Homeownership starts long before closing day
For many families, the path to homeownership starts with education.
Budgeting, building credit, managing debt, saving for a down payment, and understanding the mortgage process are all important steps that begin well before closing.
Access to financial education and trusted guidance can help individuals make informed decisions, prepare for homeownership, and move forward with greater confidence.
That is why the Everwise Foundation supports organizations that remove barriers and create pathways to long-term housing stability.
Supporting future homeowners through financial education
In 2025, the Everwise Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP), which has helped Marion County families access affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for more than 35 years.
The grant supports one month of INHP's financial literacy and homebuyer education programming, helping approximately 60 individuals gain the knowledge and preparation needed for the homebuying process.
"Homeownership often begins long before someone receives the keys to a home," Stansberry said. "Programs like those offered by INHP help individuals and families build the financial knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the homebuying process and make informed decisions along the way."
Participants receive education on topics including:
- Budgeting and financial goal setting.
- Understanding and improving credit.
- Comparing renting and homeownership.
- Navigating the mortgage process.
- Understanding home inspections and insurance.
- Maintaining a home as a long-term asset.
By helping individuals prepare for one of life's biggest financial decisions, the program supports the Everwise Foundation's commitment to building stronger futures and stronger communities.
Supporting housing stability and independent living
The Everwise Foundation also awarded a $3,000 grant to CASS Housing Inc., a nonprofit that provides long-term housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities.
"Housing stability looks different for every individual," Stansberry said. "CASS Academy is helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills that support greater independence and long-term success. We're proud to support programs that empower people to live more confidently and pursue opportunities that matter to them."
The grant supports CASS Academy, a two-year program that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independent living skills.
Through structured instruction and hands-on learning, participants develop practical skills that can prepare them for greater independence and future housing opportunities.
By helping participants build practical skills and greater independence, CASS Academy is creating opportunities that can positively impact lives for years to come.
Strong communities begin at home
Whether helping a first-time homebuyer understand the mortgage process, providing financial education, or supporting independent living opportunities for individuals with disabilities, the goal is the same:
To create opportunities for people to build stable futures.
When individuals have the resources and support they need to move forward, the impact reaches far beyond one person or one family.
Housing is about more than where we live. It provides a foundation that helps individuals, families, and neighborhoods grow stronger over time.
That's why the Everwise Foundation invests in programs that help people gain knowledge, build confidence, and create lasting impact on their lives and communities.
Building confidence for what’s next
Some people are preparing to buy their first home. Others are working toward greater independence or building financial skills for the future.
No matter where that journey begins, access to education, support, and opportunity can make the next step feel more achievable.
"Strong communities are built when people have the opportunity to learn, grow, and create stability for themselves and their families," Stansberry said. "Through the Everwise Foundation, we're honored to support organizations that are helping make those opportunities possible every day."
At Everwise, supporting housing and homeownership is about more than helping people reach a milestone. It's about helping individuals and families build the confidence, stability, and foundation they need for whatever comes next.
When people have a place to call home and the confidence to pursue their goals, families grow stronger, neighborhoods become more vibrant, and entire communities benefit.
