Financial Assistance Available for People with a Criminal Record in the U.S.

If you have a record, you probably have some extra financial challenges, but that does not mean you are own your own. What other options do we have?

 

 

Grants for Felons-

  • Rise Up, Get Going Grant Program: Gives an entrepreneur $750 grant plus coaching, support from the community and mentorship.
  • Georgetown Pivot Program: This program allows students the opportunity to compete for seed money, but also courses, internships and a chance to work on a business idea.
  • The Transform Business Grant: This grant is a $1,000 micro-agency with the option to participate in personalized business strategy + development program.

 

Additional Resources

  • Inmates to Entrepreneurs: A non-profit offering free online and in-person training courses for individuals with criminal backgrounds who want to start their own business.
  • Defy Ventures: Defy offers a few second-chance programs including an entrepreneur boot camp and business acceleratory1.

 

Government assistance

This database would provide access to more than 1,000 grants from 26 agencies of the government.

Some states and cities also have economic development offices, which may administer grant programs or other financial support.

 

Furthermore Financial Aid for Ex-felons in United state of America:

 

Non-Profit Organizations-

  • The Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP): Business training and mentorship for inmates and ex-offenders.
  • The National Reentry Resource Center: Resources and support for those returning to society from prisons or jails.
  • The Legal Action Center: Advocates for people with criminal records and offers legal help.

 

Government Programs-

  • Federal Bonding Program (Bonding coverage; MD is not eligible): offered to employers who hire applicants with criminal convictions
  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit: tax credits for employers who hire ex-offenders;
  • The Second Chance Act: Provides funds for programs geared toward helping former inmates rejoin society.

 

Financial Assistance-


Financial Empowerent Program: provides financial education and advice to those with criminal records.

 

General Criteria for Eligibility

1. Conviction: Be convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.

2. Release: Recently Released/Currently on Probation or Parole

3. Residents must Income: Base on income, Please refer to our program overview section for Category Specific Income Limits

4. Residency requirement: Must be a US citizen or lawful resident.

5. Age: minimum age of 18.

This is program specific eligibility.

1. Rise Up, Start Grant Program:

  • Have been released from prison in the last 6 months.
  • Business idea or plan
  • Meet income guidelines.

2. Georgetown Pivot Program:

In Prison or Recently Released

Addiction to the Idea of Entrepreneurship

Program commitment

3. The Transform Business Grant:

  • Felony conviction.
  • Business idea or plan.
  • Meet income guidelines.

4. Federal Bonding Program:

  • Ex offender or criminal record.
  • Employed or offered Employment.
  • Meet program requirements.

5. WOTC (Work Opportunity Tax Credit):

  • Ex-con or convicted of a felony.
  • Hired by participating employer.
  • Meet program requirements.

 

Documentation Required:

1. Evidence of passion and liberation.

2. Driver License, State ID, etc.

3. Income verification (pay stubs, taxes etc.)

4. Entrepreneurship programs: A business plan or proposal.

5. Recommendation Letters (for some programs).

 

How to Apply:

1. Investigation Projects Reviewing Eligibility Consequently, taking part in any kind of investigation programs.

2. Collect necessary paperwork.

3. Apply Online, by Mail or In-Person.

4. Confirm with Program Administrators.

 

Additional Resources:

National Reentry Resource Center

Prison Entrepreneur Program (PEP)

Legal Action Center (LAC)

Local non-profits, and community organizations

 

In Conclusion: Individual programs may have different eligibility criteria and requirements Please review the criteria and get in touch with program staff for more details.

Just remember, if you have any criminal history, that does not mean that you are by yourself in this precordialablesphere. Fortunately, these assets can give you a fresh start and help you recover.

Feel free to ask if you want more about this topic  @www.anufinance.com