June 16, 2026

Last September, the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact announced The Institute’s Fund II priorities, with three areas for startup investment we believe will help strengthen our communities and address some of society’s greatest challenges: home resilience, housing access, and AI for social good.

Housing access in particular is personal to me. When I was 22, I moved to New York City. Without a family member to be a “guarantor” for my rent, no landlord would accept my rental application. I was ultimately able to find three roommates who all had guarantors, so the landlord allowed me to be the fourth tenant.

One year later, my roommate called me at work in a panic. Police were at our building with an evacuation order because it was deemed unsafe for occupancy. By the time I was able to get out of work and to the house, the police were gone, and staff from the Red Cross were onsite offering me two nights at a hotel on the other side of the city and a $45 VISA gift card to cover my next few meals. I was grateful to have somewhere to go. I left nearly all my personal items behind and was faced with a big question: Now what?

For four months, I crashed on friends’ couches. HR pulled me into their office to address the duffel bags hiding under my desk. In the end, I had to leave both New York and my job.

I was luckier than many. I moved across the country to stay with my parents and get back on my feet, saving up money to try again. A year after the order to vacate, I was able to move into an apartment in a different city. Sometimes I still tense up when the phone rings, afraid that it’s another life-altering phone call that could shake the foundation I’ve built.

It feels personally meaningful to be a part of The Institute, where we publicly commit to our belief that a home is a foundation for building greater lives. We are investing in solutions that make housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable, ensuring more people can achieve long-term stability and success. Some of our focus areas include:

Mortgage Readiness

For many, the biggest barrier to buying a home isn’t the mortgage; it’s the down payment. We seek solutions that make saving for a home more achievable, particularly for those without generational wealth. From retirement savings innovations to fintech platforms that simplify asset building, we’re committed to bridging this gap and better preparing young consumers for the dream of home ownership.

Housing Stock

The future of affordable homeownership depends on increasing supply. We invest in startups that revolutionize how homes are built. By rethinking traditional housing models, we can make high-quality, low-cost homes more accessible to families nationwide. Our commitment is to shape a future where homeownership isn’t just a possibility, but a reality.

Aging in Place

Independence shouldn’t have an expiration date. As America’s population ages, we are focused on solutions that help older adults stay safe and comfortable in their homes. From smart home modifications to caregiver support innovations, we invest in companies that enhance mobility, security, and well-being so that families can navigate aging with dignity and confidence.

Housing isn’t just a roof. It’s stability, opportunity, and the ability to plan for a future without the fear that one unexpected moment could undo everything. We are backing founders closing gaps in mortgage readiness, expanding attainable housing stock, and helping people age in place with dignity. If you’re building (or considering building) solutions that make housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable, we want to hear from you. When more people have a secure place to call home, our communities are stronger for it.