Doing Well and Doing Good: How Nonprofits Can Compete in HUD-Based Development

Episode Summary
In this episode, HUD attorney and multifamily housing strategist Terry Bruner explores how nonprofits can successfully enter and thrive in HUD-backed development. He explains the biggest barriers nonprofits face, including infrastructure challenges and liquidity constraints, while also highlighting the opportunities they have to leverage HUD programs and strategic partnerships. Terry shares insights on how nonprofits can align projects with their mission, structure effective collaborations with private developers, and build the internal teams necessary to compete in a space often dominated by private capital. He also provides a success story of a nonprofit that scaled its housing impact through HUD financing and discusses how his work with The Niche Practice empowers attorneys to align their legal careers with purpose and profitability.

Key Timestamps
00:01:10 – The main challenges nonprofits face in HUD development
00:03:40 – HUD programs accessible to nonprofit sponsors
00:05:00 – Why the U.S. faces a housing crunch and the role of nonprofits
00:07:25 – How nonprofits can position themselves against private developers
00:09:15 – The power of partnerships in nonprofit HUD deals
00:11:00 – Building the right internal and external teams for HUD projects
00:13:20 – Mission alignment as the key difference for nonprofits
00:15:30 – Success story of a nonprofit expanding through HUD refinancing
00:18:40 – Why mission-driven work and profitability can co-exist for attorneys

About the Show
Blueprint to Billions is a podcast for real estate professionals, investors, and changemakers who want to master the strategy behind HUD-backed multifamily housing deals. Hosted by attorney and  multifamily housing strategist Terry Bruner, the show pulls back the curtain on what really drives successful affordable housing development, from navigating red tape and relational capital to building generational wealth through TPA investments. Each episode blends legal insight, policy knowledge, and practical advice to help listeners scale projects with purpose, profit, and community impact in mind.