In April 2005 the Trust convened housing providers, technical assistance providers, private and public lenders, growers and advocates in Yakima for a two-day conference. The conference goal was to identify the barriers to developing the full spectrum of farmworker housing and the tools needed to significantly increase the rate of housing production. The consensus reached at the conference forms the framework for the Trust’s Community Capacity Fund (CCF).

In 2007-2008, the Trust awarded $190,000 in CCF grants and supported the development of 10 new affordable farmworker housing developments in 8 counties consisting of 260 new homes. This year, the Trust will award a total of $410,000 in CCF grants to help fund local rural housing nonprofits in Washington State. Eligible applicants may apply for each of the three different CCF grants available.

Areas of Investment

1. Community-Based Rental Housing (Year-round and seasonal-occupancy):

• Housing Development – add housing development staff within community-based organizations that have the potential to sustain in-house development capacity. Total funds available: $300,000. Average award amount: $100,000 over two years.

• Asset/Property Management - funds for housing providers to enhance their ability to own and manage farmworker housing and build a stronger sense of community within their developments. Eligible uses include third-party technical assistance, training, systems development/documentation, equipment and information technology to improve asset/property management operations. Total funds available: $50,000. Average award amount: $10,000.

2. Homeownership Programs:

• Grants to community-based organizations to develop or expand homeownership programs for farmworkers and their families. Eligible uses include personnel, third-party technical assistance, training, systems development/documentation, equipment and information technology. Total funds available: $60,000. Average award amount: $15,000.

2009 Community Capacity Fund

The Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust is no longer accepting applications for the 2009 Community Capacity Fund. The Trust will notify recipients of the 2009 CCF awards by August 31, 2009. Please download the  Request for Proposals to learn more about the 2009 CCF round.

2007-2008 Grant Awards

The 2007-2008 round was for a limited number of project-based capacity grants. Selection criteria were:

• Readiness/urgency - how will these funds accelerate a development or help it overcome challenges to timely completion?

• Number of new housing units proposed/increased production over current levels.

• Feasibility/soundness of approach.

• Geographic diversity.

A list of the awards is below. Click here  (PDF) for project summaries.