Funding Opportunities for Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The City of San Rafael is committed to creating and maintaining housing that is safe, stable, and affordable for our community, especially for those who are most vulnerable including lower and moderate-income people and families, and for seniors, people living with special needs or a disability, and individuals and families who have previously experienced homelessness.
To support the efforts of affordable housing developers, the City maintains an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is guided by San Rafael City Council Resolution 14760, Guidelines for the Administration of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. All units supported by program funds are income and rent-restricted for at least 55 years.
Notices of Funding Availability
The City periodically issues notices of funding available (NOFA).
The City is participating in the combined NOFA issued by the County of Marin on January 22, 2025. The funding application cycle is open through Wednesday, February 19th at 5:00 PM. Learn more and apply now.
Rolling Application Process for Acquisitions
On September 3, 2024, the San Rafael City Council approved the implementation of a rolling application process for acquisitions. The amount available through the rolling application process is capped at $250,000 per year, unless the City Council authorizes additional funding, and is dependent on sufficient funds being available. Prospective applicants are required to meet with City staff prior to applying. To request an application, email housing@cityofsanrafael.org.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
Our staff works with the Marin County Federal Grants division to allocate housing funds in the San Rafael Planning Area pursuant to a cooperative agreement. CDBG and HOME funds are allocated on a specific funding cycle, with the County typically issuing a notice of funding availability in January. Information on these programs is available at County of Marin or (415) 499-6695.
The 2025-26 funding application cycle is open through Wednesday, February 19th at 5:00 PM. Applicants can use the joint application to apply for over $3.6 million in funding, including approximately:
- $1,500,000 in Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- $700,000 in Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)