Where can you find grants for felons in Iowa? Many felons making a fresh start hear about “grants for felons” and are eager to get some free money to help them get back on their feet. Unfortunately, specific grants just for felons are rare.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t financial resources felons can qualify for. Grants are simply free money that doesn’t have to be repaid, and felons can get free money from government benefits programs, education grants, and reentry assistance programs that provide financial help. Felons may even qualify for home buying assistance!
Basic Needs Grants For Felons in Iowa (2025)
Felons who meet income and asset requirements can receive free money to help pay for basic needs. Government assistance includes:
- SNAP (Food Stamps) – Helps cover grocery costs.
- Medicaid – Free or low-cost healthcare for low-income individuals.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – Provides short-term cash assistance for families with children.
- SSI/SSDI – If a felon has a disability, they may qualify for Social Security benefits.
Felons applying for these grants don’t have to undergo a background check. Qualification for these benefit programs is based on income and household size.
Check your eligibility.
Iowa Rent Assistance Grants
Felons can apply for housing programs that help low-income Iowa residents afford their rent. These rent assistance programs are run by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and you will need to pass a criminal background check.
Each PHA sets its own qualification criteria for criminal offenses, and some PHAs are more lenient than others.
However, the only offenses that always result in a denial are:
- Convictions for manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing.
- Sex offenders subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program.
Contact your local PHA to ask about eligibility for Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Reentry Program Grants For Felons
Many reentry programs receive grant money from the Second Chance Act Grant Program. This money helps to provide the extensive support felons need as they transition back into society.
By joining a reentry program, felons get help with employment, housing, education, job training, mentoring, and much more.
Grants may be available to pay for move-in costs, clothing, transportation, vocational training (CDL school, for example), and tattoo removal. The availability of these grants in Iowa depends on the specific reentry program you join.
Check the Iowa State Resource Guide for Recovery After Prison for a comprehensive list of reentry providers throughout the state.
Housing & Utilities
Many nonprofits and churches offer one-time grants to cover security deposits, first month’s rent, or utility bills for those in need.
- Salvation Army & Catholic Charities both offer rental and utility assistance.
- Salvation Army Iowa: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/desmoines/
- Catholic Charities Iowa: https://www.catholiccharitiesdm.org/services/
- The free 2-1-1 United Way helpline connects callers to emergency financial aid for rent and utilities.
- Modest Needs Grants help low-income individuals pay for unexpected expenses, including appliance repair, car repairs, medical costs, and utility bills.
- Felons can also apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that helps cover heating and cooling costs.
Free Phone Service Grants
Low-income felons in Iowa may qualify for a grant program providing a free cell phone and a monthly plan with free unlimited calls and texts and a capped data allowance.
Check the income limits to find out if you qualify.
Education Grants in Iowa for Felons
Education grants provide free money for college or vocational training. Grants are based on income and household size—background checks aren’t part of the grant application process.
Pell Grants: Need-based grants for college or vocational programs. Eligible students receive up to $7,395 per year. Incarcerated felons are also eligible for Pell Grant funding if they’re studying in an approved prison education program (PEP).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant awards up to
$4,000 per year to students with exceptional financial need.
Kibbie Grant: This Iowa state grant provides up to $3,000 per year to students enrolled in specific programs at Iowa’s community colleges.
All grants are awarded based on the information you provide on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Learn more about education grants.
Iowa Job Training Grants For Felons
Felons can benefit from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provides grants that pay for job training, certifications, and apprenticeships. Apply for these programs at your local Job Center.
Grants For Felons To Buy A Home
Renting an apartment is always difficult when you’ve got a felony on your record because of the extensive use of rental background checks. The homebuying process, on the other hand, doesn’t require any criminal background checks.
Felons with stable employment can qualify for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans that make home loans accessible to people on modest incomes with low credit scores.
Combine an FHA-backed loan with the Iowa Homebuyer Assistance Program, which offers grants that help with down payments and closing costs, and homeownership could be a real possibility for you.
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