Free Grants For Felons 2025 - Everything You Need to Know

Are there any free grants for felons? Yes. Some grant programs are specifically designed to provide free money for ex felons while others are regular grant programs open to everyone.

A criminal background isn’t usually part of the grant consideration process, so don’t limit your options by only focusing on felon grants.

Who Provides Free Grants For Felons 2025?

Providers of free grants and free money for released persons include:

Federal government
State and local government
Nonprofit organizations
Charities
Community groups
Companies

What Types Of Felony Grants Can You Get?

Felon grants are available to help you cover a wide range of expenses.

Government assistance programs and grants from nonprofits help low-income felons cover basic needs like:

Food
Energy bills
Rent
Health Insurance

Other funding initiatives help felons with:

Education
Vocational training
Business startup costs
Job placement

Because help for felons is spread across so many providers, joining one of your local reentry programs is a good idea. Reentry programs give you a central access point to all the assistance programs, benefits, and felony grants you’re eligible for.

Free Money For Released Inmates

When you’re released from prison, you’ll receive a small amount of money known as gate money. The amount paid varies depending on the rules in your state.

California and Colorado both provide over $100, while the free money for released prisoners in Alabama and Louisiana is just $10.

Government Grants For Convicted Felons

Government grants fund numerous state programs to help felons reenter the workforce. In some cases, government grants provide free money for ex felons to pay for vocational training.

WIOA Grants And Programs

Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) government funding helps people in disadvantaged groups, felons included, gain new skills and find good jobs.

You could be eligible for a felon grant that pays for a training program or trade school, or get access to low-cost training programs.

Many felons use WIOA funding to cover the cost of a CDL course allowing them to get a commercial driver’s license and find truck driving jobs.

Others learn to weld (another well-paid, in-demand skill), or train for careers in industries like hospitality and IT.

Speak to an advisor at your local Workforce Development Center or Job Center to find out what government grants for convicted felons and other opportunities are open to you.

Grants Available in Each State.

Free Federal Bonding Grant For Felons

Felons can benefit from free employment bonding. The federal bonding program insures employers against losses due to theft and acts of dishonesty so they can feel more secure about taking a chance on employing felons.

Get your bond from your local Workforce Agency.

Basic Needs Grants

How to get free money for ex felons to cover your basic needs? If you’re on a low income, you could qualify for government-funded financial assistance programs in your state.

Can Felons Get SNAP Benefits?

Yes. Felons are eligible for SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) is an income-based allowance you use to buy food from grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

The eligibility requirements and income limits are different in each state. You may need to be in work or training for a minimum number of hours each week to qualify.

If approved for SNAP, you’ll get a grant loaded onto your EBT card each month.

Eligibility calculator: https://www.snapscreener.com/

Are Felons Eligible For Grants To Help Pay Rent?

The main rent assistance program for low-income renters is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program managed by city and county public housing authorities (PHAs).

Federal government rules don’t allow anyone convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in publicly assisted housing or lifetime registered sex offenders to participate in public housing programs. Beyond those restrictions, each public housing authority sets its own criminal background policies.

Some PHAs disqualify people with certain recent offenses for a specific period, which could be 6-12 months or several years. Others look at criminal histories on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re on a low income, don’t let your felony stop you from applying for free money for ex felons rental programs because there’s a good chance you’ll be approved.

Find your PHA: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

What Grants Pay For Utility Bills?

LIHEAP: To get help paying your energy bills, look into your state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP issues grants to help with heating and cooling costs and emergency grants to pay overdue bills.

Grants are only paid to billpayers who fall within the income limits set by the state. Because these grants are income-based, your felony won’t be an issue.

Nonprofits: Other energy grants could be available depending on where you live. Local nonprofits and charities often provide emergency grants for utility bills.

Lifeline Grants: Another popular grant that low-income felons qualify for is the Lifeline grant for phone and internet service.

The programs vary by state but usually provide free cell phone service with unlimited calls and texts and a capped data allowance. Some programs issue a free cell phone and offer a monthly grant for phone and internet service.

Grants For Health Insurance

If you didn’t join your state’s Medicare or Medicaid program before leaving incarceration, you can find out if you’re eligible for free or low-cost health insurance at https://www.medicaid.gov/.

These health insurance programs providing cover for seniors and low-income individuals are open to felons.

Other healthcare programs may be running in your city. Call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find out about free and low-cost clinics, and free prescription vouchers in your area.

What Education Grants Can Felons Get?

If you want to go to college or trade school to study for a degree or vocational certification, there are grants to help you cover the cost.

Eligibility is based on financial need so income limits apply. While these aren’t designed as felon grants, your felony won’t stop you qualifying unless you’ve been convicted of certain drug or sex offenses.

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are given to all eligible students to help pay for college or trade school. Income limits apply and you’ll need a high school diploma or GED to qualify. The maximum you can get each year is $7,395.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant for students with exceptional financial need is worth up to $4,000 per year. The FSEOG is distributed by schools on a first come first served basis. Funds are limited, so apply early.

State Education Grants

Many states run grant programs to help you pay for courses at public colleges and trade schools. Contact the financial aid office at your school or community college to find out about state grants and to get help with the application.

Free Grants For Felons To Start A Business

If you’re planning to start a business, schedule an appointment with your local Small Business Development Center. SBDCs maintain lists of state, county, and city government programs that offer small business grants and affordable loans to new business owners.

Your SBDC advisor is also a source of free expert help, providing guidance on all aspects of setting up a successful business.

Will your felony be a barrier? No. SBDC services are open to everyone.

Find your SBDC: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

Inmates to Entrepreneurs Online Course

This free, self-paced course is exclusively available to former inmates interested in starting a business. You’ll learn everything you need to know about running a successful business—financing, managing your money, attracting customers, expanding your operation, branding, marketing, grants for ex felons, and much more.

Learn more: https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/programs/online-course/

LEAP Virtual Academy For Women

LEAP’s Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy is a free course for previously incarcerated women.

During the 12 weeks of classes, women learn the skills they need to start a successful small business. At the end of the course students can apply for up to $1,000 in financing and all graduates get ongoing help from a personal mentor.

NASE Growth Grants

Felons are welcome to join the NASE. To be eligible to apply for one of the quarterly $4,000 grants from the National Association for the Self Employed, you’ll need to become a member ($11.95 per month).

Members get access to a range of services, and once you’ve been a member for 90 days you can apply for a grant.

Awesome Foundation Grants

The Awesome Foundation issues numerous grants each month to new business ventures and worthy causes. You don’t need a business plan or reams of documentation to apply. Just fill out a simple form detailing why you want the money and how you’ll spend it.