FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI)

What is FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI)?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) is a grant for homebuyers in Montana, administered by Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (via participating member financial institutions).

• The Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) is a down payment and closing cost assistance grant offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to qualifying Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian homebuyers through participating member institutions. Grants of up to $25,000 per household for down payment, closing costs, and repairs, or new construction. 5-year deed restriction with prorated repayment if home sold early. Montana is fully within the FHLB Des Moines district.
• Up to $25,000 grant.
• Available for purchase, new construction, in-connection repairs.
• Forgiven after 5 years.
• Applicable statewide across all of Montana.
• Funding comes from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines net income (10% to affordable housing); NAHI-specific pool.

How much assistance does it provide?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) offers up to $25,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Must have signed Purchase and Sale Agreement to enroll.
• The program can be combined with HUD Section 184; Blackfeet Housing Home Ownership Program; Apsaalooke Nation Housing Authority DPA; state programs.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (via participating member financial institutions) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale or transfer within 5 years (prorated repayment); forgiven on sale at net loss, sale to LMI buyer, or foreclosure.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• 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?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) caps the purchase price as follows: No published purchase price limit; property must be within FHLB Des Moines district (Montana included).

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Manufactured, and Other.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) names American Indian and Alaska Native buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Montana.

How do you apply?

Applications for FHLB Des Moines Native American Homeownership Initiative (NAHI) go through Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (via participating member financial institutions), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved homebuyer education course required if first-time homebuyer.

2. 2

   Contact Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (via participating member financial institutions) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served; limit $150,000 per FHLB Des Moines member institution per cycle, and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.