Grants for felons in Tennessee provide both short-term assistance and long-term support through several government programs and initiatives.
How To Get Grants For Felons in Tennessee 2025
Grants are free money that doesn’t have to be repaid, so what types of grants are out there for felons?
Government programs give money to low-income individuals (including felons) for basic living expenses like food, rent, and medical care.
You can also get Tennessee grants to go to college or trade school. Employment programs that provide job training and access to felon-friendly employers are other options you can explore.
Financial Assistance For Released Prisoners in Tennessee
Upon release from a Tennessee Department of Corrections facility, you’ll receive a bus ticket and a small amount of cash. If you’re being released on parole, you’ll get $30. If your sentence is fully served, you’ll get $75.
To get more financial assistance, apply for government benefit programs and work with a reentry service.
The Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) pays for released prisoners to stay in transitional housing for 60 days. During that time you should work with a reentry provider to secure stable, affordable housing.
Your reentry advisor will also help you access education, job training, and felon-friendly employers.
Felons in Nashville have access to Project Return, a reentry service providing a full range of supportive services focusing on housing and employment. For reentry in other parts of Tennessee call the free 2-1-1 helpline for more information,
Learn more HERE.
Basic Needs Grants in Tennessee for Felons
In Tennessee, felons are eligible to apply for financial aid programs targeted at low-income residents.
SNAP: SNAP is a monthly grant to spend on groceries. A single person earning less than $1,631 can qualify for up to $292 per month. Income limits and awards are higher for families.
How much can you get: https://www.snapscreener.com/screener/tennessee
Families First: This program provides temporary cash assistance to needy families with minor children in Tennessee. A family of 3 earning less than $2,866 per month can receive up to $387 per month for a maximum of 60 months.
Learn more HERE.
Tennessee LIHEAP: Felons on a low income can get some help to cover the cost of energy bills. If you qualify, a payment will be made directly to your energy provider. Apply through your local LIHEAP agency.
Project Help: This is another program that helps low-income households pay for energy.
Home Uplift: Eligible homeowners can get up to $10,000 in energy-saving upgrades.
Learn more about Project Help & Home Uplift.
Life Wireless Free Phone Plan: Get free, unlimited calls and texts and 4.5 GB of data per month. Income limits apply unless you already receive a qualifying benefit like SNAP.
CLICK HERE to check income limits.
TennCare: Felons can get free or low-cost health insurance through Tennessee’s Medicaid program TennCare. Income limits apply unless you’re elderly or have a disability.
Also Read: Grants For Convicted Felons in Virginia
Is There Any Rent Assistance For Felons in Tennessee?
Rent assistance is available for low-income households. Felons are eligible for Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program if they pass the background check.
Your felony won’t automatically disqualify you. Housing authorities make individualized assessments and consider the nature and age of the offense and rehabilitation efforts.
If you qualify for rent assistance you won’t have to spend more than 30% of your income on housing.
Learn more: https://www.hud.gov/states/tennessee/working/localpo/pih
Modest Needs Grants
Modest Needs grants are for low-income workers, including felons, who need some help with unexpected expenses. If you qualify for help, money is paid directly to your creditor or vendor.
Modest Needs Tennessee grants.
Employment Grants in Tennessee
Felons have the opportunity to gain skills and certifications that lead to stable, well-paid jobs.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded programs provide access to job training, career counseling, and supportive services for individuals with barriers to employment, including those with criminal records.
In addition to job training, these programs give participants a valuable link to local employers willing to hire former felons.
Ask about WIOA programs at your local Job Center.
Grants For College And Trade School
Felons can qualify for free grants in Tennessee for individuals planning on going to college or trade school.
Pell Grants
Pell grants give eligible low-income students up to $7,395 per year to help pay for school.
FSEOG
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant gives students with extreme financial need up to $4,000 per year.
Learn more HERE.
The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
This grant for students with financial need gives $2,000 per year to students attending state colleges and $4,000 per year to those at private schools.
Click Here to learn more
Tennessee Reconnect Grant
This grant is for adults studying for an associate degree, or technical degree/diploma at a Tennessee community or technical college. The grant pays the remaining fees after other state and federal aid has been applied.
Learn more Here.
Read Also: Business grants in Florida for Felons.