Request for Applications: Eviction Data Response Network 2026

Do applicants need to already have access to their eviction data to apply or participate?

• No.

What is the level of eviction data maturity that makes applicants eligible for this opportunity?

• We welcome applications from states with all levels of eviction data maturity. Whether you have no existing eviction data, are working on collecting eviction data, have a fully formed real-time eviction dashboard or anything in between, we encourage you to apply. The purpose of joining the EDRN cohort is to accelerate work in process and we do not expect you to have a fully baked eviction data response system or its related elements in place as preconditions for your application.

Can you share more about the State Eviction Data Officer?

• The State Eviction Data Officer is a placeholder title we are referencing for the dedicated capacity to lead EDRN-related work in your state. This position does not have to be employed by or situated at a state agency, but it can be employed by or situated at a state agency.
• Think of this role fulfilling the functions of clearing the path for improving eviction data infrastructure and coalition-building in your state. One reason you may not have been able to historically make the progress you want on data-driven eviction prevention is because someone working in this type of role has not existed or been laser-focused on building the eviction data infrastructure and convening the eviction data problem-solving team.

Can salaries for staff who are not paid out of the EDRN grant be counted as cash match?

• Yes. Salary to supporting staff who are not the primary FTE can be leveraged as a cash match so long as their time is tracked as supporting EDRN, and there is a clear breakdown of the percent of their allocated salary and benefits in projected budget and actual grant reporting.

Who will be reviewing applications?

• Applications will be reviewed by the Future of Land and Housing program at New America, with assistance from our thought partners at the National Center for State Courts.

What is the overall goal of the Eviction Data Response Network (EDRN)?

• The overall goal of EDRN is to advance housing stability by accessing, analyzing, and sharing eviction data. EDRN is motivated by the belief that access to timely, comprehensive data on evictions, when harnessed effectively, can advance policies, programs, and intervention strategies that improve housing stability.
• At the conclusion of EDRN, participants will have:
  • Broken down silos to build effective multi-sector eviction data problem-solving teams;
  • Convened these teams to sustain a reliable pipeline of statewide aggregated and disaggregated high-quality eviction data and related strategic infrastructure; and
  • Begun leveraging analysis of this data to inform policy and help keep families stably housed.

Why should I apply?

• Evictions harm millions of Americans each year, in all different types of communities: rural, urban, liberal, conservative, immigrant, and non-immigrant. Yet many government and nonprofit actors interested in addressing the eviction crisis lack the bandwidth, funding, or mandate to tackle the complex data and stakeholder engagement challenges of eviction prevention. EDRN provides thought partnership, technical assistance, financial support, and peer-to-peer learning to states and their local partners to move the needle on eviction data and eviction prevention.

What support will my organization receive as part of EDRN?

• Grant funding of up to $150,000, contingent upon a one-to-one match;
• Dedicated technical assistance via an eviction data needs assessment at the outset of the grant, followed by regular coaching sessions with New America eviction data experts to advance EDRN goals;
• Access to resources via a shared tech pool for data visualization, web tool development, data scraping, GIS, and more, plus policy and communications resources; and
• Network capital via regular EDRN cohort convenings and engagement opportunities (in-person and virtual) and connections with national housing and data experts.

What are examples of past partner successes?

• In the inaugural 2024–2025 EDRN cohort, which focused primarily on local-level partners, participants made tremendous progress in the often slow and challenging work of wrangling eviction data and its users. Read more about past partner progress in this recap report and our recent impact stories.

What is the time frame of EDRN participation?

• Each state partner will participate for a two-year period. Participants will be onboarded in successive cohorts.

Who can apply to be an EDRN partner?

• Organizations that operate statewide in the government, judicial, nonprofit, or university sectors may apply for EDRN. Examples include state agencies, state court administrative offices, advocacy groups, nonprofit service providers, legal aid providers, or university research centers.

What makes an ideal EDRN partner? What are the criteria that will be used to evaluate applicants?

• Applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:
  • Capacity to accomplish the goals of EDRN within the timeframe available;
  • Credibility and influence within the state’s housing and justice landscape;
  • Demonstrated buy-in from their leadership to clear the path and dedicate resources for improving eviction data infrastructure;
  • Ability to convene stakeholders to work together around a shared goal;
  • Experience collaborating with actors across the state and at the local level;
  • Demonstrated understanding of the problem to be solved and an improvement mindset; and
  • Feasibility of eviction data access.

Can there be more than one awarded EDRN partner per state?

• No. New America will award only one partner per state. In the event that multiple organizations from the same state apply, New America may connect applicants and recommend they resubmit jointly on a single application.
• Throughout the application window, prospective applicants may inquire at EDRN@newamerica.org whether any other applications from their state have been submitted.

What are the requirements for participation in EDRN?

