Chicago Just Launched a $70,000 Grant for First-Time Homebuyers — Here's Everything You Need to Know

If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to buy your first home in Chicago, that moment may have just arrived.

On June 1, 2026, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) officially announced the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program — a brand-new initiative that offers eligible first-time homebuyers up to $70,000 in grant funding to help cover down payments and closing costs. Applications opened on June 8, 2026, and funds are limited, so timing matters.

As your Chicago real estate guide, I want to make sure you have all the details so you can take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.

What Is the HomeGrown Program?

HomeGrown is a city-funded grant program — meaning this is free money, not a loan — designed specifically to help working families clear the biggest hurdle to homeownership: the upfront costs. The program is backed by $21 million from Mayor Johnson's $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond, approved by City Council in 2024.

What makes HomeGrown stand out from other assistance programs? A few things:

• It's citywide. Unlike some city initiatives limited to new construction or specific developments, HomeGrown applies to existing properties all across Chicago.

• The grant amounts are substantial. Up to $70,000 can go a long way toward making homeownership not just possible, but comfortable.

• It targets the real barrier. Many renters who could afford a mortgage simply can't gather enough cash for a down payment and closing costs. HomeGrown directly solves that problem.

How Much Can You Receive?

The grant amount depends on two factors: your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI), and which zone the home you're purchasing falls in.

Zone A — Areas That Have Seen Significant Home Price Increases

Income LevelGrant Amount80% AMI and below$70,00081–90% AMI$60,00091–100% AMI$50,000101–120% AMI$40,000

Zone B — Low-Income Census Tract Areas

Income LevelGrant Amount80% AMI and below$50,00081–90% AMI$40,00091–100% AMI$30,000101–120% AMI$20,000121–150% AMI$10,000

Note: Grant funds may not exceed 25% of the property's purchase price before any other purchase assistance is applied.

Not sure where a property you're interested in falls? That's exactly the kind of question I can help you answer — reach out and I'll walk you through it.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the HomeGrown Program, you must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer (defined as not having owned a home in the past three years)

• Meet income requirements based on your AMI level (up to 120% AMI for Zone A, up to 150% AMI for Zone B)

• Complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course before applying

• Contribute at least 1% of the purchase price from your own personal funds

• Plan to purchase a one- or two-unit property in Chicago within a designated Zone A or Zone B area

• Commit to occupying the home as your primary residence for at least five years

That last requirement is an important one — this program is built for people who want to put down roots in Chicago, not for investors or short-term owners.

Why This Program Matters Right Now

We all know costs have been climbing — from groceries to gas to housing. The gap between being able to afford a monthly mortgage and being able to save enough to actually close on a home has been widening for years. That gap is exactly what's been keeping too many deserving families out of the market.

HomeGrown is a direct response to that reality. Buying a home in Chicago builds equity, stabilizes your monthly housing costs, and creates lasting wealth for your family. A grant of $40,000, $60,000, or even $70,000 toward your down payment and closing costs can be life-changing — and it could be the difference between staying a renter and becoming a homeowner this year.

Who Runs the Program?

The City selected two trusted, community-based organizations to administer HomeGrown:

• Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) — an affiliate of NHS Chicago with deep experience in Chicago neighborhoods

• TRP Lending, LLC (TRP) — an affiliate of The Resurrection Project, which provides an integrated model of financial education, realty services, and lending support

Both organizations have strong track records helping Chicago residents achieve and sustain homeownership.

How to Apply

Applications are open now. You can apply through either administrator:

• The Resurrection Project: www.resurrectionproject.org/homegrown

• NHS Chicago: www.NHSChicago.org

For general program information: www.chicago.gov/homegrown or call 312-744-3653

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you or someone you know has been thinking about buying a home in Chicago, now is the time to act. Funding is limited and will be distributed on a rolling basis — the sooner you apply, the better your chances.

I specialize in helping Chicago buyers navigate programs exactly like this one, and I'd love to help you figure out if you qualify and which neighborhoods and properties make sense for your situation.

📞 Contact me today and let's make homeownership happen for you.

www.mattayorealtor.com

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