You may not realize how many pathways open up when you start looking for grants designed to support people with felony convictions in New York, but the landscape is both practical and hopeful. Whether you’re seeking education, housing, or a fresh start as an entrepreneur, you’ll find that federal and state programs—like the Second Chance Act—offer real resources, though eligibility often hinges on your history and proof of rehabilitation. The details matter, and your next step could redefine your future.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offers cash grants for eligible felons with children.
- Community organizations like The Fortune Society provide housing and job assistance.
- The College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative supports educational reintegration.
- Grants may require documentation of incarceration and rehabilitation efforts.
- Low-income status often determines eligibility for specific grants.
Overview of Reentry Grants Available in New York
New York offers several focused grant programs to support formerly incarcerated individuals in their reentry process, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote successful community reintegration.
These reentry services include programs like the College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative and grants supporting basic needs such as rent and food.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash grants to eligible felons with children.
Community organizations, like The Fortune Society, also offer resources including housing, job assistance, and mental health treatment.
Together, these grants for felons in New York create a framework to reduce recidivism and help formerly incarcerated people successfully reintegrate.
Eligibility Requirements for Felons Applying for Grants
Although eligibility criteria vary by grant program, most grants for felons in New York require you to provide documentation of your incarceration and evidence of rehabilitation efforts.
Grant programs prioritize applicants who show a strong commitment to reintegration into society, such as through employment or education. You may also need to demonstrate low-income status depending on the specific eligibility requirements.
Some grants require a clear business plan showing how funds will be used. Additionally, certain grants target people with particular challenges, like co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, making their eligibility criteria more specific.
Key Federal and State Grant Programs Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Understanding which grants you’re eligible for is only part of the process—learning about the main federal and state programs available in New York can help you identify where to focus your efforts.
The College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative, funded by New York County’s District Attorney, supports inmates earning college degrees to aid reintegration.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation works within SUNY to create coordinated college-in-prison programs statewide.
The Rise Up, Get Started Grant Program offers coaching plus $750 after a year-long program.
For entrepreneurship, the Transform Business Grant awards $1,000 microgrants to formerly incarcerated individuals and other marginalized entrepreneurs.
Federal databases like Grants.gov list small business grants for felons to boost entrepreneurship.
Applying for Business Grants as a Formerly Incarcerated Entrepreneur
When applying for business grants as a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur, you’ll often need a detailed business plan and proof of your eligibility, which may include documentation of your prior incarceration and rehabilitation efforts.
The application process for these business grants, designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals, typically demands clear evidence of your business viability and personal progress.
Funding opportunities like the Transform Business Grant and Georgetown Pivot Program target entrepreneurs with felony records, providing critical capital without repayment obligations.
To maximize success, use resources such as Grants.gov, GrantWatch, and networks like HelpForFelons.org for guidance and mentorship to navigate entrepreneurship effectively.
Housing Assistance Grants for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
You can access transitional housing programs that provide a safe place to live immediately after incarceration, often combined with supportive services to help stabilize your situation.
Rental assistance programs, including those managed by HUD such as Section 8 vouchers, can subsidize your rent based on income to make housing more affordable.
Many local nonprofits also offer tailored support and referrals to connect you with resources for permanent housing.
Transitional Housing Support
- Access to affordable and stable transitional housing through nonprofit and state programs.
- Supportive services that help maintain housing and build life skills.
- Collaboration with community resources to address barriers unique to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Rental Assistance Programs
While securing affordable housing remains a significant challenge for many formerly incarcerated individuals, New York offers a variety of rental assistance programs designed to address these barriers directly.
You can access federally funded programs like HUD’s Section 8, which provides low-cost housing options tailored to your needs. Emergency assistance programs are available to offer immediate cash support for living expenses.
If you’re a felon with minor children, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash grants to help cover rent and transportation.
Local churches and nonprofits also offer rental assistance without strict qualification policies, expanding your housing options.
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Support Grants
- The Office of Mental Health (OMH) in New York allocates millions annually for wellness and trauma recovery initiatives, funding community-driven projects—including those serving the formerly incarcerated—that improve access to mental health services and promote resilience.
- State and federal grants (e.g., SAMHSA Block Grants, OASAS funding opportunities) provide resources for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, with special attention to populations at higher risk of relapse or re-arrest.
- Private and nonprofit grants (such as Fidelis Care’s Behavioral Health Grant Program) support the integration of behavioral health and primary care, targeting vulnerable groups and funding peer support networks that help individuals reenter society.
