Last Updated: June 22, 2026

We encourage all individuals to review the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to applying to Foundations for the Future. If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs below, please follow the instructions at the bottom of the page to submit a new question.

The Foundations for the Future FAQs are updated on a regular basis.

Who can apply to participate in Foundations for the Future?

DC residents that are employed but finding the dream of homeownership just out of reach who are committed to building long-term financial resilience and generational wealth in Washington DC. Participants must be first-time homebuyers purchasing their primary residence. We take income into consideration when choosing program participants and are targeting employed individuals that are asset limited and income constrained. You can visit United Way’s website to learn more.

Can you talk more about the DC residency requirement?

We define DC resident as any current resident of DC, plus anyone who lived in DC public housing in the last 7 years but currently lives in MD or VA.

I have received funding or services from birdSEED, Yachad, DCALF, or Tzedek DC in the past. Am I automatically enrolled or eligible for the new benefits under the Foundations for the Future project?

No. Receiving past assistance from any of our collaborative organizations does not automatically make you eligible or enroll you in the Foundations for the Future project. This project operates as a completely separate, standalone demonstration initiative with its own unique application, selection criteria, and programmatic tracking. To clear up any confusion regarding how the project functions, please note the following guidelines:

Application Required: You must apply directly to the Foundations for the Future project and be officially accepted into an upcoming cohort. Participants cannot own a home already.

Sequential Process: Project benefits are structured as a step-by-step pathway. For example, you cannot sign up directly or separately for Step Three (Estate Planning) or Step Four (the $5,000 Emergency Fund).

Earned Benefits: The $5,000 emergency fund is an integrated, sequential milestone. It is only awarded to participants who have been accepted into the FFF project, completed the financial counseling (Step One), finalized their home purchase or title preservation (Step Two), and completed their legal estate planning (Step Three).

What is the definition of first-time homebuyer?

For this project, we are looking for participants who have never purchased a home.

Are there restrictions on the type of homes that can be purchased?

The home purchased must be the primary residence. The home may be a multi-family home, if the buyer will be living in the home.

What are the five steps of the Foundations for the Future program?

Step 1: Wealth Advising: Complete Tzedek DC’s 8-week financial empowerment program in the fall of 2026. For more information about this program, please visit Tzedek DC’s webpage here: https://www.tzedekdc.org/empowerment.

For those who are not able to attend the full 8-week course, Tzedek DC will also offer single sessions of the investment class, and a class about mortgage and HELOC loans. Approved applicants who attend the investment course and are eligible for an investment account will receive $1,500 to seed the investment account.

Approved applicants are also eligible for one on one financial counseling for 1:1 individualized support to reach financial goals.