2026 Affordable Housing Program Information Now Available
last updated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in Business News
Below is an overview of key Affordable Housing Program details for 2026. Full details are now available in the 2026 Implementation Plan.
2026 Down Payment (DP) Products:
FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions have access to grant funds to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to income eligible owner-occupant households.
- Home$tart grant amounts are $15,000 and $25,000 for households purchasing in Hawaii.
- Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) grant amounts are $25,000 per household.
FHLB Des Moines does not process grant applications directly from homebuyers, homebuyers must work with a participating member.
|
2026 Total Program Allocations* |
Member Cap** |
| Home$tart® |
$14,000,000 |
$150,000 |
| NAHI |
$1,000,000 |
$150,000
|
*Note: Member cap is not a guarantee of program funds. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Release of 2026 Down Payment Products Funds
Funds are subject to availability. Down Payment Products funds will be released on the following schedule:
| Date of Funds |
Home$tart Amount* |
Native American
Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) Amount* |
|
January 2, 2026
|
$3,000,000
|
$150,000
|
|
April 1, 2026
|
$4,000,000
|
$350,000
|
|
July 1, 2026
|
$4,000,000
|
$350,000
|
|
October 1, 2026
|
$3,000,000
|
$150,000
|
*Note: Funds available no sooner than 12:00 PM CDT
Key changes for 2026:
We are pleased to share that, effective January 2, 2026, the process for reserving Down Payment Product funds will be easier.
VIEW 2026 CHANGES
2026 Competitive Affordable Housing Program:
The Competitive Affordable Housing Program (AHP) encourages partnerships between our member financial institutions and local housing providers (sponsors) to secure funds for the purchase, construction or rehabilitation of affordable homeownership or rental housing units.
Grants are available to sponsors, which include nonprofits, governments, housing authorities and other qualifying organizations. Sponsors require the support of an FHLB Des Moines member financial institution to apply.
|
2026 Project Limits |
| Subsidy Per Project |
$3,000,000 |
| Subsidy Per Unit |
$150,000 |
AHP Program Dates
| Date |
Description |
| January 2026 |
Technical Assistance Available |
| April 1, 2026 |
Application Period Opens |
| May 1, 2026 |
Application Period Closes |
| December 2026 |
2026 Awards Announced |
Key changes for 2026:
• Two additional points for project applications in Montana
• Revised feasibility benchmarks for replacement reserves in rental housing projects
Full details are available in the 2026 Implementation Plan.
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- Affordable Housing Program
- Home$tart
- Members and Products
- Membership Benefits
- NAHI
- Native Programs