Last updated November 2026
Tennessee down payment help: what's open right now
A status board for the 20 Tennessee programs we follow: how many are taking applications, which are running low, and the biggest ones still open.
The biggest programs still open
| Program | Area | How much |
|---|---|---|
| CNE / RockPointBank Down Payment Assistance | Hamilton County | $10,000 to $50,000 |
| The Housing Fund Down Payment Assistance Loan | Tennessee | $5,000 to $35,000 for down payment, prepaids and closing costs |
| Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA) | City of Memphis | Up to 10% of sales price, not to exceed $25,000 (cap applies across City DPA programs, subject to funding) |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Citizens (HIPC) | City of Memphis (15 designated areas) | Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap) |
| Memphis DPA for MHA residents, voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers (MHA DPA, SHAPE, TADPA) | City of Memphis | Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap) |
| Rise Up - Memphis and West Tennessee (United Housing) | Memphis and West Tennessee | $25,000 grant (total pool up to $2 million) |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Police (HIPP) | City of Memphis | Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap) |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Firefighters (HIPF) | City of Memphis | Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap) |
Sorted by the largest dollar figure each program lists. Programs paid as a percent can go higher on pricier homes.
Paused, waitlisted or low on money
You can't count on these taking applications today. Leave your name and we'll give you a heads-up when one opens back up.
| Program | Status | Heads-up |
|---|---|---|
| FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home (2026 round) | Funds limited | |
| FHLB Cincinnati Rise Up (Fahe, Kentucky and Tennessee) | Paused | |
| Citywide Down Payment Assistance (CWDPA) | Funds limited | |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Citizens (HIPC) | Funds limited | |
| Memphis DPA for MHA residents, voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers (MHA DPA, SHAPE, TADPA) | Funds limited | |
| Shelby County Down Payment Assistance Program | Funds limited | |
| Rise Up - Memphis and West Tennessee (United Housing) | Funds limited | |
| City of Chattanooga Down Payment Assistance Program | Funds limited | |
| City of Knoxville Downpayment Assistance Program | Paused | |
| Murfreesboro Affordable Housing Assistance Program | Funds limited | |
| Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium Affordable Home-Ownership Program | Funds limited | |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Police (HIPP) | Funds limited | |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Firefighters (HIPF) | Funds limited | |
| Homebuyer Incentive Program - Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) | Funds limited |
What kinds of help are out there?
| Kind of help | How many |
|---|---|
| Other | 10 |
| Loan with monthly payments | 3 |
| Grant, never repaid | 3 |
| Deferred loan, due later | 2 |
| Forgivable loan | 1 |
Around here, most help is a loan rather than a grant. A forgivable loan fades away if you stay in the home long enough. A deferred loan gets paid back when you sell or refinance. See what you'd owe if you sold early
Which ones fit you?
The program matcher narrows this to your county and job, and a loan officer confirms what you can actually use. No cost, no credit check.
