After leaving prison, ex-felons actually face new challenges in order to live a decent life in society getting a job is one of them. In fact, it’s pretty hard for individuals with a criminal record to be hired by employers, considering they usually perform background checks that can prevent ex-felons from hiring.
That’s why many ex-felons start to open small businesses as they can. Even so, running a business, even if it’s small, is not that easy. There’s no doubt that having adequate capital is one of the challenges for them.
In this hard situation, they’re trying to find funds for their starting businesses, such as grants and small business financing. And luckily, there are plenty of resources, either from the government, foundations, or private organizations, that can finance the ex-felons’ businesses without having to pay them back.
Okay, let’s discover the list of grants that ex-felons can get!
What is a Felon Grant?
A grant is a sum of money provided by the government (both federal, state, and local) or private organizations for a specific purpose, such as business, education, research, or charities. There are different types of grants that are available for different sectors and fields.
Grants for felons are funds that they don’t have to repay. Many felons are trying to get grants for starting a business. Sure, not all convicts with felony convictions are eligible to get grants; some cases may disqualify them from getting one.
Grants for Felons: Here’s a List!
As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are plenty of grants provided by the government, private organizations, and other resources. And it’s a great time for you to find one that will be willing to fund your starting business.
To make it easier for you to get a proper one, we’ll create a list of grants for felons based on the sources. Here they are:
A. Government Grants
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) actually offers a number of grants, and most of them are used to reduce recidivism rates, prevent drug abuse, implement community safety initiatives, and help felons re-enter society after leaving prison. The DOJ’s grant programs are given to local, state, and federal governments.
If you want to know more about the grants available to federal, state, and local governments, here’s the list:
| Federal Government Grants | 1. Grants.gov
With more than 1,000 grant programs for different fields and sectors, the federal government grants are known as the largest ones that are available to the public. You can find them on their website, Grants.gov, the gateway to getting grants. Basically, federal government grants are provided to fund people’s projects and stimulate the economy. However, it’s pretty complicated to submit an application and get it. Of course, it will take time, and you should be patient and willing to learn how the system works. You can access their website to discover the grant opportunities and requirements that may match your eligibility. Usually, all of the grants on Grants.gov are available to felons. To start looking for grants on Grants.gov, you can do the following steps:
It’s time to apply for a grant. To do so, you’ll have to create a Workspace account and follow the instructions on the website. |
| 2. PELL Grant
The federal government also offers PELL grants that can help you cover the cost of schooling for traditional college classes or vocational training. The amount of money you may receive will change yearly and also depend on your financial needs, the cost of attendance, and other factors. For your information, the maximum PELL grant award for the 2019–2020 academic year is about $6,195. To see PELL grants available, you can access the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid. And you can learn how to apply and the process you should complete. |
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| State Government Grants | In addition to the federal government, every state will also have its own grant programs that are available to the general public.
Of course, you may also find state grant programs that are designed with ex-felons in mind. To find one, you can try to search for resources through the following organizations:
There are many small business grant programs that are available in various states throughout the United States. |
| Local Government Grants | Yep, your local government grants should be the first step you’re looking for, before state and federal government grants.
In fact, some larger cities and towns reserve some tax dollars for grants in the hope of helping economic development in local areas. To find one, you can try to check with your local government about any grants available that you can apply for. |
B. Private Organization Grants
In addition to government grants, you can also try looking for other grants, private organization grants are one of them. Just like federal government grants, there are dozens of private grant programs available to the public.
Here’s a list of private organization grants for felons!
1. US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA definitely offers funding programs for small businesses, including grants. Just like federal government grants, there’s a series of steps you should follow to get one.
Even though a specific grant program for felons is not available, you can try to apply for a SBA’s grant. To get a guide to the process, you can access the “Learning Center” page at https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform.
2. NASE Growth Grant
Every quarter, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers growth grants for small businesses up to $4,000. To get a NASE grant, you must become a member.
You can choose one of different membership options, including additional benefits such as products and expert advice. After you become a NASE member, you can apply for a grant via the NASE website at https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/grants-and-scholarships.
It’s important to note that new members will not be able to directly apply for a grant, but they should wait 90 days. To apply, you will definitely have to provide your business plan and explain why you need the funds and how the funds will be used.
