Inheritance Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Inheritance Fund Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Inheritance Fund?

   The Inheritance Fund is an innovative and people-centered program that offers low and moderate-income descendants of families who were displaced due to the construction of I-94 through Rondo, urban renewal in the Western Redevelopment area in Rondo, or the Riverview Industrial Park in the West Side Flats area the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership in Saint Paul.

2. How do I qualify for the Inheritance fund layers?

   Applicants eligible for the Inheritance Fund must be direct descendants of a property owner or tenant whose home was due to the construction of I-94 through Rondo, Western Redevelopment through Rondo or the Riverview Industrial Park in the West Side Flats area.

   View a map of the boundaries of the Interstate 94 project and nearby Urban Renewal projects. The area eligible for the Inheritance Fund is marked in orange on the map.

3. How is Inheritance Fund eligibility verified?

   Inheritance Fund eligibility is verified by community partner organizations. Applicants are eligible for Inheritance Fund layers of downpayment assistance or homeowner rehab assistance if they are a direct descendant of a property owner whose property was taken for the construction of I-94 in Rondo or urban renewal in Western Development area of Rondo; or were displaced from the West Side flats area as defined in the “Flats to the Future” report.

   Applicants who believe they are eligible for the Inheritance Fund should indicate that they are seeking verification of Inheritance Fund eligibility when applying for downpayment assistance or homeowner rehab assistance. Staff will refer those applicants to community organizations, who will review historical real estate records in relationship to the ancestor the applicant is directly descended from. The Rondo Community Land Trust (RCLT) is Saint Paul’s partner for verifying eligibility of applicants for the Rondo Inheritance Fund.  WSCO is the City’s partner for verifying eligible applicants for the West Side Flats Inheritance Fund. 

4. What is considered a direct descendant as it relates to the Inheritance Fund?

   A direct descendant is a person who was born into or legally adopted into the direct line of the property owner or tenant whose property was taken (e.g., children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren).

5. How many direct descendants can apply from a household?

   There is no limit to the number of direct descendants that can apply for the Inheritance Fund layers of assistance.

6. When will the intake forms reopen?

   While we can’t predict when we will be able to reopen the process, we will continue to seek additional sources to fund the program and the staff to do so.

7. If I qualify for the Inheritance Fund but currently own a property, can I still get downpayment assistance?

   Yes. If you qualify for the Inheritance Fund layer of assistance, you may currently own a property and still apply for downpayment assistance for the purchase of a new home. However, the home purchased with downpayment assistance funding must be the primary residence of the homebuyer, and if the other property is not sold, but rather a source of rental income, that rental income is considered in the income limit calculation.

8. Can the Inheritance Fund be used for properties outside of the City of Saint Paul?

   No. Only properties within the borders of the City of Saint Paul are eligible for funding through the Inheritance Fund layers of the Downpayment Assistance program and the Homeowner Rehab program.

9. Who can I contact for additional resources to research more about historic Rondo data?

   Information about historic Rondo and the Interstate 94 project can be found through the following organizations:  

   • Historic Saint Paul
   • Minnesota Historical Society
   • Latimer Central Library (archived phone directories)

10. Is this part of the Reparations Committee’s programs?

    No. The Inheritance Fund is not a part of the Reparations Committee.