Are there grants for felons in Alabama? While there are very few grants designed specifically for felons, other financial assistance is available to help felons make a fresh start.
Whether you’re looking for help with daily expenses, free money for school, grants for training, or a grant to help you start a business, we’ve got you covered.
How To Get Grants For Felons in Alabama
Grants are free money that doesn’t need to be repaid, and felons can access various grants through government benefit programs, education funding, reentry assistance, and even homeownership support. Here’s a look at the opportunities available in Alabama.
Basic Needs Grants in Alabama for Felons
If you meet the income and asset requirements, you can qualify for government programs that provide free money to cover basic living expenses without needing to go through a background check.
Free grants in Alabama for basic needs include:
- SNAP (Food Stamps): Gives a monthly payment to spend on groceries.
- Medicaid: Provides free or low-cost healthcare.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Offers short-term cash assistance for low-income families with children.
- SSI/SSDI: Provides financial aid for individuals with disabilities.
Apply for benefits at the Alabama Department of Human Resources: https://dhr.alabama.gov/
Housing Grants For Felons in Alabama
Felons in Alabama struggling to secure affordable housing can apply for rental assistance programs managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). These programs include:
- Public Housing: Affordable rental units owned by housing authorities.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Provides subsidies to help low-income individuals afford private rented housing.
Each PHA has its own rules regarding criminal records, and you will need to pass a background check. However, felons are only permanently banned from these programs if:
- Convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing
- Subject to a lifetime registration requirement as a sex offender
Waiting lists for housing assistance are common, so it’s best to apply as soon as you can. Background checks are carried out after your application moves off the waiting list.
Alabama PHAs: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
Reentry Grants For Felons
Reentry programs are an important source of grants for felons in Alabama. Funded in large part by the Second Chance Act, reentry programs help felons reintegrate into society by providing access to housing, employment, education, and more. These programs may offer limited grants to cover costs like:
- Housing assistance – Security deposits, first month’s rent
- Work-related expenses – Tools, work clothing, transportation
- Vocational training – CDL school, trade certifications
- Tattoo removal – Helps felons seeking employment in professional settings
While all reentry programs offer extensive support to felons, not all have the financial resources to offer grants. Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to connect with reentry providers in your local area and find out about Alabama grants for individuals returning from incarceration.
Grants To Help Pay For Move-In Costs & Utilities
Many charities and nonprofits in Alabama offer one-time grants to help with emergency expenses, such as security deposits, overdue rent payments, and utility bills. If you need financial help to obtain housing or cover overdue bills, these organisations and programs may be able to help:
- Salvation Army Alabama: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ala-lou-mis/
- Catholic Charities Alabama: https://www.catholiccharitiesbhm.org/
- Modest Needs Grants: https://www.modestneeds.org/for-applicants/apply-for-help.asp
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): https://adeca.alabama.gov/liheap/
Call the free United Way helpline at 2-1-1 to find more local charities and organizations offering financial aid.
Free Phone Plans Alabama Felons Can Qualify For
Felons in Alabama may qualify for a free cell phone and monthly service plan through the Lifeline Assistance Program. Plan benefits depend on the provider you choose, but typically include free unlimited texts and calls and a free capped data allowance.
Eligibility is based on your household income. Recipients of government benefit programs will also qualify.
Free grants in Alabama: https://lifewireless.com/plans/alabama-lifeline-free-phone-service
Education Grants for Felons in Alabama
Felons planning to go to college or trade school can apply for grants that provide free money for school. There are no background checks for these grants, eligibility is income-based.
Alabama grants for individuals going back to school include:
Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year for college or vocational programs. Incarcerated felons may also qualify if enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program (PEP).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awards up to $4,000 per year for students with exceptional financial need.
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP): State-funded need-based grants providing up to $5,000 per year for Alabama students attending college in-state.
All education grants are awarded based on the information you provide on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Learn more about education grants.
Job Training Grants for Felons
Alabama offers workforce development programs that provide grants to pay for training, apprenticeships, and certifications.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): The WIOA covers training costs for in-demand careers. Earn-as-you-learn programs may also be available for some industries.
Contact your local Alabama Career Center to apply for training, or learn more about the program.
Homeownership Grants For Felons
Unlike renting, buying a home doesn’t require a criminal background check. You’ll only need to pass a credit check. Felons with steady employment can qualify for a mortgage through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program, which offers:
- Lower credit score requirements
- Smaller down payments
- Higher debt-to-income ratios
- Competitive interest rates
Alabama also offers first-time homebuyer financing that can assist with closing costs and down payments:
The Step Up Program provides down payment assistance (up to 3% of the purchase price) to eligible homebuyers earning less than $159,200.
Grants In Alabama For Small Businesses
Starting a business or becoming self-employed can be a great option for felons, and several grant and affordable loan programs may provide funding:
Amber Grant: Awards monthly grants to women entrepreneurs, including those with criminal records.
Southern Opportunity and Resilience Fund: Funding for small businesses in underserved communities, including those owned by felons – https://www.connect2capital.com/p/soar-fund/soar-get-started/
NASE Growth Grants: Only available to members of the NASE (membership $11.95 per month). Grants are awarded every quarter.
Transform Business Grant: Awards grants to members of marginalized groups, including felons – https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/
Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant: Offers a small business grant and free business formation service to the grant winner – https://bizee.com/blog/bizee-fresh-start-small-business-grant/
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