Many websites that feature information on government grants for home repair fail to describe the reality of these grants. Most home improvement grants are distributed by the U.S. federal, state, and local governments. Much like a low-interest loan, grant programs usually help to fund pivotal home repairs and upgrades, and homeowners eventually pay back these grants. However, there are a few unique programs that offer grants that do not require repayment. Read on to learn more about different government grants for home repairs.
Local Government Grants for Home Repairs
Government grants for home repairs are typically funded by private donations or from funds distributed by the state or federal governments. Thus, initially contacting your local city or county office is an ideal place to start when trying to fund home improvement projects.
Although it would certainly be nice if government grants for home repairs covered the installation of the backyard awning, or the brand new pool you've always wanted, homeowners should note that most grants only cover projects that are crucial to maintaining or significantly improving a home's livability. Projects that fall under this category include installing a new roof for you home, or replacing doors and windows to boost energy efficiency.
State and Federal Government Grants for Home Repairs
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a primary contributor to government grants for home repairs. The DOE distributes these grants at the state and federal levels to help homeowners transform their homes into more energy efficient spaces.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) helps homeowners to implement energy-friendly utilities. Similarly, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers previously unrealistic opportunities for funding home improvement projects. Check out this handy map to find more government grants for home repairs involving energy efficiency in your state.
Government grants for home repairs can help you improve your home | @ fotolia.com / wittybear
Rural Government Grants for Home Repairs
Dating back to President Roosevelt's New Deal of the 1940's, these grant programs are offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grants are awarded to low-income households in rural areas. They are intended to be used for specific home repairs and upgrades, such as eliminating health hazards in the home or boosting energy efficiency. While in most cases rural grant programs are designed to resemble low-interest loans, low-income homeowners aged 62 or older additionally qualify for grants that do not require repayment.
The USDA awards different kinds of government grants for home repairs, including those for tribal communities, single family homes, and other kinds of households. To begin searching for rural government grants for home repairs, check with your local Rural Development office, or with the USDA website.
Whether it's upgrading to energy efficient windows or replacing a set of burst pipes, additional funding from government grants for home repairs can help make your home improvements a bit easier. With various grant programs designed to fit different financial situations, it's important that homeowners be aware of their options when considering crucial repairs to their home.
Disclaimer: This article is only meant to provide information regarding government programs to which some homeowners may be eligible to apply. HomeAdvancement.com and its partners neither provide nor help to obtain any such benefits and do not guarantee the success of such an application.
