You might assume grants for felons in Wisconsin are scarce or out of reach, but numerous federal and state programs specifically target your successful reentry. These resources focus on housing, employment, and skills development, and some even support entrepreneurial efforts.
Yet qualifying and maneuvering through these opportunities isn’t always straightforward, and understanding what’s available and how to access it could make an essential difference in your reintegration journey.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin offers reentry programs such as the Community Corrections Employment Program (CCEP) and Windows to Work, which provide job training and employment support for felons.
- Project RETURN and the Salvation Army’s Prison Aftercare Network offer temporary housing, case management, and basic needs assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals in Wisconsin.
- Federal grants like the Second Chance Act fund community-based organizations to provide housing, employment, and vocational services that support felon reintegration (referenced from BACKGROUND).
- Private business grants for felons include programs such as NASE Growth Grants and TRANSFORM Business Grant, which support entrepreneurship and business development (referenced from BACKGROUND).
- Eligibility for assistance often requires collaboration with local service providers, and applications may be submitted via Grants.gov or Wisconsin’s Egrants portal (referenced from BACKGROUND).
Federal and State Grant Programs Supporting Reentry in Wisconsin
While federal and state grant programs vary in focus, many support reentry efforts for felons in Wisconsin by funding community-based initiatives that reduce recidivism and improve reintegration. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Second Chance Act provides grants for programs that help with housing, employment, vocational training, nutrition support, and basic living needs.
For low-income individuals, these programs may also incorporate new technologies, such as online skills training, digital literacy tools, telehealth services, and case-management platforms, to remove barriers after release.
State grants further strengthen this support by ensuring access to essential services that promote long-term stability and successful community reintegration.
Housing and Basic Needs Assistance for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
As you navigate housing and basic needs assistance in Wisconsin, several programs can help seniors and single parents meet essential costs. For housing, options like Section 8 and other subsidized programs offer reduced rents for eligible low-income households, including those with felony convictions.
Beyond housing, programs such as the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and FoodShare provide critical support for utilities and nutrition, easing financial pressure and helping seniors and single parents maintain stable, secure living conditions.
Housing Stability Support
Housing stability support is essential for formerly incarcerated individuals in Wisconsin, particularly those with felony records.
You can access grants and housing assistance programs tailored for low income, helping you secure affordable housing and receive rental payment support through HUD-backed initiatives like Section 8 housing complexes. These programs reduce your monthly rent based on income, even with felony records.
To manage utility expenses, you may utilize weatherization services to lower costs and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Assistance Program (WHEAP), which offers grants to utility providers to help pay heating or electric bills, maintaining your housing stability.
Eligibility usually requires low income and legal status.
Basic Needs Assistance
As a felon in Wisconsin, you can access various programs to support your basic needs.
Housing assistance programs help you find affordable housing, ensuring stability.
Beyond housing, cash grants from TANF support essential living costs like bills and food for those with minor children.
FoodShare offers food assistance via an electronic debit card, available if you meet income eligibility requirements.
These programs aid in managing living expenses, providing a foundation for successful reintegration.
Private Business Grants Available to Felons in Wisconsin
If you’re a felon in Wisconsin looking to start or grow a business, private grants can be a valuable resource.
The NASE Growth Grants program offers up to $4,000 for business needs—just keep a paid membership ($11.95/month for at least three months) and show a clear plan for how you’ll use the money.
TRANSFORM Business Grant focuses on marginalized groups, including felons, awarding $1,000 plus a year of personalized business coaching—apply during their twice-yearly windows if you’re creating social impact.
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Programs for Felons
While reentering society after incarceration, you can build essential business skills and access mentorship through various entrepreneurship programs specifically designed for felons.
These programs equip you with practical tools—from developing a business plan to mastering marketing—increasing your chances of launching a successful venture. Many initiatives also connect you with grant programs and funding opportunities, helping overcome barriers that former inmates often face.
