Down payment assistance and eligible closing costs.
HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program
Financial assistance for eligible Chicago homebuyers to help with down payment and closing costs
Program Update
Thousands of Chicago families have applied for the program, demonstrating the strong demand for affordable homeownership opportunities across our city. Applications are currently under review. Due to the high volume of submissions, response times may be longer than expected. Thank you for your patience as our team works through the review process.
HomeGrown
Building Legacies, One Family at a Time
About
Program Overview
The HomeGrown Grant Program makes homeownership in the City of Chicago more affordable for low- to moderate-income households by providing financial assistance for down payment and closing costs.
HomeGrown was designed to expand access to affordable homeownership and support long-term wealth building for Chicago families. Grant amounts are based on household income and the location of the property being purchased.
Funded by the City of Chicago, HomeGrown is a citywide purchase assistance program serving eligible buyers across all Chicago neighborhoods.
Program funds are administered by:
– TRP Lending, LLC
– Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc.
Requirements
Basic Eligibility
Applicants should generally:
- Be purchasing a primary residence within the City of Chicago
- Meet program income requirements
- Purchase a property located within an eligible HomeGrown area
- Complete all required application and documentation steps
Disclaimer:
Funding is limited and approval is subject to program guidelines and funding availability.
Funding
Area Median Income and Property Zone
Grant Amounts
Financial assistance based on household income relative to Area Median Income (AMI) and property zone.
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | ZONE A | ZONE B |
| 80% AMI and below | $70,000 | $50,000 |
| 91% – 100% AMI | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| 91% – 100% AMI | $50,000 | $30,000 |
| 101% – 120% AMI | $40,000 | $20,000 |
| 121% – 150% AMI | — | $10,000 |
Property Areas
Grant amounts vary based on where the property is located within the City of Chicago.
| ZONE A |
| Areas where neighborhoods have experienced significant increases in home sale prices. |
| ZONE B |
| Low-income census tract areas where 70% or more families have incomes below 80% of the statewide median family income. |
Check Property Zone
Enter the prospective property address to confirm whether it is located in Zone A or Zone B. Grant amounts are based on the property’s zone and household income.
This tool is for preliminary guidance only. Final eligibility and grant amount are subject to program review, property verification, and funding availability.
Income Limits
2026 Area Median Income Chart
Maximum household income by size and AMI level for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet HUD Metro FMR Area. Effective May 1, 2026.
| Household Size | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 80% | 100% |
| 1 | $25,530 | $34,040 | $42,550 | $51,060 | $68,050 | $85,100 |
| 2 | $29,160 | $38,880 | $48,600 | $58,320 | $77,800 | $97,200 |
| 3 | $32,820 | $43,760 | $54,700 | $65,640 | $87,500 | $109,400 |
| 4 | $36,450 | $48,600 | $60,750 | $72,900 | $97,200 | $121,500 |
| 5 | $39,390 | $52,520 | $65,650 | $78,780 | $105,000 | $131,300 |
| 6 | $42,300 | $56,400 | $70,500 | $84,600 | $112,800 | $141,000 |
| 7 | $45,210 | $60,280 | $75,350 | $90,420 | $120,550 | $150,700 |
| 8 | $48,120 | $64,160 | $80,200 | $96,240 | $128,350 | $160,400 |
Income limits for 30%, 50% and 80% as published by HUD. All other levels calculated per HUD methodology based on Very Low Income (50% AMI) limit.
Checklist
Documents Needed
Identification
- Government-issued ID
- ITIN documentation, if applicable
Income Documentation
- Three most recent (past 30-days) paystubs for all household members 18 years of age or older.
- Two most recent years of Federal Income Tax Returns with all schedules attached for all household members 18 years of age and older. Illinois State Tax Returns are NOT required.
- Two most recent years W-2 statements for all household members 18 years of age or older and/or year-end statements for Social Security & Pension income.
Purchase Documents
- Signed purchase contract
- Mortgage pre-approval
- Loan Estimate, if available
Additional Requirements
- Homebuyer education certificate
- Additional program forms as requested
How It Works
Application Process
Six steps from eligibility review to funded transaction.
Review Eligibility
Confirm you meet the income and residency requirements for the program.
Confirm Property Area
Verify the property is located in an eligible HomeGrown zone.
Gather Documents
Collect all required identification, income, and purchase documentation.
Submit Application
Apply through TRP Lending or Neighborhood Lending Services.
Eligibility Review
Your file is reviewed for program eligibility and compliance.
Funds Coordinated
Approved funds are coordinated with your purchase transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the funds be used for?
Is funding guaranteed?
No. Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to approval.
Does the home need to be owner-occupied?
Yes. The property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
Can current homeowners apply?
No
What types of properties are eligible?
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Duplexes (2-unit properties)
What types of properties are not eligible?
- Three-unit and four-unit properties
- Ground-up new constructions – develop or construct a newly built home
- Certain new construction homes tied to City programs such as City Lots for Working Families
- Properties purchased through City of Chicago land sale programs or built pursuant to a City of Chicago Land Sale Redevelopment Agreement (RDA)
How are property zones determined?
HomeGrown grant amounts are based on the property’s location within either Zone A or Zone B.
- Zone A: Areas where home values have experienced significant appreciation.
- Zone B: Qualified low-income census tract areas identified by the City of Chicago.
Property zones are determined using the property’s census tract through the FFIEC Geocoding System and the official Zone B census tract list. If a property is not located in a designated Zone B census tract, it is considered Zone A. Visit Chicago.gov/HomeGrown – enter the property address into the Zone Lookup Tool and the tool will identify whether the property is located in Zone a or Zone B.
Can homegrown funds be used for rehabilitation?
Yes. Buyers may use HomeGrown assistance when purchasing a home that requires repairs through an eligible purchase-rehabilitation loan program.
- Purchase-rehabilitation properties may qualify if:
- Rehabilitation costs do not exceed $50,000
- Rehabilitation costs do not exceed 20% of the purchase price
- A scope of work is provided by a licensed City of Chicago contractor
- Financing includes an approved 203(k) or purchase-rehabilitation loan
This can help buyers purchase and improve a home at the same time.
Contact Us for More Information
Jose Lepez Jr.
Grant Manager, TRP Lending, LLC
Victor Lua
Director of Lending
TRP Lending, LLC
1818 S. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 666-1323
NMLS# 1434425
All loans are originated by TRP Lending, LLC, an Illinois Mortgage Licensee #Mb.6761143
For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
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