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 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 February 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 2008 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 (PDF). Applicants may download a copy of the MAHT Application Materials and Round 30 Legal Documents and Instructions (PDFs), or fax or mail a written request for a copy to:

The schedule for the Twenty-ninth MAHT Funding Round is as follows:

Please deliver applications to the address listed above. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, March 6, 2009.

See Program Guidelines (PDF) for application procedure. No binders please.