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RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership)

RISE Foundation, Inc. (RISE Memphis) · Memphis, Tennessee

Last verified
Assistance

$2,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership)?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) is gift funds for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by RISE Foundation, Inc. (RISE Memphis).

  • RISE Memphis's Save Up is a matched-savings (Individual Development Account) program for low-to-moderate wage earners in Memphis and Shelby County. After completing financial education and saving $25-$100 per month for six consecutive months, RISE matches each dollar saved 2:1, tripling savings up to a combined total of $3,000 that can be used to purchase a home. Homeownership-track participants must complete a homebuyer education workshop and attend quarterly Homebuyer Club meetings.
  • 2:1 match on savings.
  • Combined savings up to $3,000 toward home purchase.
  • Free financial and homebuyer education.
  • Builds credit and savings discipline.
  • Funding comes from City of Memphis HCD; Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis; MassMutual Foundation; partner banks; FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

How much assistance does it provide?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) offers up to $2,000 in assistance.

  • Buyer contribution: Save $25-$100 per month for 6 consecutive months (matched 2:1).
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — RISE Foundation, Inc. (RISE Memphis) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Credit score of 580 or above for the homeownership track.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through RISE Foundation financial education; homebuyer education workshop and quarterly Homebuyer Club meetings.
  • Residency: Must live in Memphis or Shelby County.
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-10): pending review. Matched-savings/IDA program, not a lender DPA: must enroll, complete RISE education, save $25-$100/month for 6 months; RISE matches 2:1 (combined up to $3,000; matched/gift portion up to $2,000). Eligibility: employed; live in Memphis/Shelby County; 18+ head of household; maintain MHA Section 8 HCV OR EITC-eligible; 580+ credit. Confirm current enrollment/funding.

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) sets its income limit as follows: No published AMI percentage limit. Targeted to low-to-moderate wage earners; must be employed and either maintain an MHA Section 8 HCV or be EITC-eligible.

  • 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?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) can be used for Single Family.

Where does it apply?

RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) serves buyers purchasing in Memphis, Tennessee.

How do you apply?

Applications for RISE Foundation Save Up (Matched-Savings IDA for Homeownership) go through RISE Foundation, Inc. (RISE Memphis), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through RISE Foundation financial education; homebuyer education workshop and quarterly Homebuyer Club meetings..

  2. Contact RISE Foundation, Inc. (RISE Memphis) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Enrollment via RISE financial education classes; save $25-$100/month for 6 consecutive months., and are subject to availability.

  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.

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