Grants for Single Mothers

Grants for Single Mothers: Your Path to Financial Support

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

Ways to Raise Grant Money

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.

Popular Grants for Single Mothers

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.

Pell Grant

Eligibility: Needs-based grant, very popular with single mothers that want to earn a college diploma.
Amount: Anywhere between $400 and $5,350.
Use: Educational purposes.
Application: File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you want other federal educational grants, you have to qualify for this one first.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Eligibility: Needs-based grant, designed especially for students with the greatest financial need. Single mothers may have a higher need due to financial situations.
Amount: Between $100 and $4,000.
Application: File a FAFSA.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Eligibility: Low-income women, including single moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children up to age 5.
Services: Grants for nutrition education, health care referrals, and supplementary foods.
Application: Contact the nearest WIC agency or call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-522-5006. More information is available on the WIC website.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eligibility: Low-income families, single mothers, and individuals.
Services: Financial aid in the form of “food stamp” benefits to ensure access to adequate nutrition.
Application: Consult the SNAP Eligibility Information or contact the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Head Office at 703-305-2062.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Services: Nutrition programs such as 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.
Application: Visit the USDA’s website.

HUD Public Housing Assistance Program

Eligibility: Low-income families.
Services: Low-cost rental options.
Application: Contact local public housing agencies or call the Service Center at 1-800-955-2232. More information is available on the HUD website.

Medicare

Eligibility: Primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, with certain assistance available for those under 65 under specific circumstances.
Services: Medical insurance.
Application: Use the Medicare Eligibility Calculator or contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

Medicaid

Eligibility: Low-income families and individuals.
Services: Medical assistance.
Application: Contact your local state Medicaid office. General information is available on the Medicaid website.

Head Start

Eligibility: Low-income families with children up to age 5.
Services: School readiness programs. Early Head Start is available for pregnant women, toddlers, and infants.
Application: Contact your local Head Start program or call 1-866-763-6481. More information is available on the Head Start website.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Eligibility: Low-income families and individuals.
Services: Free food.
Application: Visit the TEFAP website.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Eligibility: Low-income individuals and families.
Services: Financial aid for home energy bills.
Application: Contact your local LIHEAP office or call 866-674-6327. More information is available on the LIHEAP website.

Federal Government Pro Bono Program

Eligibility: Low-income single parents, individuals, and families.
Services: Free legal assistance and mentoring services.
Application: Find local Legal Aid services that provide free or low-cost lawyers.

Academic Competitive Grant (ACG)

Eligibility: Merit-based, for first or second-year college students.
Amount: Up to $750 for first-year students and up to $1,300 for second-year students.
Application: File a FAFSA.

National Science And Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant

Eligibility: Merit-based, for third or fourth-year college students pursuing math, science, engineering, or certain foreign languages.
Amount: Up to $4,000.
Application: File a FAFSA.

State and Private Grants

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 and New Mexico offer similar programs. 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. 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.