Veterans can access "true gifts" through programs like the VHA First Time Homebuyer Grant , which explicitly states the money is not a loan. Upcoming Local Seminars & Workshops

An 8-hour session covering how to access up to $70,000 in down payment assistance. Cost: Free (Online option available) My First Home Information Session Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM free grants to buy a home

Learn about the City of Santa Ana's program offering up to $120,000 in assistance for first-time buyers. Cost: Free Homebuyer Workshop Date & Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM Veterans can access "true gifts" through programs like

Large banks often provide "lender credits" to boost homeownership in specific areas. For example, Bank of America offers an "America’s Home Grant" of up to $7,500 that does not require repayment. Cost: Free Homebuyer Workshop Date & Time: Saturday,

Actual homebuying grants typically come from state or local housing agencies rather than the federal government.

Waukegan Public Library , 128 North County Street, Waukegan, IL

While there is no single federal program that hands out "free money" to buy a home, many people have successfully used "free" grants—funds that don't need to be repaid—to bridge the gap between their savings and a down payment. These success stories usually involve a combination of state programs, local non-profits, and private lender credits that function like a gift. Where the "Free Money" Comes From