• State-level partners selected to participate in EDRN are expected to commit to the following:
  • Invest staff time in advancing the work of EDRN through a new hire or existing staff with dedicated capacity;
  • Provide a one-to-one cash match for EDRN grant funds, either from a reallocated existing budget or new funding;
  • Assemble and regularly convene an eviction data problem-solving team, and lead this team towards accomplishing EDRN goals;
  • Engage in an eviction data needs assessment at the outset of the grant;
  • Participate in quarterly EDRN cohort meetings; and
  • Attend regular one-on-one coaching sessions with New America staff and annual in-person convenings in Washington, DC, in late 2026 and late 2027 (financial support for attendance will be available).

What is an eviction data problem-solving team?

• An eviction data problem-solving team is composed of human resources and skillsets from multiple partner organizations to collectively advance eviction data access, analysis, and communication within the state. The EDRN partner is responsible for building and regularly convening an eviction data problem-solving team that includes, among other qualities, buy-in from a state-level authority; housing and eviction subject matter expertise (legal and policy); key players at the local level representing major population centers; necessary data and IT skillsets; and relationship-building and information sharing among all team members.

What is the role of the EDRN partner, and what is the role of the problem-solving team?

• The EDRN partner…
  • Works statewide;
  • Convenes, recruits, and stewards eviction data problem-solving teams;
  • Works directly with New America via coaching, and with the entire cohort of EDRN partners via quarterly meetings and in-person convenings;
  • Receives and matches grant funding directly from New America; and
  • Holds responsibility for accomplishing the goals of EDRN.
• Members of the eviction data problem-solving team…
  • Work at the state, regional, or local level;
  • Represent government staff, data scientists, eviction subject matter experts, housing services providers, tenants, landlords, and advocates who collectively have the power to access and operationalize eviction data for policy change;
  • Attend meetings led by the EDRN partner; and
  • Do not receive funding directly from New America.

What type of eviction data is in the scope of this initiative?

• EDRN focuses on access to civil court data, as court records generated from eviction lawsuits are the primary data source on formal evictions. Data from additional sources (e.g., sheriff’s offices, surveys, program administration, etc.) may also be useful to develop a complete understanding of the eviction process, notably pre-filing and after the court process has concluded.

What does “reliable, comprehensive, and centralized eviction data” mean as an end-state of EDRN?

• Eviction data is not a monolith, and information about evictions can be generated in a variety of ways, though court records are typically the primary source. New America considers eviction data access to be minimally comprehensive and reliable when the data exists in a centralized location and:
  • Is at the case-level (not aggregate counts) and in a format that can be manipulated (i.e., a spreadsheet, not a PDF);
  • Includes the addresses of defendants/tenants facing eviction;
  • Includes the date an eviction was filed;
  • Securely compiles data from jurisdictions across the state; and
  • Is regularly updated and does not rely on ad hoc requests.

What does “state-level” data mean?

• For the purposes of EDRN, eviction data may be defined as “state-level” when it includes all eviction cases from jurisdictions constituting at least 80 percent of the statewide renter population.

What does “leveraging eviction data analysis and communications to develop programs and policies” mean?

• Accessing and analyzing eviction data are critical goals of EDRN, but data alone will not improve housing stability. The data analyses, tools, and insights developed through EDRN must be shared with decision makers and advocates across the state to highlight gaps and opportunities that eviction prevention programs and policies could target. The eviction data problem-solving team, in breaking down silos and bringing together perspectives from across the state, will be critical in disseminating and/or acting on eviction data-driven insights.

Is there a matching funding requirement?

• Yes. EDRN partners must provide a one-to-one cash match of the $150,000 funding made available by New America. The cash match can be met by the reallocation of an existing budget or by pursuing new funding, such as philanthropic or external funds.
• Official demonstration of match funding is not required at the application stage, but will be required prior to the distribution of funds by New America.

Will any federal funds be used to support the New America grants offered to participants?

• No, EDRN is generously supported by funding from the Ballmer Group.

Can the funding be shared across more than one entity or organization?

• No. To maximize impact, given the amount of the funding, New America will award funds to a single partner grantee per state. Awarded grantees may contract, but not sub-grant.

Are there any restrictions on how EDRN funding can be used?

• Grant funds must be used to directly fund EDRN activities. This will primarily be through staff time, but may also include technology, tools, training, or travel when not otherwise made available through New America or the EDRN tech pool.

What time period should the budget submitted in the application cover?

• Two years.

Will additional funding be available after the two-year grant period?

• While it is possible that awards will be extended or supplemented, applicants should consider the funding from New America as one-time funding.

What is the application process and timeline?

