With 16 years of success, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Housing Department’s one time grant is the most requested homeownership program the Tribe runs. Evolving over the course of that time, the One Time Grant Program has assisted many Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal members with funds for their down payment or closing costs that are associated with the purchase, construction or refinancing of a home.

In addition to assisting individual Tribal members with this program, CPN would also like to see the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s First National Bank and Trust Co. benefit by originating the mortgage loans. FNB is able to offer most loan programs, like other lending institutions, with the exception of loans that are affiliated with predatory lenders.

Despite the program’s success over its 16 years, there are still many CPN members out there uninformed about this program and the services of the tribally-owned FNB. Our office receives calls daily from Tribal members who never knew of this grant or that the Tribe owns its own bank. All Citizen Potawatomi Tribal members are eligible for this grant one time only.

The maximum amount available is $2,125, which does not have to be repaid. This program cannot be used for any type of mobile home and the home being purchased must be the primary residence of the signer. It is not available to convicted felons or any household where felons reside. Finally, a Tribal member’s name must be on the loan.

To apply, the following information is required:

  • Copy of borrowers CPN membership card
  • Copy of the “Good Faith Estimate” from their lender
  • Income verification for all household members (last three to four pay stubs or if same employer for years the last two years of tax returns)
  • Name of the Closing Entity (title co., escrow co., attorney, etc.)
  • Completed W-9 form
  • Copy of Appraisal when available

The application and support information is required in the CPN Housing Department’s office at least three weeks prior to the closing date.This gives our office enough time to get the paperwork processed and the check mailed back to the Tribal member by the specified date. To request the application or general information regarding the  CPN One Time Grant Program, please contact Sherry Byers, Homeownership Manager at (405) 273-2833 or at sbyers@potawatomi.org.

For information regarding loan products and lending requirements at First National Bank and Trust Co., please contact Jeff Scroggins, Mortgage Loan Officer at (405) 275-8830 or at 1-800-227-8362.