HomeGrown
Building Legacies, One Family at a Time
Financial assistance for eligible Chicago homebuyers to help with down payment and closing costs
Program Overview
The HomeGrown Grant Program makes homeownership in the is 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.
TRP Lending, LLC
Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc.
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
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 |
| 81% – 90% 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.
Areas where neighborhoods have experienced significant increases in home sale prices.
Low-income census tract areas where 70% or more families have incomes below 80% of the statewide median family income.
Documents Needed
Prepare the following documents before submitting your application.
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
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.
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% | 120% | 140% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,530 | $34,040 | $42,550 | $51,060 | $68,050 | $85,100 | $102,120 | $119,140 |
| 2 | $29,160 | $38,880 | $48,600 | $58,320 | $77,800 | $97,200 | $116,640 | $136,080 |
| 3 | $32,820 | $43,760 | $54,700 | $65,640 | $87,500 | $109,400 | $131,280 | $153,160 |
| 4 | $36,450 | $48,600 | $60,750 | $72,900 | $97,200 | $121,500 | $145,800 | $170,100 |
| 5 | $39,390 | $52,520 | $65,650 | $78,780 | $105,000 | $131,300 | $157,560 | $183,820 |
| 6 | $42,300 | $56,400 | $70,500 | $84,600 | $112,800 | $141,000 | $169,200 | $197,400 |
| 7 | $45,210 | $60,280 | $75,350 | $90,420 | $120,550 | $150,700 | $180,840 | $210,980 |
| 8 | $48,120 | $64,160 | $80,200 | $96,240 | $128,350 | $160,400 | $192,480 | $224,560 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Down payment assistance and eligible closing costs.
No. Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to approval.
Yes. The property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
No
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Duplexes (2-unit properties)
- Three-unit and four-unit properties
- Ground-up new constructions
- 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)
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.
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.
Have Questions?
Contact TRP Lending for more information about the HomeGrown Grant Program and application assistance.
1818 S. Paulina St.
Chicago, IL 60608
NMLS# 1434425
All loans are originated by TRP Lending, LLC, an Illinois Mortgage Licensee #Mb.6761143
For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org