Marion, IN (June 11, 2014) – What is this housing assistance program designed to retain an educated workforce in Grant County? How do local employers benefit? Grant for Grads is an initiative of the Grant County Economic Growth Council, administered by Affordable Housing & Community Development Corporation, to provide financial assistance to qualified graduates of universities, colleges, or technical schools who choose to live and work in Grant County.
As of April 2014, Grant for Grads has given 24 rental incentives and 32 down payment incentives to recent college graduates. Of the home purchases assisted, one home was a new construction and two were substantial home rehabilitations, which promotes Grant County’s residential climate. The program targets graduates of Indiana Wesleyan, Taylor University, Ivy Tech of Marion, and others who are currently employed or have accepted a full-time job offer in Grant County; however, the program has aided graduates of over 15 different universities, revealing that young professionals, from the area or new, are calling Grant County “home”.
“This is a great program! I am very impressed that Grant County is offering an incentive to prevent brain drain,” noted a 2012 Ball State graduate.
Grant for Grads offers Grant County home buyers up to $5,000 to cover the cost of down payments and/or closing costs. Individuals renting apartments or homes are offered a 20% reduction in monthly rent payments, benefitting renters up to $2,500. In addition to financial support, Grant for Grads provides fundamental homeowner education classes to further enrich the experience of living in Grant County.
“We love our new home, and you guys made it happen! Thank you for providing homeowner education,” expressed Tyler Shirley, a Grant for Grads recipient.
Local employers benefit from the educated workforce kept in Grant County; in addition, employers can attract young professionals by using Grant for Grads as a relocation perk. Through the Grant for Grads program, the Grant County Economic Growth Council and Affordable Housing Corporation are working together to make Grant County a better place to live, work, play, and stay.
For more information on the Grant for Grads program, visit the Growth Council’s website: Grant For Grads
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