First-time Homebuyer Grant

Make Your Homeownership Dream a Reality

The First-Time Homebuyer Grant is a one-time financial contribution of $1,000 toward the down payment of your mortgage loan at the time of closing. Consider it our way of saying “Welcome to the neighborhood!” Income limits and other eligibility requirements apply, so let’s make sure this grant is a fit for you.

Check eligibility
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Details & Eligibility

Want to Apply? Let's Check Your Eligibility.

Before you gather documents or start your application, review the requirements below. You’ll need to meet all of them to qualify.
  • You are at least 18 years of age and applying on behalf of yourself.
  • You are a first-time homebuyer—defined as having no homeownership for the last three consecutive years from the date of your application.
  • You haven’t previously received a First-Time Homebuyer Grant from the Dupaco Foundation.
  • You currently reside in, and the home you are purchasing is located in, one of the following counties:
    • Iowa: Any county
    • Illinois: Carroll, Jo Daviess, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside
    • Wisconsin: Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Walworth, Waukesha
  • You have secured a mortgage from a credit union that has a physical branch in a county listed above. 
  • Your household income is 80% or less of the Median Family Income by your county as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Determine if your income qualifies and follow these steps:
    1. Ensure the button for the current/most recent year is selected. Scroll down slightly and click the button that says “Click Here for FY 2026 IL Documentation.”
    2. Select the state where you are currently residing (Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin).
    3. Select the county where you are currently residing.
    4. Click “View County Calculations.”
    5. In the row labeled “Low (80%) Income Limit,” see the income appropriate for the number of persons in your household. This is the household income you need to be at or below in order to qualify for this grant.

Eligible? Here's How to Apply
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Step #1
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Step #2

  • Gather digital copies of the following to submit with your application:

 
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Step #3

  • Apply for the grant.

  • Create a username and password to access and complete the grant application.
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What to Expect

Process and Timeline

  • Applications are scheduled for review every two weeks, and approval can take up to one week.
  • If approved, you will need to upload a copy of your mortgage approval letter before a check can be issued.
  • Following receipt of your mortgage approval letter, the check can take up to a week to be issued.
  • To ensure receipt of the grant prior to your closing, a minimum of 30 days is required before closing.
  • A limited number of grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply today

Have Questions? Need Help?