Wells Fargo & Enterprise – Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge (2026)
Large-Scale Grants for Innovative Housing Solutions Nationwide
Organization: Wells Fargo & Enterprise Community Partners
Support Type: Competitive grant (innovation challenge)
Geographic Focus: Nationwide (all 50 states + Washington, D.C.)
About the Funder
Wells Fargo, in partnership with Enterprise Community Partners, is committed to expanding access to affordable housing across the United States. Through the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge, they are investing in scalable, innovative solutions that can transform housing systems and increase access to safe, affordable homes.
What This Program Supports
The Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge funds proven, ready-to-scale innovations that can drive meaningful change in housing affordability. Applicants must demonstrate successful pilot outcomes and a clear path to scaling impact.
Projects must align with one or more of the following focus areas:
Design & Construction
Innovations that improve how housing is built, including cost efficiencies, materials, and construction processes.
Finance
New financial models, tools, or mechanisms that increase access to capital or reduce barriers to affordable housing development.
Service Delivery & Programs
Programs that improve housing stability, access, and resident outcomes through service innovation.
Eligible Support Types
- Large-scale innovation grants for housing solutions
- Funding to scale proven pilot programs
- Access to mentorship, coaching, and national networks
Eligibility & Preferences
Eligible applicants include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Mission-driven for-profit entities
- Quasi-governmental organizations (e.g., housing authorities, housing finance agencies with a nonprofit entity)
- Tribal housing entities and authorities
Competitive Preference:
- Organizations with demonstrated proof of concept
- Innovations ready to scale nationally or regionally
- Solutions addressing housing challenges across diverse communities (urban, rural, suburban, and tribal)
Funding Amounts
- Five awards of $2 million each
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Opens: April 1, 2026
📅 Deadline: May 15, 2026
📅 Web Briefings: April 7 & April 15, 2026
📅 Round 2: August 10 – September 18, 2026
This is a multi-round competitive process, with finalists advancing through additional review stages.
Application / Request Process
- Applications must be submitted online via the program website
- Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:
- Proven results from a pilot or existing program
- A clear and realistic scaling strategy
- Measurable outcomes and system-level impact potential
Apply / Learn More:
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Are working on innovative housing solutions
- Have tested models ready to scale
- Want access to significant capital ($2M) and national visibility
- Are focused on systems-level change in housing affordability
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive, multi-round process
Typical Lead Time: Prepare in advance of April 1 opening
Best Suited For: Established nonprofits, housing innovators, and mission-driven organizations with proven models
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