Grants Management

Mission Statement

Grants Management’s mission is to provide an integrated system of resources, services, and opportunities to help people improve their lives, the lives of others, neighborhoods, and the total community.

Work is performed under the Assistant County Manager – Finance.

Departmental Services

The Hardee County Grants Management Office is dedicated to identifying, securing, and managing grant opportunities that strengthen our community and support essential County programs and services.

Our team oversees every stage of the grant process- from application and award to implementation and compliance- ensuring that all funds are used effectively, responsibly, and transparently. We maintain a centralized database of all County grants and projects, promoting coordination and accountability across departments.

In addition to supporting County initiatives, the Grants Management Office also administers housing assistance programs designed to help Hardee County residents access resources that enhance safety, stability, and overall quality of life.

Hardee County Housing Programs

Hardee County’s housing programs are designed to preserve and promote safe, affordable housing opportunities for residents. These programs assist income-eligible households with purchasing, repairing, or rehabilitating their homes to ensure long-term stability, support homeownership, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Hardee county.

All programs are based on income eligibility, and funding availability may vary. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-qualified basis until funds are fully committed. Priority consideration will be given to households with elderly members or individuals with special needs.

Mobile homes are not eligible for assistance.

Purchase Assistance Program

Funds may be awarded as down payment assistance to income eligible households for the purchase of a newly constructed or existing home. When purchasing an existing home, program funds may also be used to cover minor repair costs in addition to purchase assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must not have owned a home or held any ownership interest within the past three years.
Applicants must fall within the Very Low to Moderate Income categories as defined by program guidelines. See the income chart below to determine if your household income is eligible.
Applicants must be pre-approved by a certified lender and provide a pre-qualification letter.
Completion of both a homebuyer education course and a credit counseling course is required.
Applicants must contribute a minimum of $1,500 toward the purchase (such as appraisal fees, inspections, or earnest money deposits).

Housing Rehabilitation Program

Funds may be awarded to income-eligible households to make necessary repairs or modifications that improve the health, safety, and well-being of occupants. These repairs may address structural integrity, code violations, weatherization, or modifications to improve accessibility for elderly or physically impaired residents.

Typical repairs may include work related to:

Electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems (including soffit and fascia)
Windows and other structural components
Corrections to code violations and health or safety hazards

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must fall within the Very Low to Low Income categories as defined by program guidelines. See income limits chart below to determine if your household income is eligible.
The property must be owner-occupied.
The applicant’s mortgage must be current.
No delinquent property taxes or County assessments are permitted.
The total cost of repairs cannot exceed 51% of the home’s total value.
If insurance coverage is available, applicants must provide proof of the policy and documentation showing whether insurance will cover any portion of the repairs.
Rental properties are not eligible.

Click Here for Income Limits Chart

Fair Housing

Federal Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or familial status when renting, selling, or financing a home or property.