Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee)

What is Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee)?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) is a grant for homebuyers in Memphis, Tennessee, administered by United Housing, Inc. (in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati).

• The Rise Up Program, a partnership between United Housing, Inc. and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, provides grants of up to $25,000 to first-time, first-generation homebuyers in Memphis and West Tennessee. Funds may be used for down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction with no fees or repayment. Up to $2 million was made available beginning August 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis through FHLB Cincinnati member lenders.
• Up to $25,000 grant.
• No repayment required.
• Down payment, closing costs, or principal reduction.
• No fees.
• Targets first-generation homebuyers.
• Funding comes from Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (Rise Up Program); administered locally by United Housing, Inc.

How much assistance does it provide?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) offers up to $25,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Buyer must contribute at least $500 of their own money.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — United Housing, Inc. (in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) 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 Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 120% of the HUD income limit for the buyer's county (Memphis and West Tennessee). Exact 4-person dollar figure not published.
• 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?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) can be used for Single Family.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) names first-generation 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?

Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) serves buyers purchasing in Memphis, Tennessee.

How do you apply?

Applications for Rise Up Program (Memphis & West Tennessee) go through United Housing, Inc. (in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati), 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 United Housing, Inc. HUD-approved homebuyer education..

2. 2

   Contact United Housing, Inc. (in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served via FHLB Cincinnati member lender., 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.