-governmental organizations across all 50 states.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation — Housing Access & Neighborhood Development
Major funder of housing affordability and homelessness prevention nationally. JPMorgan Chase invests through its philanthropic arm and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) programs. Oklahoma presence through local branch relationships. Approach through local market managers or national housing programs. Also funds through PRIs (program-related investments) for capital projects like Reed Avenue.
Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka — Affordable Housing Program (AHP)
FHLBank Topeka's Affordable Housing Program awards competitive grants for affordable housing development and homeownership. Oklahoma is in FHLBank Topeka's district. AHP has funded housing projects in Tulsa and OKC. The Reed Avenue Resilience Center's affordable housing component is directly eligible. Member institutions (banks) apply on behalf of nonprofit partners. Connect with a local bank member first.
🌾 Oklahoma Foundations & Major Donors
Zarrow · Inasmuch · GKFF · Sarkeys · Kirkpatrick · OKCF & MoreAnne & Henry Zarrow Foundation
Top Oklahoma housing/homelessness funder. Explicitly lists Alleviating & Preventing Homelessness / Affordable Housing as a priority. One proposal cycle in 2026: submit Inquiry Form now; invited full proposals due June 30, 2026. Has committed $53M+ to Tulsa housing and homelessness. Won HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. Funded Housing Solutions — Tulsa's equivalent of Homeward Bound NORMAN.
Contacts: Nancy Curry, Sr. Program Officer - Homelessness · [email protected] | Jeff Hall, Sr. Program Officer - Housing Capital · [email protected] | Courtney Knoblock, VP Programs · [email protected]
Inasmuch Foundation
Oklahoma City-focused. Two cycles per year. Spring cycle due February 15 (passed for 2026). Fall cycle due August 15, 2026 — notifications in November. Human services is 73% of funding. Fall 2025 distributed $5.79M to 43 nonprofits. Central Oklahoma / Norman is prime geography. Requires relationship before applying.
Contacts: Sarah Roberts, VP Programs · [email protected] | Tyler Tokarczyk, Sr. Program Officer · [email protected] | Main: (405) 604-5292
George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF)
One of Oklahoma's largest foundations. GKFF funds early childhood, community development, poverty reduction, and social services in Tulsa and statewide. Does NOT accept unsolicited proposals. The Turley Initiative and community development work aligns with Housing First systems. Their Tulsa homelessness response work (Homeless Alliance) is a natural bridge. Entry is relationship-driven only.
Contact: [email protected] · (918) 392-1612 | No unsolicited proposals — relationship or Accelerator Grant pathway only.
Sarkeys Foundation
Statewide Oklahoma foundation — Norman is core geography. LOI due June 1 for August 1 grant deadline. LOI due December 1 for February 1 grant deadline. Initial phone call is required as part of the process. Successful LOIs invited to full application. Receptive to poverty, vulnerable populations, and community capacity work.
Contact: (405) 364-3703 — call first | Staff: Natalie Carns, Abby Dimond, Laynie Gottsch (Program Officers)
Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF)
Central Oklahoma community grants, donor-advised funds, and Bridge OKC program. Some grant lines awards up to $30K–$40K. Recent programs: Opportunities for Children (LOI due Mar 5); Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Fund (LOI due Feb 26). Multiple cycles per year — check active programs. Cleveland County / Norman in service area.
Contacts: Lindsay Cates, Director of Community Programs · (405) 606-2926 | Gabrielle Butler, VP Community Engagement · [email protected] · (405) 606-2942 | Main: (405) 235-5603
Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Major Oklahoma-rooted funder with national footprint. Funds equity, social services, and community organizations. Supported Mental Health Association Oklahoma housing work. Tulsa-focused historically but has statewide Oklahoma reach. Jewish values-aligned giving includes poverty alleviation and community stability — aligns with Housing First mission.
Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation / Kirkpatrick Family Fund
The Noble Foundation funds rural and agricultural community development statewide. Kirkpatrick Family Fund focuses on arts, community, and civic enhancement in Central Oklahoma. Both accessible for relationship-based outreach. The Kirkpatrick Foundation (related entity) also funds social services and civic causes in OKC — directly adjacent to Norman's work.
