Overview
The primary goal for UPLIFT is to increase property values and provide wealth-building homeownership opportunities for targeted households by accelerating the pace of development, construction, and sale of quality affordable housing in low-income census tracts and designated Sustainable Communities to help close the appraisal gap that occurs in historically redlined communities. UPLIFT also strives to reflect the Department's values of creating sheltered, affordable, justice, lovable, connected communities.
What is the Appraisal Gap?
The Appraisal Gap is the difference between:
- The total eligible cost to develop a property, and
- The price the property can sell for on the market.
This gap is common in neighborhoods affected by redlining and disinvestment, where the cost to build or renovate often exceeds what buyers can afford, or what homes appraise for.
How UPLIFT Works
UPLIFT brings together partners from across sectors to close the appraisal gap and strengthen communities. Partners include:
- Local jurisdictions
- Nonprofit and for-profit developers and builders
- Community-based organizations engaged in revitalization efforts
- Political leaders
- Maryland residents
Together, UPLIFT and its partners work to:
- Align incentives for high-quality, on-time housing production
- Apply consistent standards and oversight
- Ensure quality and accountability throughout the process
Selected qualified development teams will acquire, develop, build, and sell quality affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods using a combination of public and private financing. To make this possible, the State will cover the difference between the cost to build and the sale price (the "Appraisal Gap") through UPLIFT funding.
Application Process Overview
To learn more about project eligibility, please refer to the
UPLIFT Program Guide as of October 2025.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. They are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funding is available.
You must submit a
Pre-Application Meeting Request Form before applying. We encourage you to do this early to learn more about the program and determine if your project is a good fit.
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Step 0: Pre-Application Requirements
- Review program guide and all application materials carefully
- Prepare project details, including scope, development plan, and financials
- Schedule pre-application meeting and submit required documentation at least two business days before the meeting
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Step 1: Request Access
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Step 2: Complete Application
- Create Procorem account if applicant's first time in the Procorem system, using the
Procorem Instructions for UPLIFT as a guide
- Download the blank application documents within the Procorem WorkCenter's application folders
- Complete each section of the application by filling in the downloaded template documents
- Prepare narratives, certifications, development information, financials, and other required documentation
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Step 3: Pay Fee
- $1,000 non-refundable fee per project
- Mail check to DHCD and upload proof of payment. Please check the UPLIFT Program Fees document for instructions.
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Step 4: Submit
- Upload all files to Procorem in correct subfolders
- Sign and upload the Final Submission Checklist
- Optional: Deliver hard copy to DHCD's headquarters in Lanham, MD
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Step 5: Review & Scoring
- DHCD conducts threshold review, then scores eligible projects
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Step 6: Award & Closing
- If approved, receive commitment letter
Documents and Forms
Disclaimer:
- The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal or professional advice.
- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) makes no guarantees and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information and materials shared here.
Program Documents
Application Forms and Documents
Application materials are available upon request. Please email
[email protected] to request these documents.
Closing Documents
Draft closing documents are available upon request. Please email
[email protected] to request a copy of these draft documents.
Construction and Draw Documents
Coming Soon
Program Updates and Communications
If you have questions or need help with UPLIFT, email us at:
[email protected].