Employment and Workforce Development Grants for Felons
Many workforce development grants in New York specifically focus on helping formerly incarcerated individuals overcome employment barriers by providing skills training, certification opportunities, and tailored job placement assistance. You’ll find that state agencies like the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision offer funding for programs that emphasize hands-on work experience and partnerships with local businesses—key components for reducing recidivism. These grants often prioritize industry-driven certifications and support services that directly connect you to job opportunities, helping you gain a foothold in high-demand sectors and build a sustainable career path.
| Grant Provider/Focus Area | Services Offered | Target Population |
|---|---|---|
| NY DCJS, DOCCS, Workforce Development | Skills training, certification, job placement | Formerly incarcerated individuals |
| Community-Based Organizations | Hands-on work experience, mentoring, referrals | Felons reentering the workforce |
| Federal Programs (e.g., Second Chance Act) | Adult reentry, employment programs, mentoring | State/local reentry populations |
Educational and Training Grants Focused on Reentry Success
You can access educational grants focused on reentry success through college-in-prison programs that help you earn degrees while incarcerated, improving your chances of stable reintegration.
These programs, often funded by foundations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and supported by state initiatives, aim to provide you with essential skills and align coursework to prepare you for life after release.
College-in-Prison Programs
In New York, college-in-prison programs are receiving significant support through various grants and initiatives designed to improve educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals, ultimately fostering successful reentry into society.
Funded by sources like the Manhattan District Attorney’s Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, these programs provide robust educational programming and reentry services across 17 state prisons. Their goal is to align course requirements, strengthen transfer agreements, and help motivated inmates enroll in, continue, and complete higher education degrees—reducing recidivism rates and improving post-release outcomes.
Key Features
1. Impact on Recidivism
Participation in college-in-prison programs is linked to a 66% reduction in reconviction rates, demonstrating a clear public safety benefit for participants and communities.
2. Statewide Access and Quality
Programs are available throughout New York State, with efforts to guarantee quality, coherence, and transferability of credits—addressing historic barriers to educational effectiveness for incarcerated students.
3. Reentry and Employment Focus
Beyond the classroom, these initiatives emphasize reentry services, helping graduates transition to employment and further education after release, which supports long-term success.
Reentry Skill Development
Although higher education programs in prisons have laid the foundation, reentry skill development grants focus specifically on providing incarcerated individuals with practical education and training that supports their successful reintegration into society upon release.
These grants fund reentry services and educational opportunities designed to equip formerly incarcerated individuals with the skills necessary for employment and community engagement.
Programs funded by initiatives like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the New York County District Attorney emphasize development through quality assurance, alignment with degree requirements, and accessibility.
This approach improves continuation and completion rates, ultimately promoting better outcomes for individuals after incarceration.
Educational Access Support
Educational access support through targeted grants plays an essential role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals in New York pursue and complete college degrees or certificate programs, which directly improves their chances of successful reentry and reduces recidivism.
Educational grants help fund your degree or certificate programs during the reentry process, boosting job prospects and aiding community reintegration.
Key aspects include:
- The College-in-Prison Reentry Initiative provides education at 17 state prisons nationwide, enhancing accessibility and performance.
- Grants from organizations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation support cohesive college-in-prison systems.
- Programs like TANF offer financial assistance for education-related expenses to felons with children.
These supports improve your employment opportunities and reduce the likelihood of reoffending by equipping you with valuable skills and credentials.
Community-Based Reentry Programs and Services Funded by Grants
| Funding Source | Eligible Recipients | Key Services Funded |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Justice Assistance | Community-Based Organizations, Governments | Adult reentry, employment programs, mentoring |
| Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention | Youth-focused Organizations | Juvenile community supervision, mentoring |
| Second Chance Act Grants | State, local, tribal agencies | Transitional services, workforce development |
Specialized Grant Programs for Women and Marginalized Groups With Criminal Records
Specialized grant programs for women and marginalized groups with criminal records provide targeted financial support and resources to foster entrepreneurship and successful reintegration.
You’ll find initiatives like the LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurial Academy, which equips formerly incarcerated women with business skills and pitch opportunities, and the Transform Business Grant, offering $1,000 microgrants to entrepreneurs from systemically oppressed backgrounds.
- The Amber Grant awards $10,000 monthly (plus a $25,000 annual prize) specifically to women, including those with records, lowering barriers to launching entrepreneurial ventures.
