Many felons or ex-offenders seek grants and loans for several different reasons. Some may be wanting to go to college or start a small business. You may be thinking that being a felon would keep you from getting a loan or grant but this is not the case.
Grants for felons are specifically set aside by the federal and some state governments in some cases. It is also important to remember that being a felon does not keeping you from obtaining a loan or grant in most cases. All you need to do is know how to grab that free money which we will explain below.
Grants For Felons
What is a grant?
A grant is money that is given to a person that does not have to be repaid. Often grants are issued on a “need” basis. In other words someone that has a full time job making $75,000 dollars a year would not be able to qualify for a grant but someone that makes $10,000 year or nothing a year would qualify because they have a “need” for it. Grants for felons can be issued by the state in which you live or the federal government. Some private institutions also offer grants.
Department of Labor Grants
The Department of Labor; Employment and Training Administration has several grant programs for felons that are pre-release as well as for ex-felons that are out of prison. Most grants are also open to anyone who applies whether they are a felon or not.
These loans cover many different things from housing, transportation, small businesses and community development. You can search or browse all available grants here on Grants.Gov. Simply go to their website, search and then fill out the application package associated with each grant opportunity.
Educational Pell Grants for Felons
Pell Grants are only available for educational purposes and are open to almost all felons. Drug related felonies will bar you from receiving a Pell Grant but this can be overcome if you have or complete an approved drug rehabilitation program and also pass two random drug tests.
Students or aspiring students with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid but nearly 100% of cases can be overcome in one way or another. Here is where you can find information on Pell Grants or apply directly.
Pell Grants are available to use at any approved and credentialed college or trade school. Since white collar jobs often discriminate against felons it may be worth investigating blue collar trade schools. Many trade schools offer programs in welding, carpentry, electrical, roofing, drafting/CAD and HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning). Often times we have found that construction and trade type jobs are much more apt to hire a felon than other white collar or office type jobs.
Scholarships for felons
A scholarship is very similar to a grant but the main difference is where the money comes from. Scholarships are generally given by organizations or schools and do not need paid back. It is very possible for a felon to get a scholarship and you should apply for everyone possible. Here is a some scholarships you can apply for. We do not know of any scholarships for felons only but you will be able to apply for 99% of them out there anyway. Often times writing an essay can earn you $1,000 to $5,000 for school or college.
Loans For Felons
What is a loan?
A loan is money that you borrow and then repay under whatever conditions are in your contract. Loan terms can vary greatly so it is advised that you fully read the contract you are signing and/or have a trusted lawyer go over the contract with you. Certain types of loans will have more interest than others, the highest interest loans are short term or “payday loans.” Often times these types of loans have rates from 100% to 2,000%.
Educational Loans for felons
Chances are you will not be able to get enough grant money to pay for all of your education. This will mean that you will have to apply for student loans from the federal government. The good news is that nearly everyone qualifies for student loans since credit scores are not nearly as important as with traditional loans.
Being a felon also does not really hurt your chances of getting a loan either. The criteria for student loans is very straightforward and easy to understand. Student loans can be used for trade schools as well as traditional or online colleges. As with Pell Grants you may have to complete a drug education or drug rehab program if your felony is drug related.
Private Loans for Felons
It is not impossible for a felon/ex-felon to receive a private loan from a bank. The chance is greater if the felony was committed over 10 years ago and you have decent credit. Since the financial crisis of 2008 banks have tightened up dramatically.
There are only three options to get a private loan as a felon.
- You should be able to get credit cards as a felon. Most Credit Card companies do not care if you are a convicted felon or not. They are mostly interested in what your credit score and history looks like. If you have poor credit then you may want to consider repairing it. This can easily be done on your own if you have the right knowledge and instructions. On our books for felons page we have recommended a great book that will give you all the information to clean up your credit and launch disputes.
- If you need a private loan for an invention or small business then you are may have to raise money from private investors. This can be a very difficult task but can be accomplished if you put the time and energy into it.
- Collateral. In other words if you have something of great value then you can put that up for security to the bank or person you are borrowing from. This is high risk for you. If you do not pay the borrowed money back then you will lose whatever you put up for collateral.
Small Business Loans for Felons
The US Small Business Administration has several different loan programs that you may qualify for. Many of the loans and grants that are available are only open to specific types of small business. They have several loan and grant programs and include general small business loans, disaster loans, Microloans and real estate/equipment loans.
Payday Loans For Felons
We hesitate in adding or recommending payday loans for felons or any person. The interest rates are very high and the terms are very heavy in most cases. It is not uncommon for a payday loans to reach very high interest rates. With that being said if used very responsibly you may be able to jump start a small business or avoid a disaster by obtaining a payday loan. If you really need a loan then you should stick with reputable lender like CashAdvance.com.
General advice
Going back to school or going to school for the first time is a big decision, whether it is a trade school or college. Make sure that you can and will be able to secure a job in the field that you want to work in long before you ever start school. This will help make sure that you spend your money on something that will help you. In other words if you have a felony conviction for grand theft please do not go to school for accounting!
