Next Steps Grant

What is Next Steps Grant?

Next Steps Grant is a grant for homebuyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

• Reparations-focused grant program for Black/African-American first-time homebuyers in Pittsburgh. True grant (no repayment) for down payment and closing costs. Requires completion of Catapult's Steps to Success pre-purchase counseling. Tiered income eligibility 30% to ~150% AMI for Allegheny County.
• Catapult Greater Pittsburgh's Next Steps Grant is a reparations-focused down payment and closing cost grant program for Black/African-American first-time homebuyers in the City of Pittsburgh. Provides outright grant funds (no repayment) toward down payment and closing costs. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgage. Buyers must complete Catapult's 'Steps to Success' pre-purchase homebuyer counseling/education program. Income range supports households up to ~150% AMI for Allegheny County (1-person 30% AMI ~$17,450 through 8-person ~150% AMI ~$164,350). True grant - no recapture, no repayment.
• Funding comes from Local and Private.

Do you have to pay it back?

Next Steps Grant is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by None - true grant, no repayment.
• The assistance is recorded in N/A (grant) position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Next Steps Grant is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Next Steps Grant limits household income to 150% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Income range $17,450-$164,350 reflects tiered eligibility from 30% AMI (1-person ~$17,450) to ~150% AMI (8-person ~$164,350) for Allegheny County. Tiered grant amounts may apply by income band.
• 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?

Next Steps Grant caps the purchase price as follows: No specific Catapult maximum; subject to first-mortgage product loan limits and bond rules where applicable.

• Eligible property types include 1- to 4-unit primary residence per first-mortgage product. Single-family detached, condominium, townhouse.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Next Steps Grant serves buyers purchasing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Next Steps Grant go through the administering agency, 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 Catapult Greater Pittsburgh's 'Steps to Success' pre-purchase homebuyer counseling/education program (required prior to grant award). HUD-approved housing counseling..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Apply directly to Catapult Greater Pittsburgh after completing Steps to Success counseling. Funds awarded subject to availability., 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.