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We are now accepting applications from members for the 2026 Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) Program. The 2026 AHEAD application deadline is 5:00 pm PT on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the Bank’s secure portal. The deadline to request a project application workspace on the secure portal is Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

AHEAD Webinar

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

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. Members may submit up to 10 applications per program year. All applications must be submitted through the Bank's secure portal.

Each year, the Bank allocates funding to the AHEAD program at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The Bank has allocated $10 million for AHEAD grants in 2026. The maximum grant request amount is $200,000. This year’s grant recipients will be announced in early September.

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.