You can access a non-repayable grant equal to 3% of your final loan amount through the Dream House Foundation to help cover your down payment and closing costs. The program has no income limits but requires a minimum credit score of 640, along with mandatory homebuyer education and counseling to build your financial skills.
Many applicants also pair this support with health benefits or complementary home assistance programs to strengthen overall household stability. This combination aims to make homeownership more achievable while promoting long-term security—yet there’s more to learn about the full eligibility and application steps.

Key Takeaways
- Dream House Foundation Grant offers a non-repayable grant equal to 3% of the final loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs on eligible homes.
- Applicants must be first-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in the past three years and must complete a homebuyer education course.
- Eligible properties include 1-4 unit homes and approved condominiums, with no income limits for applicants.
- Participating lenders, such as Adirondack Trust, Arrow Bank, and Capital Bank, provide FHA-compliant loans tailored to integrate this grant assistance.
- Grant recipients receive structured counseling and mentorship support for twelve months to build financial stability and homeownership confidence.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
Although there are no income limits preventing you from applying for the Dream House Foundation Grant, you must be a first-time homebuyer, which means you haven’t owned a home in the past three years.
You need to complete a homebuyer education course. Your minimum FICO score must be 640 to qualify.
Use the eligibility checklist: confirm your first-time buyer status, credit score, and complete the education requirement.
Eligible properties include 1-4 unit homes and approved condos. The grant covers 3% of your final loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs.
For smoother processing, follow these application tips closely.
Grant Amounts and Usage Guidelines
The Dream House Foundation Grant provides you with 3% of your final loan amount as a non-repayable grant, which can be applied toward your down payment and/or closing costs. This financial relief can be substantial, such as $24,000 on an $800,000 loan. Grant usage is flexible across various property types.
| Grant Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Amount | 3% of final loan |
| Repayment | Not required |
| Eligibility | No income limits |
Participating Lenders and Loan Products
Dream House Foundation works with a select group of lenders, including Adirondack Trust, Arrow Bank, and Capital Bank, to deliver tailored down payment assistance through various loan products.
Their lender partnerships focus on providing a loan variety that includes FHA loans compliant with the Foundation’s grant program guidelines. You receive a 3% non-repayable grant based on your loan amount, significantly reducing upfront costs and helping you pair the assistance with monetary support or meal support programs that further stabilize your household budget.
Each lender determines your maximum assistance amount, ensuring support matches your financial situation. To investigate options, check the Foundation’s platform listing participating lenders and their tailored loan offerings.
Homebuyer Education and Counseling Support
Alongside access to tailored loan products and lender partnerships, the Dream House Foundation invests in your readiness to buy and own a home through mandatory homebuyer education and ongoing counseling support.
You’ll complete structured homebuyer workshops that demystify the process, from saving for a down payment to mortgage selection—strengthening your financial literacy along the way.
For twelve months, you receive mentorship guiding you toward financial stability and mortgage eligibility. Enrollment assistance into programs like United Way’s Financial Empowerment Center sharpens your skills further.
This combination, education, counseling, and real-world tools, has empowered financially restricted families and elder people to save thousands, build confidence, and break cycles of poverty.
Community Impact and Donation Opportunities
| Participant Stories | Average Savings | Sponsorship Levels |
|---|---|---|
| “Saved $14,000 down payment” | $5,400 | $100 – $500/month |
| “Gained financial literacy” | Emergency funds | Supports Housing Fund |
| “Achieved homeownership” | Financial stability | Community impact |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dreams Foundation Grant Program?
The Dream House Foundation grant program provides a 3% non-repayable grant for down payment and closing cost assistance. To qualify, you must be a first-time homebuyer with a credit score of 640 and complete a homebuyer education course. You apply by meeting eligibility criteria and submitting the required application materials, with grant amounts based on your final loan amount. This program has no income or area restrictions and covers various property types.
What Is the $5000 Grant for First-Time Home Buyers?
You can access a $5,000 grant offering financial assistance to first-time home buyers by meeting eligibility criteria, such as not owning a home in the last three years and completing a homebuyer education course.
What Is the California Home Grant Program?
The California Home Grant Program offers you homeownership assistance with California grants providing up to 3% of your loan amount for down payment and closing costs, helping make buying your first home more affordable. You must complete a homebuyer course and meet income limits based on household size.
What Is the Welcome Home Grant in Florida?
The Welcome Home Grant in Florida gives you up to 3% of your loan amount—covering down payment and closing costs—so you can achieve homeownership benefits with no repayment or income limits. You’ll need a 640 FICO score and must complete a homebuyer course to access this financial assistance. Eligibility spans single-family homes, condos, and select multi-unit properties, making it accessible for a wide range of buyers seeking to own their dream home.
Conclusion
You’ve got the keys to access your dream home with the Dream House Foundation Grant. This program cuts through financial hurdles, offering a 3% grant to aid with down payments and closing costs. With its straightforward eligibility and emphasis on homebuyer education, it’s a blast that sets you up for long-term success. By investing in your financial literacy, you’re building a solid foundation for a brighter future.