ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is a grant for homebuyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, administered by Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes).
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- On credit: Credit score of at least 580.
- A completed homebuyer education course, through ICCF Community Homes (HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Class and pre-purchase housing counseling) plus a money management course.
- Residency: Must be a current Kent County resident intending to purchase a home in Kent County.
- Matched-savings IDA: save at least $1,000 over at least 6 months (minimum $30/month deposits), maintain monthly communication and quarterly in-person meetings with the ICCF counselor, complete a money-management course, and secure a mortgage and home. Up to 18 months participation. The $4,000 is a grant (no repayment). Minimum annual income of $35,000 required unless using a Housing Choice Voucher for mortgage assistance; minimum credit score 580.
- A home in Kent County
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 100% of area median income
- Homes outside Kent County
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
100% of Kent County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Kent County’s homesKent County’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 64.9% single-familysingle-family
- 6.5% townhousetownhouse
- 7.3% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 17.5% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 3.8% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$289,900
Kent County median home value
54%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Kent County
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through ICCF Community Homes (HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Class and pre-purchase housing counseling) plus a money management course..
Contact Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Enrollment through ICCF housing counseling; subject to program capacity. Enrolling new participants effective 3/1/2026., and are subject to availability.
Work with a lender who handles the program
Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is a grant for homebuyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, administered by Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes). ICCF Community Homes' Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is a matched-savings program that helps first-time homebuyers save for the initial costs of buying a home in Kent County, Michigan. Participants meet with an ICCF HUD-certified housing counselor, open an IDA savings account, and save at least $1,000 over a minimum of six months while completing program requirements. Once the savings goal and requirements are met and a home is secured, the program provides a $4,000 grant toward down payment and closing costs, disbursed to the title company at closing. $4,000 grant matched 4:1 against the buyer's $1,000 savings. Toward down payment and closing costs. Pre-purchase counseling and homebuyer education support. Funding comes from Grant from Heart of West Michigan United Way (philanthropic/local nonprofit funding).
How much assistance does it provide?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program offers up to $4,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Participant must save at least $1,000 in the IDA over a minimum of 6 months (minimum $30/month deposits). The program can be combined with Supplemental program for the final part of the homebuying journey; combinable with other DPA/grant opportunities identified through ICCF counseling. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid. Repayment is triggered by None - the $4,000 is a grant with no repayment obligation. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. On credit, the program states: Credit score of at least 580. A homebuyer education course is required, through ICCF Community Homes (HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Class and pre-purchase housing counseling) plus a money management course. Residency requirement: Must be a current Kent County resident intending to purchase a home in Kent County. Matched-savings IDA: save at least $1,000 over at least 6 months (minimum $30/month deposits), maintain monthly communication and quarterly in-person meetings with the ICCF counselor, complete a money-management course, and secure a mortgage and home. Up to 18 months participation. The $4,000 is a grant (no repayment). Minimum annual income of $35,000 required unless using a Housing Choice Voucher for mortgage assistance; minimum credit score 580.
What are the income limits?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income at or below 100% of Kent County AMI. Effective May 2026-April 2027 by household size: 1=$74,700; 2=$85,300; 3=$96,000; 4=$106,600; 5=$115,200; 6=$123,700; 7=$132,200; 8=$140,800 (+$8,600 each add'l). Also requires minimum annual income of $35,000 (unless using a Housing Choice Voucher) and consistent income for the past 6 months. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
What kind of home can it be used for?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program can be used for Single Family.
Where does it apply?
ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Targeted neighborhoods: Kent County, Michigan (greater Grand Rapids area).
How do you apply?
Applications for ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) Program go through Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Enrollment through ICCF housing counseling; subject to program capacity. Enrolling new participants effective 3/1/2026. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Kent County homebuyersOther programs open to Kent County homebuyers
- City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF)Up to $7,500
- Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Homeownership ProgramAssistance available
- FHLBank Indianapolis Launch Down Payment Assistance (HOP)Up to $20,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 73 programs for Kent CountyProgram terms are set by Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF Community Homes) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.