Nonprofit Own It Has Started Executive Director Search

The Madison-based organization is seeking its first leader to expand its mission of closing racial homeownership gaps.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Residential

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a stylized home structure in mustard, teal, and brick colors, representing housing opportunity. — The Madison-based nonprofit Own It has launched a search for its first executive director to scale its efforts in closing local racial homeownership gaps. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe nonprofit grant programs are an effective way to close local racial homeownership gaps?

The nonprofit organization Own It has launched a search for its first executive director to manage operations and growth. Interested candidates must submit their applications for the new leadership role by October 9.

Why it matters

The organization works to address racial inequities in local homeownership by providing financial and educational resources to Black and brown families. A new executive director is expected to scale these efforts to further help families build generational wealth.

Own It typically awards $19,000 in down payment grants to participants. The organization currently reports a 31-percentage-point homeownership gap between White households at 75% and Black households at 44%.

The players

Own It

This is a Madison-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing down payment grants and homeownership education to underserved families.

The details

Own It provides homeownership education, mentorship, and post-closing support in partnership with local entities to facilitate property acquisition. The nonprofit received its 501(c)(3) designation in January 2025 and aims to expand its reach under new leadership.

Own It launched its first education program in 2021.
The nonprofit awarded its first down payment grants in 2022.
The organization received its 501(c)(3) designation in January 2025.
The search for an executive director was announced on September 22, 2026.
Applications for the executive director position are due October 9, 2026.

Culture Shift

This move represents a broader societal shift toward intentional, community-led interventions designed to rectify historical barriers to housing access. By prioritizing a dedicated executive director, the organization seeks to evolve from a grassroots initiative into a formalized institutional force.

Residents interested in community leadership or non-profit management may apply for the executive director position to influence local housing equity. The organization's continued growth could provide more households with access to the $19,000 grant program for future home purchases.

The takeaway

Formalizing leadership is a critical milestone for nonprofits looking to sustain and scale their impact on systemic community issues. Aspiring non-profit leaders should track these organizational growth phases to understand how mission-driven groups evolve.