Grants for felons in New York City
New York offers grant programs to help felons in financial need, assisting with rent, food, utilities, and living expenses. These programs offer temporary support to help individuals get back on their feet, with some providing long-term aid.
Upon completing their sentence, many convicted felons aspire to turn their lives around by becoming entrepreneurs. However, they often face additional obstacles due to societal stigma and bias against ex-convicts, making it harder for them to achieve their goals and start anew.
What are the Small Business Grants for Felons in New York?
Here are some small business grants available for felons in New York:
Federal Small Business Grants
Felons can apply for federal grants such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which provide funding for innovative and research-based projects.
Fresh Start Grant
Provides up to $5,000 for education, training, or small business development to help ex-felons reintegrate into society.
Excluded Workers Grant
Offers financial assistance to ex-felons who face barriers to employment, providing up to $10,000 for education, training, or entrepreneurship.
NYC Small Business Services Grant
Supports ex-felons in starting or growing a small business in NYC, offering up to $50,000 in funding and business resources.
Microloan Program
Provides small loans (up to $50,000) to ex-felons starting or expanding a business in NY, with flexible repayment terms.
Defy Ventures Grant
Offers entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and funding (up to $50,000) to ex-felons in NY, focusing on business development and personal growth.
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Grant
Supports ex-felons with job training, placement, and education services to promote employment and economic stability.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Grant
Funds programs that help ex-felons reintegrate into society, including education, job training, and community services.
The Fortune Society Grant
Provides resources and support to ex-felons in NY, including education, job training, and housing assistance.
The Legal Action Center (LAC) Grant
Offers legal assistance and advocacy for ex-felons in NY, helping to remove barriers to employment and education.
The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Grant
Supports ex-felons with access to education, job training, and social services, promoting self-sufficiency and stability.
It’s important to research each grant’s eligibility requirements and application process, as these can vary.
Latest Grants in USA States
Is New York a Felon-Friendly State?
Yes, New York is a felon-friendly state. It offers a range of resources to support individuals with criminal records. New York offers second chance apartments for felons. These apartments provide affordable housing options and a supportive community to help them rebuild their lives. People with felony convictions can vote in NYC once they have completed their sentence. The state provide democratic rights to everyone.
What are the Grants for Ex-Felons with No Health Insurance in New York?
- New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Grant: Provides access to health care services for low-income individuals, including ex-felons.
- Medicaid for Ex-Offenders: Offers health insurance coverage to eligible ex-felons in New York.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant: Supports community health centers providing primary care services to underserved populations, including ex-felons.
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: Provides HIV/AIDS treatment and services to eligible individuals, including ex-felons.
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) Grant: Offers health services and programs for ex-felons, including substance abuse treatment.
- Federal Qualifying Activity (FQA) Grant: Supports health care services for low-income individuals, including ex-felons.
- Essential Plan Grant: Provides affordable health insurance coverage to low-income individuals, including ex-felons.
- New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Grant: Supports mental health services for ex-felons.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant: Provides substance abuse treatment and mental health services for ex-felons.
- Health Care Access Grant: Offers financial assistance for health care services to low-income individuals, including ex-felons.
What are the Popular Charities that Help Felons with Bills in New York?
- The Fortune Society: Provides comprehensive services for ex-felons in NYC, including housing assistance, job training, education, and health services, to support successful reentry into society.
- The Legal Action Center (LAC): Offers legal assistance and advocacy for people with criminal records, focusing on reentry services, employment, and healthcare, to help individuals overcome barriers and rebuild their lives.
- The Osborne Association: Provides comprehensive services for ex-felons in NYC, including housing assistance, job training, education, and family support, to help individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen families.
- The Bowery Mission: Offers emergency services like food and shelter, substance abuse treatment, and rehabilitation programs, to help ex-felons in NYC achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
- The Salvation Army: Provides a range of services for ex-felons in NYC, including food, shelter, rehabilitation programs, and reentry support, promoting personal growth and community reintegration.
- Catholic Charities of New York: Supports ex-felons with comprehensive services, including food, shelter, reentry programs, and family support, guided by the principles of compassion and social justice.
- The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS): Offers various services for ex-felons, including food assistance, housing support, and reentry programs, aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and community reintegration.
What are the Low Income Financial Assistance Programs for Felons in NYC?
Many jobs available to felons are low-paying, making it hard to make ends meet. Fortunately, low-income financial assistance programs are available to help felons cover basic needs like housing and healthcare while they work to improve their situation.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
OTDA offers financial assistance for low-income individuals, including felons, through programs like SNAP (food stamps) and TA (temporary assistance).
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant assists ex-offenders by offering financial aid for higher education and helping them pursue a degree or certificate program. Ex-offenders who meet the eligibility criteria can receive up to $6,495 per year to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) Section 8
NYCHA provides rental assistance for low-income individuals, including felons, through the Section 8 program.
Homebase
Homebase assists ex-felons by providing job training, employment opportunities with second-chance employers, and support services to enhance skills and employability. They also connect individuals with resources for housing, legal aid, and other support for successful reintegration.
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Financial Counseling
DCA offers free financial counseling, education, and resources to help felons manage finances, repair credit, and achieve stability. The program includes one-on-one sessions, budgeting guidance, debt management, and access to financial resources. This helps felons improve financial literacy, secure employment, and rebuild their lives.
Which Types of Educational Grants are Available for Felons in NYC?
Felons who pursue higher education often find better job opportunities and higher earnings, but many struggle to afford college or training programs. With rising costs and stagnant salaries, some may hesitate to pursue further education.
Fortunately, education grants for felons can ease the burden by covering all or part of tuition without the need for repayment. These grants make educational goals more attainable without accumulating debt.
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $6,495 per year for higher education.
- New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 per year for in-state colleges.
- NYC Scholarship Program: Merit-based scholarships for NYC residents.
- Education Trust Fund: Financial assistance for higher education.
- Vocational and Technical Education Grants: Funding for career training programs.
- Second Chance Pell Pilot Program: Federal funding for higher education.
- NYC Department of Education (DOE) Grants: Funding for adult education and vocational training.
- The Fortune Society’s Education Program: Financial assistance and support services.
- College Bound Initiative: Support services and funding for higher education.
- Incarceration to Education (I2E) Pipeline: Funding and support for higher education.
Beyond the grants mentioned earlier, it’s worth reaching out to local churches and non-profit organizations in New York, as they often provide various forms of assistance, including food, clothing, housing support, transportation vouchers, and more. These organizations tend to have flexible eligibility criteria, welcoming anyone in need. Additionally, they may be able to connect you with other local resources that can offer further support, making them a valuable potential source of aid.