State and Local Issues Fund Application and Guidelines

Financial assistance is available through the State and Local Issues Fund (SLIF) to provide support to state and local HBAs to successfully deal with a legislative, political, public relations, regulatory or ballot issue that has national significance or is a common industry problem for which the resolution could be precedent setting or provide a toolkit for other HBAs. SLIF application requirements include:

• The maximum assistance for a single application shall not exceed $20,000 unless a motion is passed to increase the amount awarded.
• Monies from the State & Local Issues Fund shall not be used to:
• Fund lawsuits or legal challenges of any kind.
• Fund campaigns by individual political candidates.
• Offset HBA staff salaries, HBA overhead expenses, or NAHB staff expenses.
• Funds may be spent only on costs directly related to achieving success on the issue.

SLIF Application Process

Applications must be submitted by state or local HBAs and will not be accepted from individuals requesting assistance. HBAs must submit materials at least 15 days before the next State & Local Government Affairs Committee meeting. Meetings take place during NAHB’s three annual leadership conferences.

After you apply, you will be invited to give a brief virtual presentation to the State & Local Government Affairs Committee. It is recommended that applicants also have a representative present at the next in-person meeting of the State & Local Government Affairs Committee to present the issue and answer questions.

The only exception to this timeline is in the case of urgent and time sensitive projects. In those instances, the NAHB State & Local Government Affairs Committee can convene via conference call to review the application outside of the typical schedule.

How is Funding Determined?

After receiving all appropriate information, the Chair or Vice Chair of the State & Local Government Affairs Committee shall present the Committee’s recommendations to the NAHB Executive Committee, which shall have final approval over all applications.

When making decisions on time sensitive projects outside of the typical meeting schedule, Committee recommendations will be made to the NAHB Senior Officers, who will decide on for interim funding and then report to the Executive Committee.

Issues that have received previous funding are featured in the common state and local issues page.

How to Apply

HBAs must apply online. Applicants must provide general information about the project, including:

• The title of your project
• SLIF amount requested
• A brief project summary (2-3 sentences)
• Total estimated cost of the project
• List of Coalition partners (if any)
• Monetary contributions made toward the project (for example: HBA[s], coalition partners).

In addition, the application must include a document (no longer than four pages) that answers the following prompts:

1. Explain the background and status of the issue.
2. Detail the association’s action plan for dealing with this issue and how NAHB’s funds will be used in that plan.
3. Explain the national significance of this issue/situation or how it could set a precedent for the housing industry.
4. Explain the estimated total cost and, if applicable, include a budget breakdown. Include what financial resources and time contributions the association has already committed to the issue and any support from other HBAs.

Application Tips:

• Be sure to demonstrate that HBA leadership and membership are committed to the effort.
• Financial investment by the applicant is not required. However, please do explain why there is not financial support from the applying HBA and partner HBAs, if that is the case.
• Upon submittal of the application, you will receive a confirmation email. Please contact the state and local team if you did not receive a confirmation email.

Application Guidelines

The applicant HBA and its position on the issue must be in compliance with NAHB rules, regulations, and policies, including an executed affiliation agreement.

• If funded by the SLIF, HBAs must provide NAHB with project updates and materials developed as a part of the campaign. This can include polling, research data, marketing materials, etc. The State & Local Government Affairs Committee retains the right to suspend or revoke funding if this requirement is not met.
• Funds are available to the recipient for a period of two calendar years commencing on the date on which funds are approved. Any remaining funds will be relinquished to NAHB.
• NAHB payments will be made only upon receipt of an invoice from the HBA. Payments can only be made to the HBA.
• The applying HBA is solely responsible for any and all reporting requirements, which may apply as a result of receiving monies from the State & Local Issues Fund for taxation and political/campaign/lobbying purposes. The applying association agrees to provide all relevant information that may be needed for NAHB to comply with any reporting requirements which may apply.