Capital One has unveiled a new program aimed at tackling the US's affordable housing crisis by investing $25 million in innovative solutions. The program, dubbed "Scaling Pathways to Homeownership," is a collaboration between Capital One and the Chicago nonprofit Lever for Change.
Through this initiative, 10 finalists will receive $200,000 in initial funding, plus technical assistance, to strengthen their proposals. These awardees will then be selected in spring 2027 to receive an additional $4.6 million over five years to bring their ideas to fruition.
Capital One is on the lookout for groundbreaking solutions that can drive transformative change in the housing sector. The company has identified key areas of focus, including housing counseling, consumer education, and for-sale housing production at scale. Modular housing, for instance, has proven effective in boosting homeownership rates while keeping housing affordable.
The program's open call prioritizes proposals that address information gaps in the homebuying process, lack of new housing supply, improving access to housing, and supporting homebuyer education. Lever for Change will manage the program and connect finalists with its Bold Solutions Network, which offers networking opportunities, educational resources, and potential funding.
Chicago is particularly keen on tackling the city's affordable housing shortage, which stands at 126,125 units for those with low incomes. The city has implemented initiatives like modular housing pilot programs and the Missing Middle Infill Housing program to create more market-rate and affordable housing options.
Capital One's $25 million investment marks a significant step towards addressing this crisis. The company's acquisition of Discover Financial Services has also expanded its reach, enabling it to launch a five-year community benefits plan that aims to advance economic opportunity and financial well-being across the country.
Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the initiative, stating that expanding access to homeownership is crucial for building stronger, more stable communities.
Through this initiative, 10 finalists will receive $200,000 in initial funding, plus technical assistance, to strengthen their proposals. These awardees will then be selected in spring 2027 to receive an additional $4.6 million over five years to bring their ideas to fruition.
Capital One is on the lookout for groundbreaking solutions that can drive transformative change in the housing sector. The company has identified key areas of focus, including housing counseling, consumer education, and for-sale housing production at scale. Modular housing, for instance, has proven effective in boosting homeownership rates while keeping housing affordable.
The program's open call prioritizes proposals that address information gaps in the homebuying process, lack of new housing supply, improving access to housing, and supporting homebuyer education. Lever for Change will manage the program and connect finalists with its Bold Solutions Network, which offers networking opportunities, educational resources, and potential funding.
Chicago is particularly keen on tackling the city's affordable housing shortage, which stands at 126,125 units for those with low incomes. The city has implemented initiatives like modular housing pilot programs and the Missing Middle Infill Housing program to create more market-rate and affordable housing options.
Capital One's $25 million investment marks a significant step towards addressing this crisis. The company's acquisition of Discover Financial Services has also expanded its reach, enabling it to launch a five-year community benefits plan that aims to advance economic opportunity and financial well-being across the country.
Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the initiative, stating that expanding access to homeownership is crucial for building stronger, more stable communities.