Federal Grants
for Home Remodeling
Grants.gov notes that federal grants are for public purposes of support or stimulation, and are not federal assistance or loans. Most grants are provided to education, public housing and nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Grants to individuals are available but are less common.
Federal grants for home remodeling are available to repair a home, perform vital improvements related to sanitary conditions, provide a decent standard of living or to improve facilities for people with disabilities.
Home Repair Loan and Grant Program
Sponsored by the USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Programs, the Home Repair Loan and Grant Program offers assistance to homeowners aged 62 and older whose homes need repairs. Repairs can be considered remodeling, as grant money can be used to provide bathroom facilities and running water inside the home; to repair or replace a leaking roof, to construct access facilities for someone with disabilities and to provide central heating.
Specially Adapted Housing Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers this program to support veterans who have suffered a disability as a result of their military service. Federal grants for home remodeling can help veterans modify their homes to provide barrier-free living and obtain independence that would not be available in an unmodified home. Remodeling projects may include changes to bathrooms, hallways and counter heights; upgrades to carpeting; modifications to carports or garages; and upgrades to doorways, pathways and outdoor living spaces.
In 2008, the Veterans Administration changed the program's guidelines to allow eligible veterans to receive multiple grants for home remodeling. Rather than using their benefit only once, veterans may now access the grant up to three times, as long as the grants remain within limits established by law.
Very Low Income Housing Repair Program
The USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Programs sponsors grants for people aged 62 and older who cannot repay a government loan and who need to remodel their homes to remove health and safety hazards. Grants are limited to $7,500 and may be recaptured if the remodeled property is sold within 3 years.
Rural Housing Preservation Grants
These grants are available to very low and low-income individuals who live in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or less. Federal grants for home remodeling are used to bring homes up to the standards of local codes.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides funds to repair and restore homes damaged in a disaster. Grants are available to improve the home's safety and sanitary conditions and to make the home functional. Additional grants are available from the Federal Direct Housing-Natural Disaster Loans and Grants program for home repair needs that are not covered by FEMA funds.
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