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The Bank will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) Program in late April. More information is soon to follow.

AHEAD Webinar and Live Q&A

Please watch our on-demand 2026 AHEAD program webinar to learn about the application, disbursement, and compliance processes along with tips for preparing a successful application and budget.

While the webinar is available on-demand, we will host a live Q&A where you can ask questions directly to our team about the 2026 program. Submit your questions during the registration process or ask live during this virtual event! To get the most out of the session, please make sure to watch the on-demand webinar prior to the Live Q&A.

AHEAD Live Q&A

Wednesday, May 6th, 10 a.m. PT | REGISTER

AHEAD applications are submitted by our members working in partnership with local nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal organizations (including tribal governments) for economic development and housing initiatives located in Arizona, California, and Nevada. All applications must be submitted through the Bank's secure portal.

Each year, at the discretion of the board of directors, the Bank allocates funding to the AHEAD program. In the 2026 funding round, the Bank has allocated $10 million.

Projects receiving AHEAD funding must meet at least one of the following criteria:

create or retain jobs that have annual salaries at or below HUD area median income (AMI): 100% AMI in urban areas or 115% AMI in rural areas;
benefit or provide services to households at or below HUD AMI: 100% AMI in urban areas or 115% AMI in rural areas; or provide services or benefits to the community.

Housing projects that are eligible for funding through the Bank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) are not eligible for AHEAD funding.

Since program inception in 2004, the Bank has awarded over $40 million in AHEAD grants to about 950 economic development and housing initiatives in Arizona, California, and Nevada. View Awarded Projects for details about the organizations and projects that have benefited from AHEAD grants in prior years.

For any questions regarding the AHEAD application process, please email us at ahead@fhlbsf.com.

2026 AHEAD Program Webinar