By Sherry Byers, CPN Housing Department Home Ownership Manager

The One Time Grant has now been in operation for more than 25 years. This program has evolved and improved over the course of time. The One Time Grant Program has assisted hundreds of Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) tribal members with funds for their down payment or closing costs, associated with the purchase, building or refinancing of a home.

In addition to assisting individual Tribal members with this program, we would also like to see the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Sovereign Bank (Formerly First National Bank & Trust) benefit by originating the mortgage loans. Sovereign Bank can offer most loan programs offered by other lending institutions, except loan types affiliated with predatory lenders.

It is interesting to know that there are still many uninformed CPN members out there, when it comes to information regarding this program and the Tribal bank. Our office receives calls daily from Tribal members that 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 is $2,125 and does not have to be repaid. The criteria for this program are:

  • The grant cannot be used for any type of mobile/manufactured home
  • Convicted felons or other household member felons are ineligible
  • The home being purchased must be their primary residence
  • The Tribal member’s name must be on the loan

The application must be completed thoroughly, and the following submitted:

  • Copy of borrower’s CPN membership card
  • Copy of Social Security cards for household member without Tribal cards
  • Copy of the “Loan Estimate” from lender
  • Income verification for all household members (last 3 to 4 pay stubs or if same employer for years the last two years of tax returns, first page and signature page only)
  • Name of the Closing Entity (Title Co., Escrow Co., Attorney, etc.)
  • Completed W-9 form by Closing Entity
  • Copy of Appraisal

The application and supporting information are required in our office at least two to 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 or closing entity by the specified closing date.

To request the application and/or general information regarding the One Time Grant, please contact Sherry Byers, Homeownership Manager, at 405-273-2833 or at sbyers@potawatomi.org.

This grant may also be utilized after closing. The required paperwork must be in our office at least 30 days from the loan closing date. Please contact our office to apply after closing.

For information regarding loan products and lending requirements at Sovereign Bank, ask for Rachel Vallandingham, Mortgage Loan Officer. Her direct line is 405-878-1927.