This guide explains grants for felons in Colorado and explores some other ways you can get financial help. Some programs help you cover the basics like rent, groceries, and utility costs, while others help you get a fresh start by covering school costs, and job training.
Housing Grants For Felons in Colorado
These Colorado housing grants may help with rent, deposits, and utilities while you get back on your feet.
Housing Support From The Emergency Solutions Grant
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds homeless support programs in Colorado.
Whether you need help with emergency shelter, short-term rental assistance, or move-in costs like a security deposit, ESG funding is designed to reduce homelessness and promote stability.
In places like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, ESG-funded programs often include rapid rehousing using a housing first model. This means your criminal record won’t be a barrier to housing.
To benefit from programs funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant, reach out to your local Coordinated Entry provider.
In Boulder, you can call 303-579-4404 or go to the All Roads Shelter at 4869 Broadway, Boulder – https://allroadsboco.org/get-help/.
Otherwise, call the free 2-1-1 helpline and ask for details about Coordinated Entry providers in your area.
Related Article: Grants For Felons in Washington State
Public Housing & Section 8 Programs
Low-income felons in Colorado may qualify for rent assistance programs that lower housing costs. These Colorado grants include two main types of help through HUD-funded programs.
Public Housing – Public housing units are managed by local housing authorities across Colorado. These units are reserved for low-income residents, and their screening policies follow HUD guidelines. While they are allowed to reject some felons, they must carry out individual assessments and have a good reason for the rejection.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) – This program offers rent support you can use at private rentals, with the housing authority paying part of your rent directly to your landlord each month. It gives you more flexibility in choosing where you live.
Check eligibility and apply through your local housing authority: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/PHA_Contact_Report_CO.pdf
LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)
Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households cover heating costs during the winter months. If you’re behind on your energy bill, LEAP can provide a one-time payment directly to your utility provider.
This seasonal grant is available from November through April and is based on household income, size, and heating costs. Felons in Colorado are eligible as long as they meet the program’s income guidelines and are responsible for paying their home heating bill.
Apply or learn more here: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
Basic Needs Grants in Colorado
These grants and public benefit programs in Colorado help cover essential needs like food, medical care, and emergency cash. Your felony record won’t be a barrier when you need help from these programs.
Colorado Food Assistance (SNAP)
Low-income felons in Colorado can receive monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The amount you qualify for depends on your household size and income.
A single adult with net income under $1,255 per month (after allowable deductions like rent and utilities) may qualify for up to $292 in monthly food assistance. Families and households with children are eligible for higher amounts.
Apply or check your eligibility here: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap
Colorado Works Cash Grants (TANF Program)
Colorado Works provides monthly cash assistance to very low-income families with children under 18. Felons who are caring for children may be eligible if they meet income guidelines and participate in work-related activities like job training or community service.
Cash support is generally limited to 60 months (lifetime) total, but some families may qualify for extensions due to hardship or disability. Colorado Works also offers help with transportation, childcare, and job placement support.
Learn more or apply: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/colorado-works
Free & Low-Cost Medical Care
Felons with low income may qualify for free or low-cost healthcare through Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. It covers doctor visits, mental health care, prescriptions, and more.
Apply here: https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, Colorado also has a network of free and sliding-scale clinics for uninsured residents. In Denver, the Stout Street Health Center provides free primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Find more free clinics in Colorado: https://freeclinicdirectory.org/colorado_care.html
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs is a nonprofit offering small, one-time emergency grants to help people avoid falling into poverty. Whether it’s a car repair you can’t afford, an unexpected medical bill, or a temporary crisis at home, this grant can fill the gap when no other help is available.
Your criminal record isn’t part of the decision-making process. The main requirement is that someone in your household must be employed at the time of applying. Modest Needs also prioritizes individuals who are just outside of qualifying for public benefits, but still living paycheck to paycheck.
Check your eligibility or apply here: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants
Colorado 2-1-1 Helpline
Colorado’s 2-1-1 helpline can connect you with local nonprofits and agencies that are currently offering free grants and basic needs assistance. Whether you’re looking for food, rent help, hygiene supplies, clothing, or even furniture for your home, 2-1-1 advisors can point you in the right direction.
Call 2-1-1 or visit: https://www.211colorado.org/
Grants For School In Colorado
If you’re a felon planning to go back to school for a degree, trade license, or technical certification, you may qualify for several education grants in Colorado.
These are free grants (no application fee) and your criminal record won’t disqualify you.
Federal Pell Grant
This income-based grant offers up to $7,400 per year to help cover tuition and school fees. Many felons qualify, especially those with low or no income. You can use Pell Grants at community colleges, four-year universities, or approved vocational programs.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
If you have exceptional financial need, you may qualify for an FSEOG, which provides an additional $100 to $4,000 per year on top of your Pell Grant. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find out more and apply for federal grants: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types
Colorado Student Grants
Colorado offers several grant programs to help students afford to study for a qualification.
- CASFA
- The College Opportunity Fund
- Colorado Work-Study
- Dependent Tuition Assistance Program
Learn more about Colorado grants: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/financial-aid-for-students
Colorado Job Training & Employment Grants
These Colorado grants for felons can help cover training programs, tools, certification costs, and more. Whether you’re going into construction, IT, trucking, or health care, there’s help available.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training Grants
WIOA training grants are designed to support groups with barriers to employment, including individuals with felony convictions. You won’t receive a cash payout, but once you’re enrolled, WIOA can fully fund approved training programs, including:
- Paid on-the-job training
- Apprenticeship programs that lead to certification
- Trade school or vocational courses at local colleges
Colorado’s WIOA program can help you train for in-demand fields like construction trades, commercial driving (CDL), welding, medical support roles, and IT.
Staff at your local Workforce Center will walk you through eligibility and connect you with approved training providers.
Find your nearest Colorado Workforce Center: https://cdle.colorado.gov/workforce-centers