Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Education and Outreach Initiative

Congress in 1988 established the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) with a purpose of providing funding to entities to work alongside HUD to "prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices" 42 USC § 3616a(a). FHIP provides funds to eligible organizations through competitive grants. under several initiatives. The overarching purpose of the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) is to educate the public, housing providers and other stakeholders about their rights and obligations under provisions of fair housing laws, through the development, implementation, carrying out and coordinating or education and outreach programs. 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1); 24 CFR 125.301(a). The National Media Campaign component (EOI-NMC) is "designed to provide a centralized, coordinated effort for the development and dissemination of fair housing media products." 42 USC § 3616a(d)(1). A portion of NMC funds are specifically meant to increase participation in the annual national fair housing month. Under a cooperative agreement, HUD will exercise the right to approve, and have substantial involvement in, all proposed deliverables, as well as the Work Plan or Statement of Work (SOW). The General Component (EOI-GC) is designed to carry out projects programs that prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices by establishing or supporting regional, local, and community- based education and outreach activities, events, and programs. For grants and cooperative agreements, HUD will conduct monitoring reviews, request quarterly reports, and approve all proposed deliverables as documented in the applicant's Work Plan or SOW. Most EOI funds are awarded under grant agreements. However, national funds are awarded under cooperative agreements managed by Headquarters since the awards have a nationwide impact and therefore require more complex and frequent oversight as well as Departmental approval of deliverables.