The Welcome Home Program offers grants to fund reasonable down payment and closing costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition or construction of owner-occupied housing by low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

The grants are limited to a minimum of $10,000 and up to a maximum of $20,000 for all homebuyers.

Funds are limited based upon allocations in the state budget and are reserved for specific homebuyers purchasing specific homebuyers purchasing specific homes and cannot be transferred to other homebuyers or to other homes.

The 2026 program will open at 8:00 a.m. ET on Monday, April 6.

Source: FHLB Cincinnati

A homebuyer would be eligible for the Welcome Home grant if all of the following guidelines are met:

• The total income for all occupants who will reside in the home is at or below 80% of the Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) limit for the county and state where the property is located;
• A fully executed (signed buy buyer and seller) purchase contract on an eligible property is in hand;
• The homebuyer has at least $500 of their own funds to contribute towards the down payment and/or closing costs; and
• If a first-time homebuyer (typically anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), a satisfactory homebuyer counseling course is completed prior to the loan closing. 

Source: FHLB Cincinnati

This program is specifically designed for properties in the state of Ohio.

A property would be eligible if all of the following guidelines are met:

• The property will be the homebuyer's primary residence;
• The property is a single family, townhome, duplex, multi-unit (up to four family units) or a qualified manufactured home; and
• The property is subject to a legally enforceable five-year retention mechanism, included in the Deed or as a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants to the Deed, requiring the FHLB Cincinnati be given notice of any refinancing, sale, foreclosure, deed in-lieu of foreclosure, or change in ownership during the five year retention period. 

Note: Manufactured homes may be eligible if they are taxed as real estate, affixed to a permanent foundation, and Energy Star rated.

Source: FHLB Cincinnati

We would love to discuss your specific situation and check your eligibility against the program's requirements. 

Please schedule a call with our lending team by filling out the form on this page or call us at 419.582.2681.