FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2025
MADISON, WI – Own It: Building Black Wealth awarded 12 down payment grants in August 2025, the largest grant cycle in the organization’s history. Each family received a $19,000 grant — a gift, not a loan — to be used toward the purchase of their first home. Together, the grants total $228,000 invested directly into closing the racial wealth and homeownership gap in Dane County.
This milestone was made possible in large part by Own It’s community partnerships. One City Schools served as the pilot partner, helping launch the program, and in 2025 Own It expanded its reach by adding Anesis Therapy and Centro of Dane County. Through these collaborations, more families of color are able to access Own It’s education, mentorship, and financial tools that prepare them for successful homeownership.
“Buying a home changes everything. It’s stability, it’s equity, it’s a foundation for the future,” said Tiffany Malone, co-founder of Own It. “These grants aren’t loans. They’re gifts that say: you belong here, and your family deserves this opportunity to build wealth and legacy.”
Before receiving a grant, each recipient completes Own It’s education program, which includes courses on wealth building and homeownership, as well as mentorship and ongoing support. The combination ensures families are empowered with knowledge and resources before stepping into homeownership.
Research shows that homeownership not only builds generational wealth but also improves health outcomes, educational opportunities, and neighborhood stability. For families of color in Dane County, where homeownership rates are significantly lower than the national rate, these grants represent life-changing opportunities.
Call to Action: To sustain and expand this impact, Own It invites community members, donors, and businesses to contribute to the Down Payment Fund, ensuring we can keep up with the demand and offer more families access to the resources and financial support needed to achieve homeownership.
For more information, please visit ownitmadison.org.
Media Contact:
Sara Alvarado
Director and co-founder
Own It: Building Black Wealth
[email protected]