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HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program

Quick answer

HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program is a Illinois down payment assistance program from City of Chicago Department of Housing; administered by Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) and TRP Lending, LLC. It provides $70,000 (Zone A, 80% AMI and below); up to $50,000 in Zone B; grant may not exceed 25% of purchase price as a grant (no repayment). Eligibility, income limits and funding are set by the agency, so confirm current terms on its official page.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast verified

Eligibility notes

Applications open (launched June 2026); amount tiered by AMI and zone (Zone A $70k/$60k/$50k/$40k for <=80/81-90/91-100/101-120% AMI; Zone B $50k/$40k/$30k/$20k/$10k up to 150% AMI); buyer contributes at least 1%; homebuyer education before closing; signed contract required; apply only through NLS or TRP. Administrator site says current homeowners cannot apply.

Where does HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program apply?

This city-level program is available to buyers in Chicago. Cities on our site where it applies:

DetailProgram terms
Assistance$70,000 (Zone A, 80% AMI and below); up to $50,000 in Zone B; grant may not exceed 25% of purchase price
TypeGrant (no repayment)
Minimum creditNot published on the program page
First-time buyerSee official page
Income limitsUp to 120% AMI (Zone A); up to 150% AMI (Zone B)

How does HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Program work with an FHA loan?

Illinois's 2026 FHA one-unit limits start at $541,287, which supports a price of about $560,000 with 3.5% down.

Where do I confirm current terms?

On the official page: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homebuyers/svcs/HomeGrown.html. Programs can pause when funds run out, so confirm availability with a participating lender.

← All Illinois down payment assistance programs

Frequently asked questions

$70,000 (Zone A, 80% AMI and below); up to $50,000 in Zone B; grant may not exceed 25% of purchase price, according to City of Chicago Department of Housing; administered by Neighborhood Lending Services, Inc. (NLS) and TRP Lending, LLC.

No — it's a grant.

Up to 120% AMI (Zone A); up to 150% AMI (Zone B)

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.