The Homes for the Future Program is a pilot initiative for homebuilders and developers to incentivize them to build new, age-friendly homes in West Central Indiana. Thrive has been granted 1.8 million dollars from the Wabash River Regional Development Authority to invest in long-term sustainable housing for West Central Indiana. After a request for funding proposal process, chosen homebuilders/developers could receive up to $245,000, not to exceed 10% of the market value of the building cost to cover eligible infrastructure expenditures upon the completion of each home built. This program emphasizes a focus on developers and homebuilders creating homes at market rate to meet the needs of an ever-growing workforce and population in West Central Indiana. The goal of this funding is to kickstart the development of quality, age-friendly homes throughout our region. Applicants are encouraged to access Thrive West Central’s Resource Library section at Thrive’s Housing Resource Hub to learn more about the housing needs within our region.
Please review the information below and feel free to contact us with any questions. As you scroll through the information, you will discover detailed information about this request for funding proposal (RFP). We have rolling RFPs (applications) that start and end every 4 to 6 weeks. The Criteria section outlines eligibility and the timeline along with the nuances of each and the max award per project. The support and information section follows, which goes into detail about requirements, penalties, payment structure, and expectations. The Process section walks you through each of the required submission documents, scoring and evaluation, and any considerations. The final section is where you will find the button to submit your application documents. Feel free to explore and contact us with any questions! We look forward to seeing your applications.
In order to be eligible for consideration of grant funding, you must not start any work on a project site prior to the execution of an award contract.
Criteria
Request For Funding Proposal (RFP)
Thrive has created an RFP process that is publicly solicited and advertised for any parties interested in home development throughout Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties..
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have a demonstrated experience of five years or longer in the development of housing units and have the capacity to build a minimum of ten (10) housing units on or before September 30, 2025. For-profit, cooperatives, public entities, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with local, state, and federal units of government and demonstrate a good financial history as well as current and future financial capacity.
Eligible Project Types
Due to the nature of the grant requirements from the federal government, builders must show expenses for infrastructure-related expenses in the development of housing units. Eligible infrastructure includes public infrastructure such as sidewalks, water, sewer, stormwater drainage, driveway and road installation, broadband, and water and sewage tap fees. Because of this, any work on the project site must not be started prior to the execution of the award contract.
Eligible projects must be located within Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties.
Requirements
Awardees will be required to have a minimum of two bids for every expense, along with a written narrative for selection considerations. Upon completion of work (infrastructure), photographic evidence of completion is required. All records will be required for submission prior to reimbursement. Thrive West Central will retain all records for five (5) years.
Timeline
Thrive West Central is operating on a timeline for all grant funding to be allocated to developer/builder projects as quickly as possible. Awards with Readi funding are to be completed on or before September 2025. Awards with ARPA funding are to be completed on or before September 2026.
Support & Information
Support and Assistance Info
Each applicant is encouraged to participate in a pre-application meeting to assist with application development. Thrive will provide technical assistance during the application process. Thrive, and their project partners will provide technical assistance during the project development, implementation, and closeout.
Post-Completion Expectations
Post-completion expectations are that builders/developers offer a one-year warranty on all units to encourage quality developments.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Developers/builders are required to submit a timeline for the completion of any projects and adhere to, within reason, any agreed-upon timeline for development. Periodic updates and communication will be an essential part of any award. Developers who fall behind in their construction timelines may see all or a partially awarded funds reallocated to other applicants or awardees.
If the final project does not meet the approved criteria specified in the proposal, awardees may see a penalty resulting in reduction of their award.
Payment Structure
Awardees will be issued payment in one lump sum after the completion of the project in its entirety and after the project has been approved by Thrive, IEDC, and the State grant administrator.
Feedback and Reapplication
If an application is not successful, feedback will be provided. Applicants are allowed to reapply if there are subsequent RFP rounds and improvements are made to their application proposal
Process
Submission documents
1. Summary description of the project: Submit a written description of the proposed development, including an explanation of age-friendly aspects that will be incorporated into the home designs.
2. Map or geographic location of the project: Present a map showing the location of the development to the community.
3. Design Plans: Provide detailed architectural or engineering design plans for the overall development and the housing units.
4. Financial Projections: Present detailed cost estimations of the project and appraisal estimates.
5. Project Timeline: Submit a detailed project timeline. All construction must be completed by September 30, 2025.
6. Community Impact Report: Describe any impact this project may have on the community, including job creation during and after construction, population attraction/retention, improving neighborhood aesthetics, or enhancing local infrastructure.
7. Risk Assessment: Outline the potential safety, schedule, financial risks, and corresponding mitigation strategies.
8. Developer’s Experience Portfolio: Provide a portfolio of past projects to demonstrate your track record, experience, and reliability.
9. Environmental: Provide a narrative of the project’s environmental impacts.
10. Certifications and Licenses: Identify and submit proof of relevant certifications and licenses for the designer, construction, and future property management.
11. Financial Capacity: Provide a financial institution letter outlining your financial capacity to complete the proposal.
12. Pending Litigation: Do you, your company, or companies you own or operate have any pending litigation that could impact the development?
13. Local Zoning: Does this project need local zoning or planning commission approval?
14. Maintenance Plans: For rental projects, do you have a comprehensive, long-term maintenance plan in place?
Scoring and Evaluation
RFP rounds will be issued on a periodic basis based on available funding. The selection committee will score, and award proposals based on a scoring rubric. The categories for scoring are:
- Proposal details and thoroughness of the plan
- Housing type is in alignment with ZVA regional or local market potential analysis needs
- Scale/quantity of developed units/impact on the environment
- Quality of build, impact on the community, and consideration of age-friendly housing
- Overall competitiveness of the proposal
Environment and Sustainability Considerations
- Online, rolling application and awards
- Thrive West Central Housing Hub team will serve as technical advisors for application development
- Thrive uses an independent scoring committee made up of industry professionals from around the State.
- We have rolling RFPs (applications) that start and end every 4 to 6 weeks. We have a rolling RFP that closes on the 12th of each month. Applications are reviewed at the end of every month and awards are made following.
