Ex felons can face extreme difficulties when trying to rebuild their lives after serving time in prison. They may face challenges in finding jobs, housing, and education opportunities and more. But there is hope for ex felons who want a second chance. A wide range of grants and financial assistance programs provide free money for ex felons to fund the resources needed for a fresh start.
By securing grants for felons from government and community organizations, newly released prisoners can access funds to cover tuition, vocational skills, housing costs, transportation, treatment programs, business expenses and other necessities. There are many opportunities available for ex-convicted felon who are ready to work hard and truly turn their lives around after prison.
This guide will explore the types of grants ex-felons may qualify for based on their background and needs. So, let’s learn more about how to get free money for ex felons.
What Grants Are Available for Ex Felons?
There are various grants and ex felon assistance programs at the federal, state and local levels that can provide much-needed cash assistance to qualified ex-offenders. Some of the major options include:
Federal Pell Grants: Free Money For Ex Felons
Through the U.S. Department of Education, Pell Grants award up to $6,495 annually to low-income individuals pursuing a college education.
The U.S. Department of Education recently expanded the second chance pell experiment for the 2022-2023 award year. This initiative allows inmates at certain federal and state prisons to get need-based Pell Grants for college education.
About 64% of individuals in a federal or state prison may be eligible for this program.
Government Business Grant for Felons
For ambitious ex-felons, entrepreneurship can provide a pathway to employment and financial stability. At federal, state, and local levels, government agencies offer targeted business grants to convicted felons who wish to start or expand a small business. These funding opportunities can help cover initial operating costs and support long-term growth.
- State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) – This $1.5 billion federal fund operated through the Treasury Department allocates money to states for expanding lending and investment programs for new entrepreneurs. Many states use SSBCI grants to fund felon reentry projects.
- Project Second Chance – San Diego offers cash grants up to $10,000 for startup and existing businesses owned by formerly incarcerated residents reentering the community. Recipients get mentorship and operational support.
- New Haven Reentry Welcome Center – This Connecticut reentry program provides microloans between $500-$5,000 for qualified small business ideas pitched by recently released convicts in the New Haven area.
- The TRANSFORM Business Grant – Designed to support entrepreneurs in systemically oppressed groups, The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides a $1,000 microgrant and a customized, year-long business strategy and development program to each grantee.
Housing Grants For Ex Felons
Finding affordable housing is one of the most pressing concerns for released prisoners. Several government and nonprofit programs offer housing grants for felons to cover rent, deposits, furnishings, and more as they transition out of prison.
- Oak Foundation Housing Grant – This foundation provides up to $2,500 in rental assistance for the first 3 months after an ex-offender’s release from incarceration. Recipients get help securing housing.
- The Fortune Society – Based in New York, this national nonprofit runs the Peter Jay Sharp Reentry Housing Program which grants temporary housing in supported apartments to newly released inmates.
- Section 8 Housing Vouchers – In some states like Illinois, released felons meeting income limits can qualify for federal rental assistance vouchers even with a criminal record through exceptions.
Housing assistance can help former inmates avoid homelessness and succeed in reentry and rehabilitation.
Reentry Programs for Ex-Felons
Reentry programs guides ex felons for career counseling, skills training, and job placement services.
Nonprofit reentry programs offer grants and comprehensive services to ex-offenders who need assistance in finding employment. These services include funding for training and certifications, counseling, skills development, and employment connections.
The America Works program collaborates with local agencies to offer job training and placement services. It also provides transitional work grants to felons who participate in the program.
The Last Mile – Focused on tech industry training, this nonprofit offers a full curriculum of computer skills along with personal development. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students at partner facilities in several states.
Defy Ventures provides intensive reentry services that combine entrepreneurship, employment coaching, and self-improvement for ex-felons. The CEO of Your New Life program offers grants up to $2,500 to enrolled ex-felons to help them start their careers.
Education and Training Grants For Felons
Ex-felons can improve their job prospects by gaining education and vocational skills.
To support this, educational institutions and nonprofits provide grants specifically for career development. These grants offer free money for ex felons pursuing education and training.
Fortune Society David Rothenberg Center – This New York reentry program provides grants to cover GED testing, college application fees, books, uniforms and other education expenses for participating ex-offenders.
