Own It: Building Black Wealth, a local non-profit that brings together Madison-area real estate, banking, and financial experts to help build generational wealth in Black and brown communities through homeownership, has reached a milestone, awarding 12 down payment grants in August 2025, the largest grant cycle in the organization’s history.

As part of the innovative program, each family received a $19,000 grant — a gift, not a loan — to be used toward the purchase of their first home. Together, the 12 grants totaled $228,000 invested directly into closing the racial wealth and homeownership gap in Dane County.

In Dane County, only about 13 percent of Black households own their homes, compared to about 64 percent of white households. Own it: Building Black Wealth focuses on advancing financial education, homeownership, and economic prosperity within Black and brown communities. Through partnerships, education programs, and grant funding, Own It empowers families to achieve financial freedom and transform future generations.

“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, in a press release. “These grants aren’t loans. They’re gifts that say: you belong here, and your family deserves this opportunity to build wealth and legacy.”

One City Schools served as the pilot partner for Own It, helping launch the program. Over the years, Own It has built community partnerships with Anesis Therapy and Centro of Dane County, helping more families of color in Dane County access Own It’s education, mentorship, and financial tools that prepare them for successful homeownership.

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.