Remember that loans for felons are very hard to get but where there is a will there is a way. Keep your head up and try every avenue possible. Remember to to check out grants that are available to felons also.
I am a convicted felon, convicted of intent to distrubute schedule ll back in 2009. I tried the WIA program to receive CDL training through Jefferson County here in Colorado. I was awarded funding! However, the next day after signing the contract with the trucking school and paying $1,500 out of my own pocket, Jefferson County workforce called me to inform me that they were pulling my funding from me because I was on their low priority list, and they ran out of money.
I didn’t let that get me down. So I tried adams county workforce, did all their aptitude tests, research, seminars, meetings, and was informed that they would not give me funding because I had a felony… even though they had plenty of money, and WIA is “supposed to be for everyone, regardless of background or felonies” they freaking sent me packing as if I had some kind of plague or something! It was beyond belief. I hope one day these emails I saved from them will warrant discrimination against them! I feel that I paid my debt to society and just want to put this behind me. It’s sickening how quick I was shot down.
Debra Jackson
Congrats on what you do by not only being in school but helping others on the side. I’ve been in Criminal Justice & have a Bachelor’s in Law. Although I live in Nebraska, maybe we can work together on helping people get the resources they need. My email is [email protected].
Hi names brittany
I live in denver colorado i have three kids have two felonis and a couple domestic violence charges served 15 month county jail and 8 months prison i made a lot of mistakes in my life im 26 homeless and with medical problems i have re apyed for my ssi back its still pending i am looking for help in housing and a vehicle for me and my kids there 2,4,&0 newborn didnt plan on having my kids but ill never say they were a mistake they are my miracles and s but i have been turned down so many times when i am completely honest with people they hear menising or demestic violence and straight judge me as violent my charges were plead to i protected a child in both of my felony case not knowing that the state of colorado protects sex offenders even if they keep hurting children i stood up for two kids and got charges the dv was do to self protection from a alcohol cop calling ex husband i lost it after a year of being mentaly and emotionally beat down i fought back and slapped him im not proud of the things ive done in my life but would not wish to change whats been done i need financial help amd resorces for felon friendly houseing the housing place for section 8 in my state wont help me cuz im a violent offender i got turned away as soon as i told them i had teo menising charges and a dv charge anyone help please
Brittany
Sorry to hear about your situation. I am a victim of sexual assault & wish there were harsher punishment for sex offenders. Have you tried HUD housing or going through Blue Valley? They help alot of people especially those with children.
I’ve struggled to find and keep jobs since 2013. I am a uneducated ex felon here in the state of Alabama, meaning that I have never been able to acquire a GED because of pressure from DHR child support division to find employment and if I do find employment, the pay is never enough, or it’s too far to travel in which I never make enough money to even provide myself transportation back and forth to work. Jobs will not hire uneducated felons in this state and the city I live is extremely prejudice when it comes to hiring ex felons. I am a smart man but I’ve made mistakes in my past which never seem to be forgiven. I really need to go back to school but of I don’t pay child support I go back to jail. These so called grants for ex felons are a joke and there is no help for someone like myself who always seems to be targeted by law enforcement and the judicial system. I just recently found out that the entire time I was incarcerated that my ex applied for TANF which leaves me over 70 thousand dollars in arrears and this goes on your credit report which keeps me from finding housing, a vehicle, and applying for any type of loan. I will not sell drugs or do anything else illegal because I have 2 prior convictions and I do not wish to spend the rest of my life on prison. My situation is hopeless.
You stop making excuses, or keep your dick in your pants comma or kill yourself
That’s uncalled for!!!
You Betta call Tyrone!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your a fucken clown , Kill yourself , what kind of bullshit is that? If you ain’t got something better to say or uplifting then what the fuck you doing on here other then trying to spread your negativity, someone can be depressed or suicidal and comments like yours can very well send them over the edge , be careful what you say there’s a lot of people that are hurting and down on there luck. KEEP IT POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT THANK YOU
Your so wrong. I will pray for you. God Bless You
Mr tyrone ur a sorry selfish excuse for a human being… How do u tell someone to kill themself??? Only an idiot says things like that.. I have never been in trouble, but im a firm believer in giving someone a chance… People change…
I’m an criminal justice college student in Minnesota. I’m doing an major project in researching about the problems that prisoners face in the reentry of the workplace after being release from prison with low-level/non-violence charges. I do understand how our society impact stigma and discrimination against es-felons with social isolation. It’s wrong and everyone in our society from government, religion, and workplace needs to give people that made an mistake an second change in being an productive citizen in our society. But how can we do that will these discrimination in hiring, housing, and education. It’s time for a change in our policies, laws, housing, and jobs. The proper way of being rehabiliated in the real world is giving an person an second change tha’s is needed in surviving and making a better lifestyle in taking care of themselves and family structure. There are several programs in the state of Minnesota that helps ex-felons with jobs, housing, and certain trade skills. Sometimes we have to look at all options and make an decision best for ourselves in challenging these stereotypes laws with ex-felons in workplace. I have several family members that chosen the wrong path but with the Grace of God and Good favor in certain employees hearts, they was giving a second chance. Please don’t give up, start talking up, someone will hear you or move to another state.
