Contact Info
1112 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
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) 300-2212, Rooted Communities- (941) 809-2231 or Money Management International (MMI) 407-952-2118.
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: 2025 Certified Lenders List
Service Output: Information
Hours Available: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Eligibility: Very low to moderate income residents of Manatee County who meet the program requirements.
Service Operators
Step Up Suncoast
Service Operators
Money Management International (MMI)
MMI offers cutting edge homebuyer and homeowner online courses. These courses, provided by MMI, Framework, and eHome America, include videos and easy-to-read content. You can complete each course at your own pace, and will receive the applicable certificate of completion at the end.
Homebuyer counseling and education courses are an opportunity to learn crucial skills needed to purchase and maintain your own home. Depending on loan programs, it may be required to acquire a homebuyer counseling or education certificate before closing on your mortgage.
The goal of these certificate programs is to help you know where you stand and what steps you'll need to take to qualify for an affordable mortgage, and successfully manage the month-to-month costs of homeownership.
Hours Available
Check with provider for specific dates and hours of availability
Service Operators
Rooted Communities
Rooted Communities offers housing, health and safety programs designed to help individuals with their affordable housing initiative leading to homeownership, as well as our comprehensive counseling program. We empower individuals/families to overcome obstacles/challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Rooted Communities provides a monthly 8-hour HUD Approved Homebuyer Education Workshop. This workshop educates and empowers you to make informed decisions on your journey toward home ownership.
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our team with 50 years combined housing and counseling experience established in 2000.
Hours Available
Check with the service provider for specific hours
Sarasota, FL 34243