- Georgetown Pivot Program delivers comprehensive support—internships, coaching, and up to $15,000 in financial grants—focusing on marginalized communities.
- Rise Up, Get Started Grant Program combines coaching, community, and a financial grant after a year, supporting reintegration for formerly incarcerated women.
Legal and Civil Assistance Grants for Reintegrating Individuals
If you face challenges reentering New York after incarceration, civil legal aid programs can help you clear your record, restore rights, and secure stable housing—critical steps that often determine long-term stability.
Case management support services connect you to personalized legal assistance and practical resources, such as job training and health care, which nonprofits like The Fortune Society and initiatives like the College-in-Prison Reentry program actively support.
With this mix of legal guidance and wraparound services, you have a stronger chance to overcome barriers, reduce recidivism, and build a life after release.
Civil Legal Aid Programs
Civil legal aid programs in New York play an essential role in supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration.
These programs assist formerly incarcerated individuals with issues like housing and employment, facilitating their reintegration into society.
You can access help through:
- Legal Assistance: Services for housing, employment, and family law issues.
- Expungement Processes: Guidance on sealing criminal records to improve employment prospects.
- Access to Justice: Legal aid is often provided at no cost or on a sliding scale, ensuring access to justice for those with limited financial resources.
Case Management Support Services
Although steering reentry can be challenging, case management support services funded by legal and civil assistance grants provide critical help for formerly incarcerated individuals. These services include legal representation, advocacy, and assistance with civil rights issues. They facilitate access to essential resources such as identification, housing, employment, and social services.
| Service Area | Support Provided | Community Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Reentry Assistance | Case management, housing aid | Non-profits, community organizations |
| Legal Support | Legal representation, advocacy | Legal aid societies |
| Employment | Job training, employment resources | Local businesses, workshops |
Resources for Grant Application Support and Technical Assistance
Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and organizations like HelpForFelons.org and Defy Ventures provide essential grant application support and technical assistance tailored for felons in New York.
They offer free mentoring, help you navigate federal funding opportunities through platforms such as Grants.gov, and connect you with local grant sources.
By attending workshops from nonprofit organizations, you can boost your grant writing and business planning skills.
Networking with community groups further expands your access to both mentorship and specialized technical assistance, increasing your chances of submitting a compelling application.
Key Resources
- SBDCs: Free, local guidance on grant applications and comprehensive lists of funding opportunities.
- Nonprofit Workshops: Training in grant writing and business planning to improve your application’s quality.
- Community Networking: Links to mentors and specialized technical assistance through partnerships with local organizations.
Alternative Funding Options Beyond Grants for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
If you’re exploring how to fund a business or personal goals after incarceration, grants aren’t your only option—business loans, online financing, and structured training programs can all play a role in building stability and opportunity.
Business loans are an alternative funding option for formerly incarcerated individuals, though traditional lenders may require credit checks and charge higher interest rates due to your record.
Online lenders offer more accessible financing options, sometimes without collateral, but expect higher fees.
Term loans provide lump-sum capital to fund ventures, making these alternatives viable despite challenges from your felony background.
State-by-State Grants for Felons: Quick Summary of Support & Eligibility
| Alabama | Discusses Alabama grants and assistance for felons reentering society, including employment and training programs. |
| Alaska | Covers Alaska support for felons, including workforce grants, housing aid, and reintegration resources. |
| Arizona | Explains Arizona assistance and grants aimed at felons for job training, education, and reintegration help. |
| Arkansas | Summarizes Arkansas programs and grants that help felons with employment access and reentry support. |
| California | Details California grants and financial aid options for felons seeking education, jobs, or housing support. |
| Colorado | Covers Colorado’s felon grant resources, workforce training funds, and reintegration aid information. |
| Connecticut | Discusses Connecticut’s financial support and program options for felons, including training and placement. |
| Delaware | Summarizes Delaware assistance for felons, including reintegration, employment support, and grants. |
| Florida | Explains Florida grants and support programs for felons, focusing on jobs, training, and reentry resources. |
| Georgia | Details Georgia programs and available grants for felons seeking employment and life stability support. |
| Hawaii | Covers Hawaii assistance options for felons including grants for job readiness and reintegration services. |
| Idaho | Summarizes Idaho support for felons, including employment grants, training help, and reintegration aid. |
