Grants for Single Mothers

Grants for single mothers may be the only way for you to raise money for college, to pay off outstanding debts, or to raise money to start a new business. This is because saving money, as a single mother, can be one of the most difficult things to do. If you have children, your primary focus is taking care of them and your time is limited. But what about taking care of yourself and meeting your goals?

Raising grant money can primarily be done in one of two ways. First, you can apply for a grant from your federal, state, or local government. These grants are usually issued for educational purposes, but there may be other ways that government grant money can be used. A second way to raise funds is by receiving grant money for single mothers offered by businesses and non-profits. These funds come from private institutions, so the conditions for the use of this money may be less strict than for government grants.

The following is a list of the most popular grants in the United States for single mothers. This is a good starting point for finding grant money.

1. Pell Grant
   This is a needs-based grant, and is very popular with single mothers that want to earn a college diploma. You are eligible for anywhere between $400 and $5,350. The money needs to be used for educational purposes. You must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for this grant. If you want other federal educational grants, you have to qualify for this one first.


2. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
   This grant is a needs-based grant as well. It is designed especially for students with the greatest financial need. As a single mother, your need for funds may trump ordinary college students since you may be in a worse financial situation than most people. You will receive between $100 and $4,000. hat's a wide range, for sure, but again this grant is needs-based. The more you need, the more you get.


3. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
   This is a government-funded program that provides grants for nutrition education, health care referrals, and supplementary foods to low-income women, including single moms, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children up to the age of 5. Single mothers may also be eligible for this program. To apply for WIC assistance, individuals should contact their nearest WIC agency or call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-522-5006. More information is available on the WIC website.


4. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
   This is a government-funded program designed to help low-income families, single mothers, and individuals access nutritious food. Administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in partnership with State agencies, SNAP provides financial aid in the form of "food stamp" benefits to ensure thousands of American citizens have access to adequate nutrition. To determine eligibility, single moms can consult the SNAP Eligibility Information or contact the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service Head Office at 703-305-2062.


5. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
   The USDA offers a variety of nutrition programs specifically designed to support single mothers and their children, through its Food and Nutrition Service. Programs include the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, Team Nutrition, and the Special Milk Program. Additionally, the USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provide food products and discounts to communities in need. For more information on these programs and how they can benefit single mothers and their families, visit the USDA's website.


6. HUD Public Housing Assistance Program
   This program, a Federal initiative, provides low-cost rental options for low-income families. With a nationwide reach, the program is available through Local Public Housing Agencies in all States and territories. To learn more about the program's eligibility requirements and application process, single mother can contact their local public housing agency or call the Service Center at 1-800-955-2232. Additional information can also be found on the HUD website.


7. Medicare
   Medicare is a medical insurance program primarily intended for individuals aged 65 and older, but certain assistance is also available for individuals under the age of 65 under specific circumstances. To determine eligibility, individuals can use the Medicare Eligibility Calculator. To apply for assistance, individuals can contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit the Medicare website for more information.


8. Medicaid
   Medicaid is a federal government program that provides medical assistance to low-income families and individuals who do not have sufficient medical insurance coverage. The program's eligibility requirements vary depending on the state and it is managed by each state separately. To find out if you qualify for Medicaid assistance, you can contact your local state Medicaid office. General information about the program can be found on the Medicaid website.


9. Head Start
   The Head Start program, offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a federally-funded program that aims to help children up to the age of 5 with school readiness. Low-income families, including single mothers, may be eligible for assistance. In addition to Head Start, many programs also offer Early Head Start, which is designed for pregnant women, toddlers, and infants. To apply for Head Start or Early Head Start grants, individuals should contact their local program or use the Head Start Center Locator available on the program's website, or contact the Service Center at 1-866-763-6481 for more information.


10. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
    The Emergency Food Assistance Program, a Federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers free food to low-income single mothers, families, and individuals in need. Eligibility for the program is determined by guidelines established by the program and applicants must meet certain income requirements. For more information on TEFAP, visit the program's website.


11. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    This U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services program aims to assist low-income individuals, single mothers, and families with grants to help with the cost of their home energy bills. The program provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to those who meet the program's eligibility criteria. If you are interested in learning more about the program and the application process, you can contact your local LIHEAP office or the LIHEAP contact center at 866-674-6327. Furthermore, you can also find additional information on the LIHEAP website.


12. Federal Government Pro Bono Program
    This is a program that provides free legal assistance and mentoring services to low-income single parents, individuals, and families. The program is designed to help people who are unable to afford legal representation and mentoring services. If you are a single mother in need of legal help, you can find a local Legal Aid service that provides free or low-cost lawyers.


13. Academic Competitive Grant (ACG)
    This grant is a merit-based grant. You can only be awarded this grant if you are a first or second-year college student. However, the ACG awards you up to $750 if you're a first-year student and $1,300 if you're a second-year student. Again, you must file a FAFSA in order to qualify for this one.


14. National Science And Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
    This grant is merit-based and is designed specifically for you if you're in your 3rd or 4th year of college. You must be pursuing a math, science, or engineering degree. You may also receive this grant if you are pursuing one of the foreign languages designated as crucial for homeland security. You can get up to $4,000 from this program.

Grants for single mothers aren't limited to just the federal government. Some states like New York offer a tuition assistance program (TAP) that gives you up to $5,000 if you live in the state. Kansas offers a similar program as does New Mexico. Check with your state to see what types of programs are available.

Applying for private grants for single mothers is a bit different. You will need to contact the financial aid office at the school you're applying to. They will have a list of businesses and non-profit companies offering education grants. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, this may also be a way for you to get assistance without applying for federal aid. You will have to contact your human resources department for details. Some companies will offer assistance if you agree to pursue courses related to your company's industry or if you're getting an education to improve your skills used at the company.

You can also search the FederalGrants.com database yourself for more grants from the federal government for both mothers and children.