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Applications open for Nashville’s Barnes Housing Trust Fund





On Oct. 10, the applications opened for funding from the Barnes Housing Trust Fund for Nashville organizations that provide affordable housing around the city.

During this round of funding, $15.85 million will be awarded. Nonprofits can request up to $3 million total. Smaller organizations with operating budgets below $2 million can apply for up to $750,000.

The program wants to allocate funding to a broad range of nonprofits in different areas and with different focuses, said Ashley Brown, the Nashville affordable housing program manager.

“We try to make sure that it’s equitable for those that are applying,” Brown said.

She said $3 million is dedicated to proposals in the Urban Zoning Overlay, a geographic area that has the highest concentrated need.

The trust fund was created in 2013 and is funded by the city’s operating budget and private donations. This year the mayor directed $12.5 million to the fund.

According to the fund webpage, it’s named for the Rev. Bill Barnes, an advocate for affordable housing.

Grants are available for those creating and preserving affordable rental and homeowner units. Rental units must be affordable for households with 60% or less of the median family income, and homeowner units must be affordable at 80% or lower of that income. Brown said the median income number used for Nashville is $84,300.

The developments funded by the Barnes fund must remain affordable for 30 years.

The city aims to have two disbursements every fiscal year. In the spring, over $7.6 million was given to organizations such as Affordable Housing Resources, Habitat for Humanity, Mending Hearts Inc. and the Woodbine Community Organization.

Applicants are scored on experience, finances, community connection and plans. Bonus points are also available in categories such as diversity, collaboration and projects in disaster zones like the path of a tornado or flood.

Applications will close on Nov. 14, but questions should be submitted to Brown by Nov. 8. The Housing Trust Fund Commission votes on the awards in December.

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