Down Payment Assistance Programs

At Cornerstone Bank, we’re committed to making homeownership a reality for borrowers of all income levels. Connect with one of our Mortgage Loan Officers to learn more about grants that are currently available.

Equity Builder Program

This program assists income-eligible homebuyers with up to $30,806 that can be used towards their down-payment and closing costs.*

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
  • Available to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) based on the property location (adjusted for family size)
  • Borrowers have to contribute a minimum of $500 in down payment funds
  • Must be for an owner-occupied primary residence
  • Recipients must attend a homebuyer education or counseling program through a FHLB approved homebuyer counseling organization

*The funds are from a pool of monies provided by the FHLB and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are not guaranteed. Restrictions may apply.

Housing Our Workforce Grant

This program offers down-payment assistance grants to help homebuyers earning above 80% and up to 120% of the area median income. Eligible borrowers may be able to receive up to the lesser of 10% of the purchase price or $25,000 per household. This allows a greater number of working individuals and families to be able to afford purchasing a home.*

  • Available to households earning more than 80% and up to 120% of the area median income (AMI) based on the property location (adjusted for family size)
  • Borrowers are required to contribute at least 1.5% of the purchase price
  • Must be for an owner-occupied primary residence
  • First-time homebuyers must attend a homebuyer education/counseling program through a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) approved homebuyer counseling organization

* The funds are from a pool of monies provided by the FHLB and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are not guaranteed. Restrictions may apply. Funds may be available for non-first-time homebuyers.

Lift Up Homeownership

This program provides enhanced down-payment and closing cost assistance to help first-time homebuyers earning no more than 120% of the area median income. The program is designed specifically for people of color. Eligible borrowers may be able to receive up to a $50,000 grant.*

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
  • Available to households headed by people of color earning up to 120% of the area median income (AMI) based on the property location (property must be in New England)
  • Buyers who qualify include Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Asian, and/or Hispanic or Latino
  • Borrowers are required to contribute at least $1,000 toward the purchase of the home
  • Must be for an owner-occupied primary residence
  • First-time homebuyers must attend a homebuyer education/counseling program through a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) approved homebuyer counseling organization

* The funds are from a pool of monies provided by the FHLB and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are not guaranteed. Restrictions may apply.

Please note that all mortgage loans are subject to income and credit approval. Other restrictions may apply. All applicants are subject to complete underwriting based on program guidelines.

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