RC Assist

2026 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

Richland County intends to use all 2026 CDBG Public Service funds to support local Emergency Financial Assistance Programs through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)(PDF, 168KB) process called RC Assist.

The Richland County Community Development Office is seeking proposals from local non-profits, faith-based organizations, or government agencies with existing and robust Emergency Financial Assistance programs that provide housing, utility, or financial assistance to very-low and low-income households for 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

The application for funding from 2026 RC Assist funding is now open. Organizations can apply online beginning Friday, October 9, 2026 via Neighborly Software. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Organizations and Agencies interested in partnering with RC Assist must attend a virtual RC Assist Application Workshop on Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.

Register to attend the application workshop.

RC Assist Overview

Through RC Assist, the County intends to engage multiple subrecipients to assist in disbursing $300,000 in available CDBG funds for two methods of assistance:

1. Emergency Subsistence Payments: For households up to 80% AMI or Presumed Benefit population with a documented emergency for no more than 3-months of consecutive assistance through: rent/mortgage payments, rental arrears, or past due utility fees.
2. Security Deposit and Utility Deposit Assistance: Available for payment towards a 12-month lease on rental properties located in unincorporated Richland County for three categories of households:
   1. households experiencing homelessness (i.e. living in hotels, shelters, cars, etc.).
   2. households fleeing domestic violence.
   3. very-low-income households with new Housing Choice Voucher, Foster Youth to Independence Voucher, or equivalent Voucher for which a security deposit is required or a severely disabled adult by HUD definition.

• Eligible entities with experience managing HUD funds are invited to submit an application to support their existing Emergency Financial Assistance or Housing programs.
• Applicants are encouraged to review the RC Assist Application Guidelines(PDF, 251KB) to ensure alignment with CDBG and program requirements.
• Funded programs must benefit low- and moderate- income (LMI) or Presumed Benefit individuals and households of unincorporated Richland County.
• Applicants must demonstrate a track record of success for client intake and support, compliance with HUD grant regulations, strong financial and records management, and the ability to expend CDBG funds in a timely manner.
• Projects must meet HUD eligibility requirements and align with the 2022-2026 Five-Year Consolidated Plan.
• Applicants may request between $50,000 - $150,000 in allocations to support their existing program.
• Up to 15% of the award can be utilized to support staff time and overhead costs in support of the program.
• Applicants must attend the RC Assist Application Workshop on Friday, October 16 at 11:00AM and are strongly encouraged to review all materials available on this page prior to the submission deadline of 11:59 PM on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Application Guidelines & CDBG Info

• Public Notice: 2026 RC Assist NOFA(PDF, 168KB)
• Register for RC Assist Application Workshop
• Apply for RC Assist through Neighborly Software
• Program Guidelines for RC Assist(PDF, 251KB)
• Playing by the Rules Handbook
• 2026 Annual Acton Plan(PDF, 6MB)

RC Assist Program Contact

Markus Smith, MHA CPH
Email: smith.markus@richlandcountysc.gov
Phone: (803) 766-5190