What if I told you there's a program that gives homebuyers $10,000 in free money — no repayment, no strings attached — to use toward their down payment or closing costs? It sounds too good to be true, but the American Dream Grant is very real, and it's available right here in Utah.

As a mortgage loan officer at Vivanco Mortgage Team, I'm passionate about helping buyers find every possible resource to make homeownership affordable. The American Dream Grant is one of the most exciting programs I help clients access, and I want to make sure every potential homebuyer in Utah knows about it.

What Is the American Dream Grant?

The American Dream Grant is a $10,000 homebuyer grant administered by SLBR Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. Unlike a loan, this is a true grant — recipients never have to pay it back. The money can be used toward your down payment, closing costs, or other home purchase expenses. The program operates through a random drawing system, which means every qualified applicant has an equal chance of being selected.

2026 Drawing Dates

SLBR Charities holds multiple drawings throughout the year, giving you several opportunities to be selected. The 2026 drawing dates are:

If you're not selected in one drawing, you can re-enter for the next one. I always encourage my clients to sign up for every available drawing — it costs nothing to enter, and each drawing is a new chance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the American Dream Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

Notice that there are no income limits for this grant. Whether you earn $40,000 or $120,000, if you meet the basic criteria, you're eligible to enter the drawing. This makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers who might not qualify for other income-restricted programs.

How $10,000 Changes the Math

Let me put this in perspective. On a $400,000 home with an FHA loan (3.5% down), your down payment would be $14,000. The American Dream Grant covers $10,000 of that, meaning you'd only need $4,000 out of pocket — and in many cases, seller concessions or other DPA programs can cover the rest. I've literally helped clients get into homes with zero dollars out of their own pocket by stacking this grant with other assistance programs.

Want Help Applying for the American Dream Grant?

At Vivanco Mortgage Team, we guide you through every step — from the grant application to closing day. Bilingual service available.

Get Pre-Approved

Other DPA Programs You Should Know About

The American Dream Grant is fantastic, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Utah has one of the most robust ecosystems of down payment assistance programs in the country. Here are some of the other programs I regularly help buyers access:

Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)

UHC offers several DPA options including the FirstHome Loan, Score Loan, and NoMI Loan. These programs provide second mortgages at low or zero percent interest to cover your down payment and closing costs. UHC programs can be combined with FHA, VA, and conventional loans, making them incredibly flexible. Income limits apply but are generous enough to cover most first-time buyers along the Wasatch Front.

CDC Utah

The Community Development Corporation of Utah offers forgivable second mortgages for qualified buyers. This means the loan is forgiven over time — you don't have to pay it back as long as you stay in the home. It's an incredible deal for buyers who plan to put down roots.

Utah County $40K Program

If you're buying in Utah County, this program is a game-changer. Up to $40,000 in assistance is available for income-qualified buyers purchasing in Utah County. The program has specific requirements, but for those who qualify, it can make the difference between renting and owning. I've helped multiple families in Provo, Orem, and Lehi take advantage of this program.

Provo City DPA

Provo City offers its own down payment assistance for buyers purchasing within city limits. This program can be stacked with other DPA programs for maximum benefit. If you're looking at homes in Provo, this is definitely worth exploring.

Why Having the Right Lender Matters

Here's something most people don't realize: not every lender is approved to offer every DPA program. At Vivanco Mortgage Team, we're approved for all the major Utah assistance programs, which means we can match you with the best combination of programs for your specific situation. I've seen buyers go to big banks only to be told they don't qualify for assistance — and then they come to us and we find $15,000 or $20,000 in help they didn't know was available.

My recommendation? Start by getting pre-approved. That first conversation is free, takes about 15 minutes, and I can tell you exactly which programs you qualify for. We offer bilingual service in English and Spanish, and I personally walk every client through their options. The American Dream Grant is an amazing opportunity — but it's just one of many tools we can use to help you become a homeowner.