Grants for felons in Arkansas

What Grants are Available for Inmates to Start their Businesses?

Here are some grants for inmates in the USA to help them become entrepreneurs:

1. Second Chance Act Grants

•  Amount: Up to $750,000
• Eligibility: Organizations that help ex-offenders, including those with felony convictions, to start a business
• Purpose: To provide funding for programs that help ex-offenders reintegrate into society, including entrepreneurial training and support
• Application process: Through the U.S. Department of Justice

2. Department of Labor Reintegration of Ex-Offenders (RExO) Program

•   Amount: Up to $5 million
•  Eligibility: Organizations that provide job training and employment services, including entrepreneurial training, for ex-offenders
• Purpose: To help ex-offenders find employment and start businesses
• Application process: Through the U.S. Department of Labor

3. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program:

•   Amount: Up to $50,000
•   Eligibility: Small business owners, including those with criminal records
•  Purpose: To provide small loans to small businesses, including those owned by ex-offenders
•  Application process: Through the SBA website

4. Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP):

•   Amount: Up to $10,000
•   Eligibility: Ex-offenders who want to start a business
•   Purpose: To provide entrepreneurial training and support to ex-offenders
•  Application process: Through the PEP website

What are the Educational Grants for Felons in Arkansas?

Here are some educational grants for felons in Arkansas:

1. Arkansas Department of Higher Education Grants: The Arkansas Department of Higher Education offers several grants for residents, including those with criminal records.
2. Federal Pell Grants: These grants are available to felons who want to attend college. The maximum award amount for the 2022-2023 award year is $6,495.
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100 to $4,000.
4. Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL): The ASL offers several scholarships to Arkansas residents, including those with criminal records.
5. Second Chance Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who have overcome significant obstacles, including criminal records. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
6. Exodus Ministries Scholarship: This scholarship is for ex-offenders who want to pursue higher education. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
7. The Prisoner Reentry Institute (PRI) Scholarship is for ex-offenders who want to pursue higher education. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.
8. The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) Scholarship is for ex-offenders who want to pursue higher education. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Are there Medical Bill Assistance Programs Available for Felons in Arkansas?

There are medical bill assistance programs available for felons in Arkansas. Here are some options to explore:

1. Free Health Clinics: Harmony Health Clinic offers all Pulaski County residents free health and dental care. Westside Free Medical Clinic also offers free medical services, but you need to make an appointment first.
2. Low-Cost Medical Care: Jonesboro Church Health Center provides low-cost medical care to low-income, uninsured citizens of Jonesboro and surrounding areas. Mountain Home Christian Clinic offers eye, dental, and medical care at an affordable cost.
3. Reentry Programs: The Arkansas Department of Corrections provides reentry information and resources for all felons, inmates, and ex-offenders. These programs may include medical assistance or referrals to low-cost healthcare services.
4. Community Health Centers: Arkansas Community Mental Health Centers offer contact information for various community health centers that may provide medical assistance or referrals to low-cost healthcare services.
5. Faith-Based Organizations: Some faith-based organizations, such as the Little Rock Compassion Center, offer medical assistance, food, clothing, and other support services to those in need.

What are the Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Felons in Arkansas?

Here are some low-income financial assistance programs for felons in Arkansas ¹:

1. Arkansas Department of Corrections: This program offers reentry information and resources for all felons, inmates, and ex-offenders.
2. Pathway to Freedom: This is an 18-month pre-release program to help those reentering in the state of Arkansas.
3. CARE/Central Arkansas Reentry Coalition: This is a downloadable resource for reentry.
4. Our House: This program offers services for men, women, and children, including workforce education and children’s programs.
5. Little Rock Compassion Center: This program offers hot meals, food pantries, clothing, drug and alcohol help, and education.

Additionally, you can explore federal and state government grants and crowd-funding options like GoFundMe and Kickstarter.

Beyond these options, additional grants and resources are available for felons in Arkansas. Consider reaching out to local churches and outreach organizations, which often provide essential services such as food assistance, bill payment support, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. Many of these church-affiliated programs do not require income verification and are open to anyone in need, offering a welcoming and supportive environment.