Funding to Power the Expansion of Framework and Development of New Housing Counseling Enterprises

(BOSTON)- Housing Partnership Network has been awarded a $2 million grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to support the growth and expansion of its online homebuyer education platform, Framework®, and further research and development of new business models and technologies for the housing counseling industry.

HPN, a business collaborative of leading affordable housing and community development nonprofits, operates Framework, which it developed in partnership with the Minnesota Homeownership Center. The homebuyer education platform is comprised of a 9-module online course that enables prospective homebuyers to learn about the home-buying process, empowering them to become successful and sustainable homeowners. In addition, Framework exceeds National Industry Standards for homebuyer and digital education, and serves as the cornerstone of HPN's homeownership initiatives.

"JPMorgan Chase has been a wonderful partner and we are grateful for their continued support of HPN and Framework," said Thomas Bledsoe, president and CEO of Housing Partnership Network. "Scalable solutions are critical to addressing social mission challenges. It's the reason our members collaborate to create social enterprises like Framework that help to incubate future innovations in housing counseling."

Framework is designed and operated with prospective homebuyers in mind who want to learn online, at their own pace, with access to counseling professionals. By investing in Framework, JPMorgan Chase provides invaluable support that enables the platform to expand its reach to more users.

"JPMorgan Chase is committed to reducing barriers to economic growth by making innovative best practices - like Framework - available to more consumers across the country," said Daryl Shore, vice president of Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase & Co. "We are pleased to support HPN and Framework in their efforts to arm prospective homebuyers with knowledge they'll need to succeed as homeowners."

Framework is reaching the next generation of homebuyers. Embracing innovation, education and technology, Framework meets today's prospective homebuyer where they are: online. JPMorgan Chase is committed to supporting homebuyers and providing the right solutions at the right time to help them navigate major financial decisions like home ownership.

"The rules of the game have changed and Framework gives prospective homebuyers an edge through education," said Danielle Samalin, vice president of Homeownership Initiatives at Housing Partnership Network and president of Framework. "We're grateful to JPMorgan Chase for their integral support as we expand to prepare more homebuyers for the biggest financial decision they'll make in their lives."

Framework is an engaging tool that empowers while it educates. A positive user experience is central to Framework and a critical component of its homebuyer education platform. With generous support from JPMorgan Chase, Framework will continue to make technology enhancements to promote its best-in-class curriculum and a top user experience, and HPN will continue to develop new housing counseling business models and technologies.