Hello Debra,
My name is Tricia. I live in New York State. I am a ex-offender who is in college to get my BA. in Criminal Psychology. My ultimate goal in getting this degree is in order to help those who are currently incarcerated. I am truly hoping to get a career in Correctional Counseling. I have a strong passion to reach out to those still struggling with there criminal lifestyle. It took me literally dying to snap out of my madness and insanity. For 15 yrs. I lived in the streets. I am more than willing to answer any questions you may have. I too, am working on a argumentitive essay on Professionals with criminal records being allowed to gain employment in the C.J.S..
https://helpforfelons.org/reentry-programs-ex-offenders-state/#Texas
I would suggest checking these resources out. Alaska is a big state too, with lots of fleons in rural areas and I’ve found that even if you are out of the general area of the program, they often can still help or hook you up with someone who can. Ask your PO, to0!
Good Luck and God Bless
hi i just got out last month april 10 2016 i know from past experience that i can’t get a job as for being an exfelon 4 times looser im a transgender just trying to survive out here in this cruel world im living in a sober living house but i need to come up with rent or i will be out on the streets wich will not be good for me being a transgender they or we seem to either be raped and then or killed please somebody needs to help me out .
Hi Dawna, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of that! Have you tried using Mechanical Turk? I just checked it out and it seems pretty legit for earning money, especially if you’re a fast typer. You could probably use a public library computer if you don’t have your own. The website is here:
https://www.mturk.com/mturk/welcome
And here’s the article on this site about working online, which has other options that might also work for you:
https://helpforfelons.org/online-jobs-felons/
I’ve heard from trans people I know that call centers are often decent about not discriminating on gender identity, so I did a search for telemarketing jobs for you that I’m sure you could refine to just your area: http://www.snagajob.com/job-search/q-telemarketer
This site can be really useful if you’re having trouble paying rent or bills, as it has a lot of information on national and local programs for financial assistance: http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/get_help_paying_rent.html
Please know that your life is extremely valuable and important. I hope this helped a little bit, and I’m rooting for you!
Hi my name is andy hall i have 2 felonies from drinking and driving i am currently in a halfway house i been sobet for 6 months now. I been putting apps. In every day 10 a day sometimes. I like to get a losns for tools and truck so i can start my own construction business. I am very good at. Please help
Hey Andy, if you can… sign up for a couple business or construction classes at a local community college. Use the refund money to buy your tools. (Make sure you complete the classes) who knows, you might decide to finish the degree if you don’t already have one, but you’ll come out with the tools you need.
Hello my name is Martin. I’ve been out of jail for seven years, staying out of trouble but not doing the right thing. I’ve applied for jobs and looked for steady work, but have been denied in every way. I just recently quit selling drugs a year and a half ago, to run an illegal game room, something my parents would come to but are not proud of when I’m mentioned. I’m tired of not being able to get stable employment and not able to be around my children, I’m forty one and I don’t see a bright future for myself, I’m begging for help in any direction any state anywhere. I’m from Texas,I have nothing but drug convictions, I’m not proud of this and I know there is no way of changing this, but I know somewhere there is help for a person like me. I do not steal and work very hard at anything I do. If there is any one that has any info, help, anything that will inspire me, please contact me at my phone number or email. I’m currently at my parents house, and they throw me out every other month because I can’t find steady work,I stay in Alvin, out in the middle of no where, it’s very difficult to get anything accomplished, please help. Martin Gilliard [email protected]
7138207383
Thank you for your time and God Bless
I’m dealing with the same situation bro 47 and live in illinoisI’m wanting to try to go to truck driving school but I don’t have money for that and I have defaulted on student loans years ago. Hmu maybe we can here each other 3148177954
Rick consolidate your student loans. Call Great Lakes if you don’t have a computer to fill the papers out. Then, check with some trucking companies and they might actually pay for your schooling if you agree to work for them for a certain amount of time. Also check with an employment resource center near you because there may be government money from WIA that will pay for you to go to trucking school. Hope that helps.
Try golden hawk in creatine ohio once you get your CDL
You number is incorrect, Please call Debra (763)202-1376. I’m a criminal justice college student and is working on helping ex-felons transition into our society and workplace. I have several good resources in the state of MInnesota. My grandmother always said” Nothing beat a failure but a try”.
Defaulting on students loans shouldn’t stop you from going back to school. There are several student loan forgiveness programs available. Also if you choose to go back to school before paying off or getting loans forgiven the government will refinance your loans and add them onto your new loan. Good luck!
Martin, you have to figure out what it is you want to do. If you didn’t get a drug conviction while receiving federal student aid, you qualify. If you did, you still qualify. You’ll just have to jump through some hoops. Maybe you should consider relocating to a place where there ate more opportunities.