Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF)

The following principles apply to the implementation of the CHIF:

• A CHIF grant must be used for the social housing proportion of a project. CHP funds can be used for additional social and/or affordable housing to enhance the project’s financial viability as well as supported integrated communities.
• CHPs are required to contribute financial resources (equity, debt, land) and may also commit non-financial resources (the value of concessions and donations available to charities) to the project.
• Partnerships are encouraged between CHPs and others (i.e. developers, councils, support services, etc.) especially where they improve tenancy management, boost property viability and amenity, and strengthen tenants’ social outcomes. CHPs are expected to ensure that their partnerships have a sound commercial and service delivery basis.
• The CHP will own the property and be responsible for all expenses. DCJ will register an Interest on title with any future dealings to be agreed by DCJ.
• The size of the grant is not fixed, however, the CHIF intends to increase housing supply while also encouraging the participation of smaller and regional CHP. A minimum grant amount of $500,000 and a maximum amount of $5 million has been set.