How to Find Grants for Homeownership

If you have the goal of homeownership and need free down payment assistance or monies for closing costs, you’ll be surprised at the number or programs that are available to help families meet the goal of owning a home. There are several methods for seeking out funds for homeownership.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access

1. Assistance may be at your finger tips by going online and doing a google search utilizing terms such as “free down payment assistance,” “free money for homeownership,” “funds for homeownership” and “grants for purchasing homes.”
2. Go online to the Housing and Urban Development website and locate a certified housing counseling agency in your area. Set up an appointment to meet with a certified Housing Counselor who can walk you through the steps and direct you to non profit organizations that will provide funds for homeownership.
3. Contact your local State Housing Authority or go online to their website and research their guidelines for providing monies to families specifically for the purchase of a home.
4. There are many private sector foundations such as the Target Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Sam’s Club and others who provide funding to faith based and non profit local grass roots organizations for the use of community housing needs. Talk to their local community service support person to obtain information to determine the names of the organizations that were provided funds for community housing needs. Contact the organizations to find out if you qualify to receive homeownership funds or assistance.
5. Contact your local Habitat for Humanity organization and find a listing of their affiliate agencies. Volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity program and contact the affiliates to determine if you are eligible to participate in their homeownership programs.
6. Banking Institutions and facilities are required by law to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act. This means that they will provide funds and have created programs to provide funding to address individual homeownership and community housing needs. Contact your local banking institutions and inquire about their programs for Community Reinvestment. Determine if you are eligible to obtain grants or free down payment assistance for the purchase of a home within your community.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a minority, low income family, or first time homebuyer there are special programs geared toward assisting you with homeownership. Contact the Freddie Mac Foundation, Fannie Mae Foundation or the Federal Housing Administration at 1-800-CALL-FHA (225-5342).
• Beware of predatory lending and scams. Take a course in homeownership through your local Certified Housing Counseling Agency to understand how to avoid scams related to homeownership