Strengthening Rural Communities
Equipping Communities to Plan, Fund, and Deliver Rural Housing and Community Development Projects
What have you been dreaming of for your community? More rural housing? Small town revitalization? A stronger local economy?
MHP offers free, nationwide support to rural communities and Native Nations. Funded by HUD since 2010, MHP is a nationally recognized leader in community development assistance and technical assistance services.
Through HUD-funded rural development programs we partner with communities to build capacity, strengthen organizations, and advance housing and community development projects. We also help communities access affordable housing grants, rural development grants, community development grants, housing development funding, and other resources that support rural housing and housing people can afford.
Who Can Apply
Anyone can apply! For certain grant-funded projects, the applicants need to be organizations engaged in, or preparing to engage in, housing and community development in rural areas are eligible, including:
- Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs)
- Local and county governments and political subdivisions
- Native Nations, Tribal housing authorities, and chartered entities engaged in Tribal community development, Tribal community planning, and Tribal economic development
- Rural Housing Development Organizations (RHDOs)
Note: statewide entities are not eligible.
What We Support
MHP provides expertise and nonprofit technical assistance to strengthen your community to:
- Advance Housing & Community Development Projects – Moving ideas from vision to reality, from new or rehabbed housing to innovative models like community land trusts, intergenerational housing, or resident-owned communities.
- Simplify Funding & Finance – Navigating complex funding sources, layering federal, state, and philanthropic resources, and preparing competitive applications.
- Turn Research & Data into Action – Conducting needs assessments, housing studies, and mapping that guide decisions and uncover opportunities.
- Build Momentum – Developing strategies to build broad community and political support, and creating the partnerships needed to realize your goals.
MHP also encourages regional collaborations, where multiple partners come together to address shared housing and development needs.
Specialized Focus Areas
In addition to our general support, MHP also provides targeted assistance with:
Preserving vital affordable homes in small towns and rural communities.
Helping communities establish and sustain dedicated housing resources.
Improving homes, and creating pathways to resident ownership.
🔎 Explore more ways MHP supports communities: visit our Community Development page.
What’s Not Covered
- General operating support
- Direct housing services such as rental gap assistance
- Direct construction or development costs
- Lobbying or political activities
- Assistance for activities already funded by MHP
