Chicago HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program: Grants of $10,000 to $70,000

HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program that gives eligible buyers a grant of $10,000 to $70,000 toward their down payment and closing costs. The amount depends on household income and which program zone the home is in. The grant is not a loan, but you must live in the home for at least five years.

Last reviewed October 6, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team

At a glance

Administered by	City of Chicago Department of Housing
Grant amount	$10,000 to $70,000, based on household income and property zone
Cap	No more than 25% of the purchase price, before any other assistance
Form	Grant, not a loan
Occupancy	Primary residence for at least 5 years
Your contribution	At least 1% of the purchase price from your own funds
Eligible homes	Single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes and two-unit buildings
Not eligible	Three- and four-unit buildings, new construction, homes bought through City land programs
Income limit	Up to 150% of area median income, depending on zone
Homebuyer education	Required; a certificate is part of the application
Applications opened	June 8, 2026; funds are first come, first served
Funding	$21 million from the City’s Housing and Economic Development Bond
Apply through	TRP Lending (312-666-1323) or Neighborhood Lending Services
City information line	312-744-3653

How much you can receive

The City divides eligible areas into two zones. In Zone A, grants range from $70,000 for households at or below 80% of area median income to $40,000 for households at 101% to 120%. In Zone B, grants range from $50,000 to $10,000 for households up to 150% of area median income.

For a household of four in 2026, 80% of area median income is $97,200 and 100% is $121,500. Which zone a home sits in is set by the City’s program map, and the program administrators can confirm a home’s zone.

Who can apply

Buyers purchasing a home in the City of Chicago that they will live in for at least five years.
Households under the income limit for their zone and household size.
Buyers who do not currently own a home.
Buyers who complete homebuyer education and contribute at least 1% of the price.

How to apply

Complete a homebuyer education course and keep the certificate.
Get a mortgage pre-approval.
Sign a purchase contract on an eligible home.
Apply through TRP Lending or Neighborhood Lending Services with a government-issued ID, your three most recent paystubs, two years of federal tax returns with schedules, two years of W-2s, the signed purchase contract and the pre-approval letter.

Using HomeGrown with other assistance

The 25% cap is measured before any other purchase assistance is applied. Bond-funded programs cannot be layered with HomeGrown. NHS Chicago, one of the administrators, names IHDA subsidy programs and the Mortgage Credit Certificate as examples. That rules out pairing HomeGrown with IHDAccess Home, which is funded partly with bond proceeds. Other City of Chicago down payment programs are also excluded. Other assistance can be layered if HomeGrown’s recapture agreement stays in second or third lien position. Confirm your combination with the program administrator and your lender.

Common questions

Is HomeGrown a loan?

No. HomeGrown is a grant. You must live in the home as your primary residence for at least five years.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

The program does not describe a first-time buyer test, but current homeowners cannot apply.

Can I use HomeGrown to buy a two-flat?

Yes. Two-unit buildings are eligible. Three- and four-unit buildings are not.

When will HomeGrown funds run out?

No end date has been announced. Funds are awarded first come, first served until the $21 million is used. NHS Chicago reports heavy application volume, so replies may be delayed, and applicants may be waitlisted if funds run out.

Sources

Cite this page: Chicago First Time Home Buyer, “Chicago HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program,” reviewed October 6, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/programs/homegrown/.