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 other funding programs.
PCHTF's development funding is used to build housing but is not available to assist individuals directly (with the exception of our accessory dwelling unit program). 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. ​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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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.
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.
Compliance forms and information
Housing projects subject to ongoing compliance expectations can find compliance related documents and forms here.
Get e-mail notifications about funding
To receive e-mail notifications when we open applications, sign up for our e-mails and choose "Funding Notice List."
Program applications​
Remember: You can log into the Neighborly Participant Portal to submit a funding application or complete other common tasks. To receive e-mail notifications when we open applications, sign up for our e-mails and choose "Funding Notice List."
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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. The application closed July 9, 2026.
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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 24, 2026.​ The application will close October 30, 2026.
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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 December 3, 2026.​ The application will close January 7, 2027.
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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 3, 2026. The application will close January 7, 2027.
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Single family homeowner ADU program
New program in FY2027. Assists single family homeowners or single-family property owners with the creation of 1 detached ADU on their property. Application opens February 6, 2026. The application will close March 4, 2027.
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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 will close March 4, 2027.
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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Contact Mark Thompson for information about this program and available fund balance by e-mail to mthompson@pchtf.org.
Community Investment grants
Additional programs
Develop the Developer Launchpad
Supporting emerging real estate developers through a two week development boot camp and fellowship program.
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Find information at PCHTF.org/dtdl.
Work that Impacts Housing Program
Supporting dual goals of improving homes and supporting careers in the building trades.
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Find information at PCHTF.org/work.