Open Call for Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program (US)

The Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program is accepting applications from eligible government entities to identify and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in residential housing. With an estimated $239.15 million in total funding, the program aims to protect children under the age of six from lead poisoning while supporting healthier homes through comprehensive lead hazard control and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding.

About the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program

The Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program is designed to help eligible government entities implement comprehensive initiatives that identify, control, and reduce lead-based paint hazards in residential housing. The program prioritizes protecting children under six years of age, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Lead poisoning remains one of the leading environmental health risks for young children. Exposure to lead-based paint and contaminated dust can result in developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and other long-term health problems. Through this funding opportunity, government agencies can improve housing conditions and reduce preventable health risks in their communities.

In addition to lead hazard reduction, the program provides Healthy Homes Supplemental funding, allowing recipients to address other housing-related hazards that may affect occupant health while lead hazard control activities are underway.

Program Overview

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program supports government-led initiatives that improve housing safety and public health through comprehensive lead hazard control activities.

Key Program Information

• Program Name: Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program
• Funding Purpose: Identify, control, and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in residential housing.
• Estimated Total Funding: $239,146,935
• Award Ceiling: $7,850,000
• Award Floor: $1,000,000
• Target Beneficiaries: Children under six years of age and families living in eligible housing.
• Eligible Housing: Privately owned rental housing and owner-occupied housing.

Program Objectives

The program seeks to:

• Protect children under six years of age from lead poisoning.
• Identify and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in residential housing.
• Improve the safety and health of privately owned rental and owner-occupied homes.
• Support comprehensive local lead hazard reduction programs.
• Improve housing conditions through Healthy Homes interventions.
• Reduce environmental health risks within vulnerable communities.

Focus Areas

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program supports projects related to:

• Lead hazard reduction
• Lead-based paint hazard control
• Childhood lead poisoning prevention
• Healthy housing
• Housing rehabilitation
• Environmental health
• Public health improvement
• Healthy Homes initiatives
• Community health and safety
• Residential housing improvements

Eligible Activities

Grant funding may be used for a variety of activities that reduce lead exposure and improve housing safety.

Eligible activities include:

• Identifying lead-based paint hazards.
• Conducting lead inspections and risk assessments.
• Controlling and eliminating lead-based paint hazards.
• Improving eligible privately owned rental housing.
• Improving eligible owner-occupied housing.
• Supporting housing rehabilitation related to lead hazard control.
• Addressing additional housing hazards through Healthy Homes Supplemental funding.
• Implementing comprehensive lead hazard reduction strategies.

Healthy Homes Supplemental Funding

The Healthy Homes Supplemental funding component expands the impact of lead hazard reduction projects by allowing recipients to identify and address additional housing hazards that may negatively affect the health of residents.

Rather than focusing only on lead-based paint hazards, this funding supports broader healthy housing improvements that contribute to safer and healthier living environments.

Funding Information

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program provides substantial financial assistance to eligible government entities.

Funding details include:

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $239,146,935
• Minimum Grant Award: $1,000,000
• Maximum Grant Award: $7,850,000

Award amounts depend on the scope of the proposed project, program priorities, and compliance with eligibility requirements.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• State governments
• County governments
• City governments
• Township governments
• Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments
• Special district governments

Applicants should have the capacity to administer comprehensive lead hazard reduction programs and manage public health or housing improvement initiatives.

Eligible Housing

Funding supports activities in:

• Eligible privately owned rental housing.
• Eligible owner-occupied housing.

Projects should focus on homes where lead-based paint hazards pose significant health risks, particularly for households with young children.

Why This Program Matters

Lead poisoning continues to affect thousands of children and remains one of the most preventable environmental health threats.

Exposure to lead can cause:

• Brain and nervous system damage.
• Developmental delays.
• Learning disabilities.
• Behavioral problems.
• Reduced cognitive function.
• Long-term health complications.

By investing in lead hazard reduction and healthier housing, the program helps improve children’s health, strengthens communities, and reduces future healthcare costs.

How the Program Works

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program supports comprehensive projects that identify and eliminate lead hazards in residential housing.

Typical implementation includes:

1. Identifying eligible target housing.
2. Conducting inspections and lead risk assessments.
3. Prioritizing homes occupied by children under six.
4. Performing lead hazard control and remediation.
5. Addressing additional Healthy Homes hazards where appropriate.
6. Monitoring project implementation and compliance.
7. Reporting outcomes and measuring program impact.

How to Apply

Eligible government entities should complete the following steps:

Step 1: Review the Funding Opportunity

Read the official program guidance carefully to understand eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and allowable activities.

Step 2: Develop a Comprehensive Project Plan

Prepare a project proposal that includes:

• Target housing areas
• Lead hazard reduction strategy
• Healthy Homes activities
• Budget
• Timeline
• Expected public health outcomes

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile all required documentation, including organizational information, technical plans, and financial details.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application following the official program instructions before the application deadline.

Application Tips

To strengthen your proposal:

• Prioritize housing occupied by young children.
• Demonstrate experience managing housing or public health programs.
• Include measurable project outcomes.
• Prepare a realistic implementation timeline.
• Clearly explain how Healthy Homes activities will improve project impact.
• Ensure the proposed budget aligns with program requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Missing required documentation.
• Including ineligible project activities.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Failing to explain organizational capacity.
• Not demonstrating how lead hazards will be identified and controlled.
• Ignoring Healthy Homes opportunities that enhance project effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program?

The program provides funding to eligible government entities to identify and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in residential housing and reduce childhood lead poisoning.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city governments, township governments, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, and special district governments.

3. How much funding is available?

The program offers approximately $239.15 million in total funding, with individual grants ranging from $1 million to $7.85 million.

4. What properties are eligible for funding?

Funding supports eligible privately owned rental housing and owner-occupied residential housing where lead hazards are present.

5. What is Healthy Homes Supplemental funding?

Healthy Homes Supplemental funding allows recipients to identify and address additional housing hazards that affect occupant health while lead hazard reduction work is being completed.

6. Who benefits most from this program?

Children under six years of age are the primary beneficiaries because they are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning from deteriorating lead-based paint.

7. What types of projects are supported?

The program supports lead inspections, hazard assessments, lead paint control, housing rehabilitation related to lead hazards, Healthy Homes interventions, and other eligible activities that improve residential health and safety.

Conclusion

The Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program represents a significant investment in protecting children from lead poisoning while improving the safety and quality of residential housing across eligible communities. With more than $239 million in available funding and grants of up to $7.85 million, the program enables government entities to implement comprehensive lead hazard control initiatives that create healthier homes and stronger communities. Eligible applicants should carefully review the program requirements, develop a well-planned proposal, and demonstrate how their project will reduce lead exposure, improve housing conditions, and deliver lasting public health benefits.