3. Amber Grants
Even though Amber Grants aren’t specifically designated for felons, their grant programs are great for women entrepreneurs. Reportedly, Amber Grants gives $10,000 to one woman-owned business every month.
Just like other grants, Amber Grants can be used for various purposes, such as starting a small business, pursuing education, and conducting research. Although you’re a felon, you can try to look for eligibility and then apply for all of the Amber Grants on the WomensNet website at https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/.
4. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
At least, about 10 small businesses receive grants of up to $50,000 and $4,000 through the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest. Remaining winners may receive smaller business grants, approximately up to $20,000, and other perks.
To prepare for next year’s contest, you can review the eligibility requirements online as this year’s contest has closed. Since you’re a felon, you should be willing if FedEx conducts a background check.
5. LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy
LEAP a nonprofit organization situated in Florida offers a program for incarcerated females to transition back into society. The program, called The LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy, teaches business skills to its participants and runs twice per year.
The participants will learn a business plan and have the opportunity to win cash prizes. To qualify for a grant, you must be an ex-convict and have access to a computer. LEAP covers the costs of the entire program through funding from its sponsors.
6. Determination, Incorporated
Situated in Kansas City, Missouri, “Determination, Incorporated,” a nonprofit organization, actually helps ex-felons start and grow their businesses through the Rise Up, Get Started program.
The participants can learn about coaching, mentoring, and community support in a year-long program. At the end of the program, they will have approximately $300 for their business.
They also have an in-prison workshop called “Back to Business” that helps ex-felons start and develop a business plan, so they will have a business overview and can start it quickly.
Online Grant Resources for Felons
Aside from having a chance to get grants from government and private organizations, felons can also try to discover other programs online. These resources could help felons to find a grant for their starting business.
Here are some online resources that provide grants for felons:
1. GrantWatch
GrantWatch is one of the websites that provides grant databases from various sources, such as the government, nonprofit organizations, and foundations. You can access this website to find grants available nearby.
You can start searching for grants by typing related keywords, using categories, choosing the type of funding, eligibility, and more. GrantWatch’s system shows nearly 28,000 grant programs, including small business grants.
To get the latest information about available grants, you may have to subscribe by paying membership costs between $18 per week and $199 per year, and you can access GrantWatch at https://www.grantwatch.com.
2. Inmates to Entrepreneurs
Inmate to Entrepreneurs offers grants for felons to start their own businesses in the hope of cutting down the recidivism rate in the United States. Free online courses, in-person courses, video libraries, and prison workshops are some of their excellent programs.
You can access Inmates to Entrepreneurs at https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org.
3. Crowfunding
Crowdfunding is a type of online website to raise funds from a large group of investors. And the funds are usually used to help people who want to start a business but don’t have a budget.
Of course, felons can take advantage of some crowdfunding websites to get grants easier, such as:
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- Kickstarter raises funds through creative projects with a strong reward rate feature. You can try to create an interesting campaign video and also share it on social media to reach the largest investors.
- IndeGoGo offers flexible products that specialize in technology and hardware product launches. Reportedly, many have started their businesses with grants that they got through IndeGoGo.
- GoFundMe allows anyone to raise money for personal, charitable, or business purposes. To successfully attract potential investors, you may have to explain your goals as clearly as possible, like “I’m a felon and want to improve my finances by running a starting business, but I can’t yet since I don’t have any money after leaving prison.”
Well, you can try to take advantage of one or more resources that may allow you, as a felon, to get a grant to fund your starting business.
How to Get Grants for Felons: Tips and Tricks
If you’re a felon and are trying to get a grant, you may have to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process. Some grants may require you to submit a proposal, your business plan, a budget, or other documents to show your need for the grant.
You should be patient after submitting a grant application since it may take longer until you receive it. However, the application process and deadlines will vary depending on the type of grant and the grant provider.
Depending on the grant provider, the requirements of getting grants will also vary since each provider will set their own terms. So, make sure to search for grants that match your eligibility.
Here are some tips and tricks that may help you get grants:
- Perform some simple research to find grants that will match your business plan.
- Always read the grant guidance carefully and follow the instructions.
- Prepare your documents and materials first and make sure to correct the errors if found.
- Present your proposal clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
- Explain the benefits of the grant to you and the community.
- Seek advice from other grantees, mentors, or experts in your field.
- Track your progress and submit your application before the deadline.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