McConnell Foundation Scholarships – For ex-felons in Minnesota pursuing two- or four-year degrees, the McConnell Foundation awards annual scholarships between $1,000 and $3,000 based on financial need.
These grants provide free money for education to ex-felons, removing cost barriers and promoting professional growth and employability.
Financial help for ex felons and self-sufficiency From Non-Profit Organizations
Ex-convicts have other options besides grants to get financial assistance and self sufficiency for their needs after being released from prison.
Prison Fellowship
Prison Fellowship is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing spiritual hope, renewal, and rehabilitation to incarcerated individuals across America.
With over 20,000 volunteers nationwide, Prison Fellowship runs faith-based programs directly inside prisons to uplift and transform imprisoned men and women.
Through in-prison programs like the Prison Fellowship Academy, Connection ClassesTM, Create: New Beginnings, and Hope Events, incarcerated individuals can embrace their Christian faith, discover their identity in Christ, and experience renewal even behind bars.
Prison Entrepreneurship Program
The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) is a Texas-based nonprofit providing an intensive 5-year training curriculum in business and entrepreneurship skills . The Programs is for for ambitious inmates looking to start their own companies.
During the in-prison phase, inmates are provided with courses in various topics such as business planning, financial literacy, public speaking, and computer skills. The participants create detailed plans for launching their own business. The most potential student-entrepreneurs might receive financial assistance and guidance to establish their businesses behind bars.
After release, PEP provides housing, mentoring, and continuing education to assist entrepreneur-inmates in launching their businesses. PEP connects graduates with potential investors and hosts events to publicly pitch business ideas.
In all, over 500 PEP graduates have successfully founded businesses, leveraging the robust training and incubation provided by the program. PEP unlocks potential in inmates with entrepreneurial drive and empowers them to achieve economic independence through business ownership.
If you have a ex felon and want to start or expand a business, contact your local PEP office. They can provide information about the program and the services they offer.
The Fortune Society
Founded in 1967, The Fortune Society is a New York-based nonprofit focused on successful reentry and rehabilitation for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through a holistic range of services, Fortune Society assists over 10,000 ex-felons annually with transitioning back into the community after incarceration.
The organization provides housing support, employment readiness workshops, education funding, counseling, addiction treatment, and assistance securing public benefits.
In 2022 alone, Fortune Society placed over 450 participants into stable housing, enrolled 750 in job readiness programs, and helped participants secure an average of $1,830 in SNAP food benefits, cash assistance, and unemployment insurance.
With over 50 years of experience helping transform lives damaged by incarceration, The Fortune Society takes a comprehensive approach to empowering ex felons to get back on their feet.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities offers essential support and financial assistance to ex-felons.
Active in communities across the country, Catholic Charities organizations provide vital social services to vulnerable groups including the formerly incarcerated.
By partnering with corrections departments and community groups, local Catholic Charities help ex-felons transition out of the prison system and get back on a positive path.
Services can include temporary housing assistance, job readiness programs, addiction counseling, immigration legal help, and enrollment in public benefits. Dedicated case managers work closely with ex-offenders to coordinate a range of support targeted to their unique situation.
The Delancey Street Foundation
The Delancey Street Foundation is a residential self-help organization focused on rehabilitation for ex-convicts, substance abusers, and the formerly homeless. Their pioneering model is based on “each-one-teach-one” with no professional staff.
Residents must maintain sobriety and participate in Delancey Street’s extensive vocational education programs, learning skilled trades like carpentry, restaurant management, automotive repair, and more. Graduates leave equipped with certifications, experience and job opportunities.
With a “no government funding” philosophy, Delancey Street develops for-profit businesses for its residents to work in, funding rehabilitation. Successful graduates mentor and train new residents, passing on skills. Over 14,000 ex-cons have turned their lives around through Delancey Street’s emphasis on personal accountability, hard work, and community support.
How Do I Qualify for an Ex Felon Grant?
When searching for grant for felons, it’s important to find ones that match your background and circumstances and meet the eligibility criteria. Here are some typical qualifications include:
- Proof of Conviction – Most require court documents confirming your prior incarceration on a felony charge. The type of conviction may also matter.
- Time Since Release – Programs want to see you have been out 6 months to a year, are off probation/parole, and are committed to lawful life.
