Free grants from federal programs are available to finance home improvement projects.
Federal agencies sponsor grants to finance home improvement projects at no cost to recipients. Grants are used to fund construction, renovation and modification projects as well as cover labor and other direct costs. Funds are also used to purchase land, homes, equipment and materials for home improvement projects. These free federal grants do not have to be repaid, but some programs can recoup funds if the recipients fail to satisfy the terms of the financial award agreement.
Individual Water and Waste Program
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsors the Individual Water and Waste program. Grants from this program are used to install plumbing and fixtures such as kitchen and bath sinks, tubs, outside spigots, toilets and water heaters. Funds are also used to pay utility hook-up fees and connect service lines. These grants are available to homes owned in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and California.
Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5014 South Building
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-9619
rurdev.usda.gov
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Department of Energy sponsors the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) which provides grants to renovate low income homes to make them energy efficient. Grants are used to fund projects such as replacing windows, electric, cooling and heating systems, and insulating walls and attics. The average amount spent on a single home is $6,500. These weatherization projects are provided free of charge to low income households.
Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave. SW
Mail Stop EE-2K
Washington, DC 20585
202-586-5000
eere.energy.gov
The Very Low Income Housing Repair Program
The Very Low Income Housing Repair program provides grants to homeowners in rural areas for renovation projects to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grants also pay for the removal of these hazards to make homes safer and sanitary. Homeowners who are 62 years of age or older and cannot afford loan payments are eligible to apply. Grant amounts can reach $7,500. Recipients must keep their homes for at least three years or the grant program can recoup funds.
Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5014 South Building
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250
202-720-9619
rurdev.usda.gov
Tags: Department Agriculture, home improvement, home improvement projects, improvement projects, Program Department
