Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT)

The next funding round for the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust will take place in the fall of 2012 (Round 36 - Fall). A copy of the current application and the due date for the application will be posted on this page in July of 2012 or sooner.

Now Completed

MAHT announces its Thirty-fifth Funding Round. Applications will be accepted until 4:00pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011.

Click the following links for a MSWord version of the MAHT Application and the required legal attachments:

• Application for Funding  
• Round 35 Legal Documents and Instructions 

Purpose of Program

The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) in 1992 to make affordable housing more available throughout the State of Maryland. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees and staffed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. A portion of the interest generated by title company escrow provides the funding for MAHT.

Applicable Law and Regulations

The law and regulations governing MAHT are found in:

• The Housing and Community Development Article, §§10-101 - 10-301, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended;
• Insurance Article Section 22-103 of the Annotated Code of Maryland; and
• Code of Maryland Regulations (“COMAR”) 31.16.03.01-.08.

Program Activities

MAHT promotes affordable housing for households earning less than 50% of area or Statewide median income by:

• Funding capital costs of rental and ownership housing;
• Providing financial assistance for nonprofit-developer capacity building;
• Funding supportive services for occupants of affordable housing; and
• Funding operating expenses of affordable housing developments.

MAHT does not provide:

• Direct rental assistance to tenants;
• Capacity building assistance that is not related to a specific housing development; or
• Purchase of grantee personal property, such as office furniture or equipment.

Funds Availability

MAHT holds two funding rounds per year, generally in January and August. The maximum award amount is $150,000.

Financing Terms

Although MAHT reserves the right to make its funding available as interest-bearing loans, funding for project-specific capacity building, operating expenses and support services are generally made as grants. Funding for capital costs are offered as deferred-payment loans or recoverable grants payable if the project is sold and/or ceases to be used for low-income occupancy. Pre-development awards are generally repayable.

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit organizations
• Public housing authorities
• Government agencies
• Profit-motivated entities

Selection Criteria

While all activities funded by MAHT must serve residents with incomes of less than 50% of statewide or area median, whichever is higher, preference is given to projects that serve households with incomes of less than 30% of median (see State of Maryland 2011 Income and Rent Limits).

Projects that meet the following criteria will be most competitive:

• Target very low-income persons
• Provide housing for families with minor children and/or single adults in Single Room Occupancy units;
• Demonstrate project readiness and feasibility;
• Project long-term affordability (for capital projects);
• Demonstrate need /demand for housing in geographic area and helps achieve equitable geographic distribution of MAHT funds;
• Leverage other funds and/or provide the final piece in a financing package; and
• Provide self-sufficiency services.

Applying for MAHT

When applying for MAHT funds, applicants should follow the guidelines outlined in the MAHT Program Guidelines  . Applicants may download a copy of the MAHT Application Materials and Round 35 Legal Documents and Instructions , or fax or mail a written request for a copy to: