Grants can help you get back on your feet and build a better future. Grants for felons in Texas are issued by state and federal government programs, charities, companies, and non-governmental organizations.
Felons can get money for college or trade school fees, funds to start a business, help with paying rent and buying food, and free phone and internet service.
Small Business Grants for Felons in Texas 2024
A small business grant can give you a cash boost to get your business up and running.
Unlike small business loans, small business grants don’t have to be repaid, but competition for these grants can be fierce, so you’ll need to make a strong application.
TRANSFORM Business Grant
Felons in Texas from systemically oppressed groups can apply for a TRANSFORM business grant.
Eligible applicants include individuals or teams who are:
- LGBTQ
- BIPOC
- Disabled
- Formerly incarcerated
The business idea must also align with TRANSFORM’S values of anticapitalism and anti-racism.
Grant awards include a financial contribution of $1,000 and a customized 12-month mentorship program.
Learn more about TRANSFORM: https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/
NASE Growth Grant
This grant provides funding up to $4,000. You need to be a member of the National Association for the Self-Employed to make a grant application.
NASE membership gives you access to expert advice and numerous valuable discounts. Annual members are eligible to apply for a grant right away, monthly members must wait 90 days. (Annual membership – $120. Monthly membership – $11.95).
Applicants must provide a business plan and detail how the grant will be used in their business.
Learn more about NASE grants: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
Bizee Fresh Start Business Grant
Bizee business grants provide $2,500 for startup costs. Winners also receive a free business formation package worth $395.
You must be a U.S. resident aged 21 years or older.
Make your application online, create a 2-minute video about the impact running a small business will have on your life, and submit a sample business plan.
Learn more about Bizee grants: https://bizee.com/entrepreneur-grant
FedEx Small Business Grants
FedEx awards a $50,000 grant to 1 grand prize winner and grants of $20,000 to 9 runner-up business owners.
The competition for these grants is intense with thousands of hopeful entrepreneurs applying each year.
To apply you’ll need to:
- Open a FedEx business account
- Have a business with a shipping need
- Have been operating your business for at least 6 months
- Have at least 1 employee
Learn more about the FedEx grant: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grants.html
Texas Small Business Grants
Grant help for felons in Texas may be available through the Texas Small Business Development Center Network. The Texas SBDC is a free service providing expert help to get your business started.
As a first step, meet with an advisor to learn what resources are available and get information about grants you can apply for.
Get help from the SBDC: https://www.sbdctexas.org/
Inmates To Entrepreneurs
The Inmates to Entrepreneurs program doesn’t provide a grant, instead, they offer a valuable 8-week training program to help you learn how to start and run a small business.
The online course is free for anyone who has been incarcerated.
Learn more about Inmates to Entrepreneurs: https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/programs/eight-week-course/
School Grants For Convicted Felons in Texas
The main school grants are issued by the Pell Grant program.
Pell Grants can be used to pay for college or trade school. The maximum you can receive in any year is $7,395. The minimum Pell Grant award is $740.
School costs not covered by a Pell Grant can be paid for with scholarships or student loans.
See Also: Business and Housing Grants for Felons in Florida.
Who is eligible for a Pell Grant?
Pell Grants are means tested. That means they’re based on your income and the cost of attending school.
To get a Pell Grant you need to fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You can get started on your application here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Scholarships
Scholarships are another way felons can get free money for training and education.
Make a free account at Scholarship360 to get matched with scholarships you can apply for.
You can get education grants for felons at: https://scholarships360.org/
See Also: Is Texas A Felony Friendly State?
Grants For Rent
Felons are eligible to apply for a housing assistance grant that contributes towards their rent each month.
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs is based on income and household size.
Submit your housing assistance application to the Public Housing Authority that serves your area. Waiting lists are common.
Find your PHA and waitlist details here: https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-waiting-lists/texas
Grants For Food
If you’re a felon on a low income, you’re eligible for SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program gives you a set amount each month to spend on food.
The maximum monthly payment for a single-person household in 2024 is $291.
Learn more about SNAP in Texas and apply here: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home
Phone and Internet Grant
Felons on a low income in Texas are eligible for free phone and internet through the Lifeline program.
The income limit for a 1-person household is $29,160. The income limit for a 4-person household is $60,000.
Learn more about Lifeline: https://www.truconnect.com/states/texas
Other Sources Of Grant money for released prisoners in Texas
Various organizations including the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities can help with grants for rent arrears, move-in deposits, and utility bills.
Call the free 2-1-1 helpline or visit https://www.211texas.org/ to find out what help you can get from local organizations.
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Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.