Photo: Own It: Building Black Wealth

Own It: Building Black Wealth, a local organization dedicated to increasing homeownership opportunities for Black and brown families, is increasing its down payment grant program to $19,000 starting in 2025, the non-profit organization announced on Tuesday.

In Dane County, only 13% of Black householders are homeowners, compared to 64% of white householders. Own It’s down payment grants have already transformed the lives of 18 families affiliated with their pilot partner, One City Schools, and added $291,000 in equity in real estate.

“Offering down payment grants is a critical step in furthering our mission to build generational wealth for Black and brown families through homeownership,” said Ashley Bergren, mortgage loan officer at UW Credit Union and Advisory board member and Ambassador of Own It. “Own It creates an opportunity for the community to provide the generational wealth that has been denied to Black and brown families and the grants make all the difference in a competitive market.”

The grant amount matches the federal gift tax limit — which increased from $18,000 in 2024 to $19,000 in 2025 — ensuring significant financial support for eligible first-time homebuyers. Since its inception in 2021, Own It has worked with local professionals in real estate, banking, and financial institutions to create a private sector fund and provide comprehensive education, resources, and support for aspiring homeowners, according to a press release from Own It. This increase reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to addressing systemic barriers to homeownership and supporting families in building generational wealth.

In addition to the down payment grants, Own It offers robust online financial literacy and homeownership education courses. The program equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to navigate the homebuying process confidently and sustainably.

Own It is increasing the number of families it can serve and the funds it provides by recently adding two new community partners, Anesis Therapy and Centro Hispano of Dane County.