Many home buyers can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not be able to pay all or a portion of the down payment and/or closing costs needed to purchase a home. Down payment assistance programs can help.

As a first step in the process of meeting eligibility requirements, interested parties should schedule to attend a Homeownership Training Course with Step Up Suncoast - (941) 757-1166, Opt #1 or Community Solutions 360 - (941) 809-2231.

Home buyers interested in a down payment assistance program must work with one of Manatee County's Certified Lenders (see below). A certified lender must submit the application, not the homeowner.

Manatee County offers the following down payment assistance programs:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Household members must earn at or below 80% of the area median income adjusted by family size for the Bradenton/Sarasota MSA. View the program overview:  CDBG Down Payment Assistance Program Guidelines 
• State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP): Household members must earn at or below 120% of the area median income adjusted by family size for the Bradenton/Sarasota MSA. View the Program Overview:  SHIP Down Payment Assistance Program Guidelines 

Certified Lenders

For Lenders who wish to become a Certified Lender with Manatee County’s Down Payment Assistance program, you must attend a Lender Certification Training/Workshop held each year. If you are a lender interested in becoming certified with the program, you may contact our office at 941-749-3030 ext. 6202 to be included on the notification listing for the next available Training/Workshop. Please note lenders must operate out of an office in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas, or Hillsborough County areas to be eligible for certification.

View a list of Certified Lenders with the program: Certified Lender List 2024