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Funding programs

The Polk County Housing Trust Fund allocates funds to organizations working to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing in Polk County, Iowa.

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Here you can find information about funds for housing development as well as Community Investment grants for programs that support people who need housing.

Please note these funds are not available for individuals. If you are an individual who needs help with your housing, see pchtf.org/housinghelp.

Information to know before you apply

Housing Allocation Plan

PCHTF establishes the schedule, resources available, and key guidelines for many of our funding programs in an annual Housing Allocation Plan approved by our board of directors each June. â€‹Additional guidelines for each of our funding programs are included at the beginning of each program application when it is released.

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Download the FY2026 Housing Allocation Plan here.

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The FY2027 Housing Allocation Plan will be available soon.

Income limits and allowable rents

Income limits and allowable rents that apply to PCHTF programs are updated annually by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (typically in April).

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Download the current chart of income limits and allowable rents.

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Last updated by HUD in May 2026.

Neighborly platform

The Polk County Housing Trust Fund uses a platform called Neighborly to offer our funding applications and manage compliance and reporting with organizations and projects that receive funds.

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You can log into the Neighborly Participant Portal to submit a funding application or complete other common tasks.

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New users may wish to read our instructions for how to create an account in Neighborly.

Compliance forms and information

Housing projects subject to ongoing compliance expectations can find compliance related documents and forms here.

Program applications​

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​Homelessness assistance programs

Programs that support homeless individuals either by Centralized Intake or permanent supportive housing that accepts clients from Centralized Intake. Application opens June 13, 2025. The application closed on July 8.

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Owner occupied repair

For nonprofits and local governments to sustain affordability and vitality while maintaining safe and environmentally healthy housing stock. Application opens September 26, 2025.​ The application closed October 24.

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New rental development

This program supports and funds additional safe, well-built, affordable rental housing units in Polk County, Iowa. Application opens October 10, 2025.​ The application closed November 7.

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Single family homeownership

This program assists low-moderate income residents in buying safe, well built, affordable single family housing units in Polk County. Application opens December 5, 2025. â€‹The application closed January 5.

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Capital improvement of existing rental housing

Supports programs to improve currently available rental units. Application opens February 6, 2026. The application has closed.

Revolving loan program

The Polk County Supervisors have provided PCHTF $3 million to seed a revolving loan fund for nonprofit developers of affordable housing working in Polk County. 

 

The fund is intended to provide short term financing for uses including site acquisition or land purchase for affordable housing projects, construction financing for affordable housing projects, or bridge loans.

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On November 7, 2025 the Trust Fund announced applications will reopen for this program on a rolling basis. The program currently has $1,000,000 available to make loans.

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The application for this program is available in the Neighborly Participation Portal. View the application to see additional program details.

Community Investment grants

Community Investment grants invest in housing-focused programs serving Polk County. 

 

This funding bridges the gap between affordable housing and families in our community to improve resident access, stability, and success in housing.​

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FY 2026 applications for this program are now closed. Access the application in the Neighborly Participant Portal.

The funds distributed through this program come from private gifts made by businesses, organizations, and individuals through our Navigating Housing Together investment campaign.

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