• All applications and supporting materials should be submitted to the application portal by 5:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Please refer to the timeline below for additional details.
  • Application opens: January 26, 2026
  • Informational webinar: 1:00 pm (ET) on February 2, 2026
  • Application closes: 5:00 pm (ET) on March 3, 2026
  • Finalist interviews as needed: Late March
  • Partner selection announced: Spring 2026

Can non-selected entities participate in or benefit from EDRN?

• Promising applicants who are not selected for the initial cohort may be invited to participate in or reapply for a later cohort.
• Further, New America will create a public bank of collective insights, shared tools, resources, and roadmaps for building the eviction data infrastructure needed to facilitate policy, advocacy, and scaling efforts in other jurisdictions. These resources, including an Eviction Data Playbook, are designed to be applicable to any state or local community, regardless of their involvement in EDRN. (Subscribe to the Future of Land and Housing program newsletter, or check here for the latest publications.)

Who can I contact with questions?

• Please send any questions about EDRN not addressed in the FAQs to EDRN@newamerica.org. We will update the FAQ page regularly.
• New America hosted an informational webinar about EDRN on February 2, 2026. A recording of the webinar is available above the FAQ section of this page. Questions asked by participants during the webinar have been added to the final section of the FAQs.

Is the staff capacity funded by EDRN fully covered by the award provided by New America?

• No. Grant funding from New America, combined with the matching funding secured by partners, will fully cover the costs of a full-time employee (FTE), responsible for advancing the day-to-day work of accomplishing EDRN goals, at each participating partner organization.

Do proposed budgets need to include travel costs to in-person convenings in DC?

• No. Travel costs to DC will be covered by New America for a given number of attendees per partner org.

Can the cash match come from multiple sources?

• Yes.

Can funding go towards an organization's indirect costs (IDC)?

• Yes, funding can go towards IDC, as indicated in the budget template available on the application portal. A 10% IDC rate is included as a reference point in the budget template, which can be adjusted within reasonable margins.

What if a selected partner fails to secure a funding match?

• Our grant terms only allow us to disburse our passthrough funds upon receipt of match. Likelihood of securing matching funding will be a factor in application review.

If an applicant has a state- or federally-approved IDC rate over 10% can that rate be used in their proposed budget?

• A 10% IDC rate is included as a reference point in the budget template, which can be adjusted within reasonable margins.

What do applicants from a state agency or department need to provide for the letter of support required from a state agency?

• For state agencies applying to EDRN, this letter could come from a higher-up at their own agency, or from another state agency they see as a partner.

What if a critical stakeholder is part of the reason for poor eviction data in a state? Are there any stakeholders for which a lack of buy-in would prevent an applicant from participating?

• No, this would not prevent an otherwise qualified applicant from participating. However, applicants in this scenario should provide a snapshot of this relational challenge, and convey how they anticipate meeting the goals of EDRN without participation from this important stakeholder.

Do applicants need to have buy-in from all relevant stakeholders at the application stage?

• No, applicants are not expected to apply with a fully formed eviction data problem-solving team in place, as assembling this group will be an initial focus of coaching after cohort launch.
• However, applications should provide a sense of who those stakeholders would likely be, as also evidenced by the letters of support.

Are applicants from the same state expected to coordinate prior to application? Will New America help make these connections?

• Applicants should be coordinating with other stakeholders within the state on who is best suited to submit as the primary applicant. If applicants are curious if we know of anyone else applying in the state, they can email EDRN@newamerica.org with an inquiry.

If a previous cohort included an organization from the state you are in, can you still apply and be eligible for the grant?

• Yes. See partners in the inaugural 2024-2025 EDRN cohort here.

What would EDRN participation look like for states that already collect and publish eviction related data and/or have some eviction prevention efforts?

• No matter their starting point upon joining the cohort, EDRN asks participants to adopt an iterative improvement mindset, including identifying ways to improve the utility of existing tools and programs. Maybe an existing reporting system could expand to include additional detail about case outcomes, or increase reporting frequency.
• Applicants should clearly describe their vision for improving existing efforts in their application.

Are ALL of the three EDRN objectives (building eviction data infrastructure, assembling an eviction data problem-solving team, and leveraging eviction data analysis for policy change) required of each participating state? What if an applicant already has data and analytical capacity wants to focus on relationship-building and advocacy?

• Within and alongside the objectives of EDRN, participating partners can identify their own priorities according to their community’s eviction prevention needs. New America will provide dedicated and personalized coaching to each team, to advance progress in the areas prioritized by partners.

Is there a specific standard or expectation around timeliness of data reporting, even for very small counties that will not be able to update frequently?

• None that would preclude potential partners from states with many small or rural counties from applying. New America will work with qualified partners to improve their data collection from whatever starting place the state is in right now.

Will New America have access to or control over states’ data?

• No, this data belongs to the states. New America will not access our partners’ data without their consent and without a data-sharing agreement in place, if desired. In the past, some of our previous partners have chosen for us to access their data, or a sample, to facilitate technical support.