Presbyterian Health Foundation (PHF)
Oklahoma City-based health funder. Health and housing are deeply connected — PHF funds programs that address the social determinants of health, including stable housing. The behavioral health and primary care connections within the RRH program are directly fundable through PHF. Also funds research and data initiatives.
🌐 United Nations & International Bodies
UN-Habitat · SDGs · New Urban Agenda · 2026–2029 Strategic PlanUN-Habitat — New Strategic Plan 2026–2029
The UN Habitat Assembly adopted the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 in May 2025, advancing "adequate housing for all" globally. UN-Habitat does not typically fund US local nonprofits directly with grants — it funds national governments and engages US cities as "model city" partners. The strategic opportunity is positioning Homeward Bound Norman / Oklahoma as a model community aligned with UN-Habitat's SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and the New Urban Agenda. This alignment strengthens major foundation proposals and international credibility.
UN Sustainable Development Goals — SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities"
SDG 11 explicitly targets making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable — including access to adequate housing and basic services. Aligning Homeward Bound Oklahoma's work with SDG 11 language and metrics opens doors to international funders, US federal agencies, and foundations that require global framework alignment. The New Urban Agenda (NUA) is the implementation framework. This is narrative and positioning — not a direct grant program — but essential for foundation proposals to Gates, Ford, MacArthur, and Kresge.
UN Development Programme (UNDP) — Social Innovation & Inclusive Growth
UNDP's social innovation and poverty reduction programs occasionally fund US-based community organizations through its SDG Finance mechanism and the UNDP Accelerator Labs network. Oklahoma has experienced persistent rural and urban poverty — relevant to UNDP's equity framework. Entry is typically through academic partnerships (OU) or state-level government channels. Long-term opportunity requiring sustained relationship building with UNDP's US mission.
🤝 Funder Collaboratives & CDFI Partners
FHO · Funders Together · Enterprise · CDFI Fund · NeighborWorksFunders for Housing and Opportunity (FHO)
A pooled funder collaborative — founders include Gates, MacArthur, Ford, Conrad Hilton, Kresge, and Annie E. Casey. FHO funds policy, advocacy, narrative change, and systemic innovation. Awarded $18M+ to grantees nationally. Membership in FHO's ecosystem (as a grantee or aligned organization) opens doors to all founding funders simultaneously. Entry requires demonstrating CoC system alignment and equity commitments.
US Treasury CDFI Fund — Capital Magnet Fund & CDFI Program Awards
The US Treasury's CDFI Fund supports Community Development Financial Institutions that finance affordable housing and community development. The Capital Magnet Fund specifically targets affordable housing development — directly applicable to Reed Avenue. Oklahoma CDFIs (Tulsa-based and OKC-based) can be intermediary partners. Annual award cycles with significant award amounts ($5M–$30M+ per award).
NeighborWorks America — Organizational Capacity & Housing Grants
NeighborWorks America funds affordable housing, homeownership counseling, and community development organizations. Has a national network of chartered organizations and provides both grants and capacity-building resources. Oklahoma NeighborWorks-affiliated organizations can be partner channels. Also administers National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling grants.
Don't navigate this alone.
Our team tracks every deadline, coordinates with Thunderbird Clubhouse and partner agencies, and maintains grant-ready documentation. Contact us to discuss any opportunity on this calendar.
* This calendar reflects known funding cycles and anticipated deadlines as of April 2026. Federal NOFO release dates are subject to change. HUD CoC NOFO deadlines are set annually upon publication. OHFA LIHTC cycle dates reflect historical patterns. Homeward Bound Oklahoma, Inc. is a newly incorporated Oklahoma nonprofit pending 501(c)(3) determination. Calendar updated quarterly — last updated April 2026.
Your dollar goes further here.
Request the Foundation Brief or schedule a one-on-one meeting to explore the full leverage story.