| Illinois | Explains Illinois felon grant options, workforce development funds, and reentry program support. |
| Indiana | Discusses Indiana assistance for felons including job training, grants, and reintegration resources. |
| Iowa | Summarizes Iowa felon grant programs, employment training funds, and reintegration supports. |
| Kansas | Covers Kansas resources and grants for felons focusing on job placement and life skills aid. |
| Kentucky | Explains Kentucky assistance and grant opportunities for felons seeking work and stability. |
| Louisiana | Details Louisiana support programs and felon grants for workforce access and reentry help. |
| Maine | Summarizes Maine grants and assistance for felons including training and income support options. |
| Maryland | Covers Maryland felon support programs with grant info for employment and reintegration. |
| Massachusetts | Explains Massachusetts grants and funding for felons for work, education, and reintegration. |
| Michigan | Details Michigan assistance options and grant programs for felons seeking jobs and stability. |
| Minnesota | Summarizes Minnesota felon grant resources including job training and reentry support. |
| Mississippi | Covers Mississippi assistance for felons including grants and workforce training options. |
| Missouri | Explains Missouri grant and support programs available to felons for employment and reintegration. |
| Montana | Summarizes Montana assistance and grant programs for felons including training and placement help. |
| Nebraska | Details Nebraska resources for felons with grant info for work readiness and reintegration. |
| Nevada | Covers Nevada assistance programs and felon grants focusing on employment and reintegration aid. |
| New Hampshire | Summarizes New Hampshire felon support, including grant programs for job training and reintegration. |
| New Jersey | Explains New Jersey felon grant opportunities with a focus on job readiness and support services. |
| New Mexico | Covers New Mexico resources and grant programs for felons aimed at employment and reintegration. |
| North Carolina | Details North Carolina’s felon support and grant programs for work, training and reintegration. |
| North Dakota | Covers North Dakota assistance and grants for felons focusing on employment and stability. |
| Ohio | Explains Ohio’s felon grant resources for job training, education, and reentry aid. |
| Oklahoma | Summarizes Oklahoma support programs and free grant info for felons seeking employment. |
| Oregon | Covers Oregon’s felon grants and assistance programs for training, jobs, and reintegration help. |
| Pennsylvania | Details Pennsylvania grant and support options for felons involving job readiness and aid. |
| Rhode Island | Summarizes Rhode Island’s felon support, including grants for workforce training and reintegration. |
| South Carolina | Covers South Carolina felon grant programs focusing on jobs, skills, and reentry support. |
| South Dakota | Explains South Dakota assistance grants for felons, including training and job access support. |
| Tennessee | Summarizes Tennessee felon grants and workforce programs for reentry success. |
| Texas | Details Texas felon support grants, employment assistance, and training program coverage. |
| Utah | Covers Utah’s felon grant resources focusing on job training and reintegration help. |
| Vermont | Summarizes Vermont assistance grants for felons including work support and training. |
| Virginia | Explains Virginia’s felon grants and workforce supports including reintegration aid. |
| Washington | Covers Washington state felon assistance programs and relevant grants for job, training, and stability. |
| West Virginia | Summarizes West Virginia felon support and grant programs focused on employment and skills. |
| Wisconsin | Details Wisconsin felon grant resources for training, employment, and community reintegration. |
| Wyoming | Covers Wyoming’s grant options and assistance programs for felons seeking employment support. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Felon Hardship Grant?
Yes, felons can access hardship grants through financial aid resources, community support initiatives, and educational grants availability that support rehabilitation program funding and felon employment opportunities, though options may vary by location and program specifics.
What Is the Second Chance Act Grant Money?
Imagine planting a tree for the future: the Second Chance Act grant money provides second chance funding to organizations running reentry programs that support formerly incarcerated individuals. It fuels criminal justice reform, promotes economic empowerment, and boosts community support initiatives to reduce recidivism and ease reintegration.
Is There Any Free Grant Money?
Yes, you can access free funding sources like SNAP, TANF, and HEAP. Additionally, consider nonprofit assistance programs, community support grants, educational scholarships, and employment training funds for support.
How to Find NYS Grant?
Want to access NYS grant resources for felons? Start by visiting your local economic development office and checking state websites, which list funding opportunities and outline eligibility criteria—then, carefully follow their application process while tapping into community support networks for extra guidance.
Conclusion
You can utilize a variety of grants in New York designed specifically to support your reentry journey. Whether it’s funding for education, housing, business start-ups, or legal help, these programs require proof of your incarceration history and rehabilitation progress. Remember, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”—applying for these grants and connecting with community organizations can be that essential first step to rebuilding your life and securing a stable future.