- Financial Need – Your current income, assets, and employment status must demonstrate limited means. Proof of need is usually required.
- U.S. Residency – Applicants typically must be American citizens or legal permanent residents able to provide ID/documents.
- Drug-Free – Current sobriety and commitment to substance abuse treatment is often mandatory, with drug tests.
- Motivation to Improve – You must convincingly show you are dedicated to self-improvement, employment, and social responsibility.
- Targeted Groups – Some grants target veterans, formerly addicted, HIV-positive individuals or those with certain skills.
It’s important to carefully review eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your specific circumstances as an ex-felon, which can increase your chances of approval.
Government Benefits and Grants for Ex Felons
Along with nonprofit and private grant funding, ex-offenders should also explore assistance available through government social services and reentry programs. Some options include:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Provides monthly food stamp benefits to qualifying low-income individuals. Most states restore eligibility for ex-felons after release.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – TANF offers cash assistance for basic needs, such as food, clothing, rent, and shelter. Cash assistance is available in some states to very low income ex-felons, especially those with children.
Reentry and Employment Opportunities (REO) – Federal grant program funding state and local reentry projects assisting newly released prisoners with jobs and transitional services.
Local Reentry Programs – Many counties/cities operate initiatives to help ex-cons with housing aid, job placement, financial guidance, budgeting help, and mental health support.
Second Chance Act Grants – These services focus on employment, housing, substance abuse treatment, family reunification, and other services essential for successful reintegration. The Department of Justice provides SCA grants to government and nonprofit organizations specifically for reentry programs and services
What Can Ex-Felon Grants Be Used For?
Common uses for money received from ex-convict grants include:
- Tuition and expenses related to education/training programs
- Starting or expanding a small business
- Rent, utility bills, furnishings and other housing costs
- Vocational certifications, tests and licensing fees
- Work uniforms, tools, transportation for jobs
- Drug, alcohol, medical treatment and counseling
- Childcare, family needs and other living expenses
These grants can help felons access funds that would otherwise be unavailable. This can give them access to services and opportunities that can help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Steps to Start Your Grant Application Process
To get financial assistance for released prisoners, you will need to fill out an application and provide the necessary documents. It is also important to meet the organization’s specific requirements. Here are some tips to get started.:
- Look into eligibility – Make sure you qualify before spending time applying. Reach out to confirm.
- Choose relevant programs – Find grants fitting your background, interests, and needs. An HIV-positive and veteran has different options than a single mother, for instance.
- Track deadlines – Take note of due dates for applications both online and through mail. Give yourself time to gather materials.
- Prepare documents – Applications ask for identity proof, income statements, criminal records, referral letters, and more.
- Follow directions – Carefully adhere to all instructions in the application to avoid disqualification. Double check before sending.
- Coordinate support – Many grants require referrals/backing from parole officers, counselors, case managers. Notify them.
- Be thorough – Answer all questions completely and accurately for best results. Do not leave anything blank.
- Follow up – Politely check on the status of your application after submission if you do not hear back.
Where Can Ex-Felons Apply for Grants?
There are many great resources online and in the community to locate grants specifically for ex-convicts:
- Your parole/probation officer likely has a list of available grants and aid programs. They will know your history and eligibility.
- Legal aid offices in your area assist ex-offenders with reentry. Visit them to learn about local options.
- Nearby vocational rehab organizations and workforce development nonprofits offer grants and free career help.
- Churches, shelters, addiction recovery centers, and prisons/jails themselves often provide info on aid for the formerly incarcerated.
- The U.S. Department of Labor has an Ex-Offender page listing financial resources and organizations.
- Do an online search for your state/city plus grants for felons.
- Check websites for directories of available felon grants.
Dedicated Programs Offer Second Chances with “Free Money”
There are special grant programs available that offer free money for ex felons who are struggling to rebuild their lives after being released from prison. These grants can offer vital financial aid and serve as a foundation for securing stable housing, education, career development, business ideas, and overall self-sufficiency. These unique grant programs open up doors to a better future that may otherwise seem closed to inmates with a criminal record.
Ex-convicts willing to commit to positive change should explore every available option, because tapping into even small amounts of “free money” through grants and assistance can greatly increase their chances of success after serving time in prison.
