A grant is a form of financial aid that the recipient does not have to repay. Federal, state and local governments, along with other organizations, issue grants to those who qualify.

But there are limits to how you can use these free home repair grants. You cannot use the funds to pay for cosmetic home improvements. Instead, you must use the money to repair health and safety hazards or make the home more handicap-accessible.

Since tax revenues fund government-backed grants for home improvements, they frequently have strict rules and auditing procedures. Many grants are competitive; even if you qualify for a grant, you may not necessarily receive it. To boost your likelihood of getting the grant, you should apply for it as soon as possible.

Types of home improvement grants
The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) – This HUD program provides grants to state and local governments that can be used to create affordable housing options for low-income households. State or local governments that receive HOME funds distribute the money to individuals in the form of grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other types of financial support. Eligibility requirements include meeting home income limits set by HUD.
Section 504 Home Repair Program – This program provides loans and grants to low-income and elderly homeowners, respectively, to help cover the cost of repairing or modernizing their single-family home. To qualify, you must be a homeowner and live in the home. In addition, you must be unable to qualify for affordable funding options elsewhere, and you must meet income requirements. To qualify for grants, you must be at least 62 years old.
Native American Housing Improvement Program – This program offers up to $60,000 for repairs or renovations to help improve properties and bring them up to code. To qualify, you must be a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or an Alaska native. Additional requirements include living in an approved tribal service area and not having an income that exceeds 150 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Poverty Guidelines. Your current housing must also be substandard under program guidelines, and you must be unable to obtain housing assistance elsewhere.
Area Agency On Aging – This program, administered through state governments, helps senior citizens improve their properties to make them more livable. Requirements and availability of funds vary by state and county. To find out more, search for your local program.
Home improvement grants for veterans
VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant – Designed for veterans who have service-connected disabilities, the SAH grant provides support for building, remodeling or purchasing an adapted home. The maximum amount of funding available through this grant for 2024 is $117,014. To be eligible, you must have a service-related disability.
VA Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant – If you have a qualifying service-related disability, you may be able to get this grant to help you buy, build or change your permanent home. In 2024, the maximum amount available per grant recipient is $23,444.
VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant – These grants are available to veterans who are temporarily living in a family member’s home that requires modifications to meet their needs. To qualify for this funding, you must be eligible to receive the SAH grant or the SHA grant. In addition, you must be temporarily living in a family member’s home.
Compare: Current VA loan rates
How to apply for home improvement grants
You can apply for federal home improvement grants for homeowners by contacting your local HUD office or visiting its website. HUD can let you know what grants are available in your area.