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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

UPLIFT

Utilizing Progressive Lending Investments to Finance Transformation

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 Pro​g​ram 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.

  • 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
  • Step 1: Request Access
    • Submit the Electronic Application Submission Request Form after pre-app meeting
    • D​HCD will send a private Dropbox link for submitting application documents
  • Step 2: Complete Application
    • Download the Application Documents Package zip folder under the "Application Documents" section on this page
    • Complete each section of the application, use the UPLIFT Detailed Application Instructions
    • Prepare narratives, certifications, development information, financials, and other required documentation
    • Prepare two copies: one electronic (Dropbox), one hard copy
  • Step 3: Pay Fee
    • $1,000 non-refundable fee per project
    • Mail check to DHCD and upload proof of payment
  • Step 4: Submit
    • Upload all files to Dropbox in correct subfolders
    • Sign and upload the Final Submission Checklist
    • Deliver hard copy to DHCD's Lanham, MD office (must match electronic version)
  • Step 5: Review & Scoring
    • DHCD conducts threshold review, then scores eligible projects
  • 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​

  • UPLIFT Program Guide as of October 2025​
  • UPLIFT Design and Construction Standards - Final Version as of October 2025
  • UPLIFT Qualified Areas Map​
  • UPLIFT Program Fees
  • New Construction or Rehabilitation Cost Limits​

Application Forms and Documents

  • Pre-Application Meeting​ Request Form
  • UPLIFT Electronic Application Submission Request Form
  • ​UPLIFT Waiver Request Form​​
  • Application Documents Package ​(Updated April 24,​ 2024)
  • UPLIFT Detailed Application Instructions

Processing and Underwriting Documents

  • UPLIFT Commitment Underwriting ​Submission Package

Closing D​ocuments

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

  • CDA eNews 25-03 New UPLIFT Program Guide and New Design and Construction Standards​
  • August 2025 Listening Session Slide Deck​
  • CDA eNews 25-02: New UPLIFT Draft Guide and Public Comment Period; Upcoming UPLIFT Listening Session ​
  • CDA eNews 24-01: UPLIFT Final Guide & Materials Released; UPLIFT Application Open; Upcoming UPLIFT Information Session​
  • CDA eNews 23-04: ​Listening Session for New UPLIFT Program​
  • CDA ​eNews 23-03: ​New Homeownership Production Program: UPLIFT, Open for Comment​
  • Current Pipeline
  • Governor's Press Release: UPLIFT Program Announcement​

Contact Information

If you have questions or need help with UPLIFT, email us at: [email protected].​