Being a felon is already hard enough, but add in the struggle of finding financial aid, and it can seem impossible to make ends meet. But fear not; there are some grants that felons can apply for.
Luckily, there are grants out there that can help you get back on your feet without worrying about the extra financial burden.
But with so many grant options available, it can take time to figure out where to start.
We’ve compiled a list of both private and governmental grants that felons can apply for.
Whether you’re starting your own business, need some capital, or need help with your rent, we’ve got you covered.
For those who want to take action on their financial issues and don’t need convincing of how important grants are for felons.
Read on to explore our top 10 best grants for felons in 2024!
10 Best Grants For Felons In 2024 (Government and Private)
Grants for felons provide an excellent way for those with a criminal conviction to gain financial support.
These grants can come from federal or state government or private sources.
With an opportunity to reclaim their lives and start over, many felons are eager to apply for grant programs.
These grants can provide felons the financial assistance they need while they re-enter society and towards their goals.
With these grants, felons can receive help to pursue education and start a new chapter in their lives.
Government Grants For Felons
The Government provides grants specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals.
These programs provide access to employment opportunities, counseling services, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
It also covers education, housing, and other support services that can help make reintegration into society easier.
It’s a good opportunity for felons to return to their feet and start a new life.
Here are a few of the best government grants for felons in 2024:
1. Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need and must not be repaid. They are available whether or not you were convicted of a felony.
2. Grants For Disadvantaged Individuals
This grant offers money to those affected by past experiences such as incarceration and other obstacles.
These grants can be used for educational expenses such as tuition, books, and supplies.
3. Second Chance Pell Grant
This grant funds universities and colleges nationwide. These funds are used to fund educational programs and classes for former inmates.
4. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)
This program helps provide housing assistance to low-income people with minimal housing options. Felons can use it without other viable options for safe and stable housing.
5. State Reentry Programs
Many states run reentry programs to assist former inmates in getting back on their feet after leaving prison and transitioning back into society.
Private Grants
Several private organizations offer grants exclusively to felons. These organizations provide financial assistance to help with housing, transportation costs, and education.
It also includes job training programs to give ex-felons an extra hand in getting back on their feet.
Here are the best private grants for felons:
1. Reentry Project Grant
This grant is designed to help felons transition back into society and provide them with job training and support services.
2. John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
This program allows eligible public defenders and prosecutors to have their student loan debt repaid by the government in exchange for a three-year contract.
3. The Pillars of Community Reentry Support grant
The Pillars of Community Reentry Support Grant is a private grant that supports community-based organizations that provide services to individuals who have been incarcerated. These services include job training, educational support, and mentoring.
4. The Hillsides Second Chance grant
The Hillsides Second Chance grant is a private grant that supports organizations that provide job training and employment support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
The grant aims to help these individuals find stable and meaningful employment, a crucial component of successful reentry.
5. The Prisoners Literature Project grant
The Prisoners Literature Project grant is a private grant that supports an organization that provides free reading materials to incarcerated individuals.
The grant aims to promote education and literacy among incarcerated individuals, which can help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Where to Look For Private Felon Grants
Are you looking for grants specifically tailored to felons? You’re in luck! Several private grants are available to those with a criminal record—here’s where to look.
Private Foundations
Private foundations are one of your best bets for finding grants for felons. These foundations often offer grants targeting felons looking to reintegrate into society.
As well they typically have criteria you’ll need to meet to qualify.
Do your research and find out which private foundations offer the grants you want, or contact the foundation directly for more information.
Charities
Specific charities also offer grants for felons and ex-offenders. For example, organizations like Citizen Fund offer up to $500 monthly for six months.
Also, Catholic Charities offer grants ranging from $500 – 2500 depending on need and location.
Other Resources
You can also check out websites like GrantsWarehouse, which provide comprehensive lists of available grants for felons.
So do your due diligence if you’re searching for private funding opportunities!
Education and Career Training Grants for Felons
Grant money can be a massive help if you’re a felon trying to get back on your feet. Government and private grants are available for felons.
So, there’s no need to give up on your dream of getting an education or starting a new career.
Here are five of the best education and career training grants for felons in 2023:
Scholly Impact Grant
This grant from Scholly is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have faced the challenge of returning from incarceration.
It covers up to $20,000 of tuition, fees, and other related expenses for any academic program that leads to a degree or certificate.
Path Forward Reentry Grant
Google.org funds the Path Forward Reentry Grant.
He offers awards of up to $25,000 to individuals who have been formerly incarcerated and are pursuing educational opportunities or starting their businesses.
The money can be used for tuition fees and related costs associated with the educational program.
National Fund for Workforce Solutions Grant
This grant is offered through the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and provides up to $5,000 in funds for training programs, reentry services, and job placement services.
This grant program is meant to help felons gain new skills needed to find employment in today’s economy.
CEO Action Job Placement Initiative
The CEO Action Job Placement Initiative is a project spearheaded by some of the largest corporations in the world.
This initiative offers up to $10,000 financial assistance for convicted individuals enrolling in educational programs or job training courses.
Housing Assistance Programs for Ex-Felons
Did you know that even ex-felons can get help with housing expenses? Yep, it’s true, and you don’t have to be entirely on your own regarding housing.
After all, having safe, decent housing is essential to getting back on your feet as an ex-felon.
Fortunately, a few grants are designed to help felons with housing costs.
Here are some of the best grants for felons in 2023:
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants housing assistance to low-income ex-felons facing financial hardship.
This type of grant can cover things like rent payments and home ownership costs.
Fannie Mae’s Second Chance Program
The Fannie Mae Second Chance Program is a unique program that helps ex-felons become homeowners by offering them low-interest loan options.
Through this program, ex-felons can buy a home without a down payment or closing costs, making it easier to become homeowners.
Homeownership Opportunity Network (HON) Program
The Homeownership Opportunity Network (HON) Program is a government-funded program that provides counseling.
They also give financial assistance to individuals convicted of a felony but who want to purchase their own homes.
The HON Program also helps ex-felons repair their credit, making it easier for them to qualify for traditional home loans in the future.
These three grants offer ex-felons the opportunity to secure safe and affordable housing.
Support Groups and Resources Available for Ex-Felons
Re-entering the workforce can be a daunting experience for anyone, but especially for felons, who may lack the social and industry connections necessary for employment.
Luckily, many organizations provide support and resources to ex-felons so they can reintegrate successfully into society.
They offer programs that provide financial aid, counseling, job training, and job placement services to help ex-felons find gainful employment.
These initiatives range from federally funded grants to vocational training and job placement programs run by state and local governments.
Support groups are great resources for ex-felons, helping them build a community for individuals with similar histories.
Felon support groups provide a safe space to discuss mistakes made in the past and how to prevent them in the future.
They also offer guidance on post-prison adjustment issues, such as rebuilding relationships with family members and regaining employer trust.
Conclusion
Grants for felons can help recovering citizens start again and stay on the right track. Government and private grants can provide the resources needed to obtain an education, start a business, and transition back into society.
Navigating the many available grants can seem intimidating, but finding the right grant for you can be bliss with the right resources and research. Register for the best grants for felons in 2023 and apply before the deadlines.
Remember, with the help of these grants, you can build your future and reach the goals you set for yourself.
Regardless of where you choose to apply, there are specific criteria you must meet before you’re eligible. The best thing to do is research each option before submitting your application
