• Often, sellers have to pay a fee for these down-payment grants.home sweet home image by David Dorner from Fotolia.com
  
  Buying a home is a momentous occasion, but if you don't have the money for a down payment, you may think you'll never have your dream home. However, the government is looking for ways help increase homeownership. FHA down payment grants allowed the seller and charitable organizations to make a contribution to both the closing costs and down payment of FHA loans. In July 2008, President George W. Bush signed a bill that prohibits seller-funded down-payment assistance for FHA loans. However, according to Bloomberg, U.S. representatives are looking to revive the programs.
  
  

Ameridream

• This program offers people in a low-income bracket assistance for up to 10 percent of the purchase price. Typically the program ends up giving people 3 percent to 6 percent in assistance. Buyers don't have to pay the amount back, according to FHA. However, any funds that aren't used toward the down payment must be returned.
  
  

Partners in Charity

• The organization offers payment assistance based on need between 2 percent and 10 percent of the final closing price.
  
  The grant can be used for condominiums, multi-unit properties, and single-family homes, according to the FHA. The only requirement is that you must intend to live in the home. You cannot get this particular grant for rental properties.
  
  

Genesis Program

• This program is also referred to as Grant America. Assistance is offered for home buyers in the low- to middle-income bracket. The program offers up to $34,000 in assistance. Buyers can use the Genesis Program to purchase new or resale houses.
  
  

Responsible Home Ownership Program

• Operated by the nonprofit Community Housing and Development Corp., the program is for people who have an income that is low, but also steady. Individuals should also have good credit, according to the FHA. The seller of the home has to sign the "participating home agreement." The owner does not have to live in the home. The assistance can be used for mutli-family homes or homes that are going to be used for commercial purposes.