- Defy Ventures and Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) provide intensive business skills training, mentorship, and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.
- Inmates to Entrepreneurs and Project ReMADE offer structured courses in business fundamentals, culminating in a polished business plan and potential investor pitches.
- LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy and Georgetown Pivot Program deliver pitch competitions, microloans, and grants—up to $15,000—specifically for business ideas from felons, directly linking skill development to real funding opportunities.
Eligibility and Application Process for Reentry Grants
To qualify for reentry grants in Wisconsin, you’ll need to represent a community-based organization, government entity, tribal government, or similar group, with no match funds required.
Applications are competitive and must be submitted through federal portals like Grants.gov or Wisconsin’s Egrants system, depending on the specific grant.
The grants usually fund projects for one year, focusing on housing, employment, and treatment services to support successful reentry after incarceration.
Eligibility Requirements
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), along with city, county, state, and tribal governments, are eligible to apply for reentry grants in Wisconsin that support individuals returning to their communities after incarceration.
These grants often serve those with a criminal record, focusing on support services like employment and mental health initiatives.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Eligible Applicants: CBOs, city, county, state, and tribal governments.
- Grant Purpose: Improve reentry through employment and support services.
- Application Process: Competitive, with variable funding amounts.
Grant Application Steps
When applying for reentry grants in Wisconsin, several key steps must be followed.
First, identify available funding opportunities through platforms like Grants.gov and GrantWatch.
Next, outline your program planning, goals, and intended use of federal reentry grants, which typically involve community-based organizations.
The application process is competitive, so it’s essential to collaborate with experienced organizations.
Make sure your proposal addresses key issues like housing and employment for successful reintegration.
You can also investigate collaborations with local entities to improve your chances of securing support.
Challenges and Barriers Faced by Felons Seeking Financial Assistance
- High unemployment rate limits access to assistance
- Employer background checks cause job refusals
- Restricted funding options with limited grants and loan access
Alternative Funding Options Beyond Grants for Felons
While grants for felons in Wisconsin might provide essential support, there are several alternative funding options that can help you achieve your financial goals.
Business loans, including SBA Microloans up to $50,000, are accessible even if you have limited credit history, and new regulations mean your criminal record may not appear on credit files.
Online lenders may approve you more readily, though you’ll face higher interest rates.
Funding from investors—including angel investors focused on marginalized groups—opens doors for startups.
Crowdfunding platforms let you raise money directly from the public, bypassing traditional credit score hurdles.
Each option has trade-offs, so weigh costs and requirements carefully.
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. |
| New York | Summarizes New York felon grant options for education, jobs, and support during reentry. |
| 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. |
| Wyoming | Covers Wyoming’s grant options and assistance programs for felons seeking employment support. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Felon Hardship Grant?
You can access support through housing assistance programs and financial aid options like TANF and FoodShare, which aid felons. Rehabilitation programs and community support services also provide opportunities for integration and employment.
What Is the Wisconsin Fund Grant Program?
You’re not just fishing for help—you’re diving into a sea of Wisconsin funding opportunities with the Wisconsin Fund Grant Program, which streamlines the grant application process to deliver community support programs, reentry services, felon employment resources, financial aid options, and legal assistance resources to help you rebuild.
Who Qualifies for the Wisconsin Grant?
You qualify for the Wisconsin Fund Grant if you own a home with a failing wastewater system built before 1978, live in a participating area, earn under $45,000, and get a verified failure notice. Felon eligibility isn’t mentioned, and financial assistance depends on income; the grant supports system replacement, not direct personal expenses or rehabilitation programs. You apply through your county, providing proof of income and ownership; support resources vary by location, but the grant aims to protect public health in your community. There are no stated legal restrictions for felons, but all application criteria must be met.
Are There Scholarships for Felons?
Like a key revealing hidden doors, scholarship opportunities exist for felons—seek educational grants and federal financial aid, investigate vocational training at community colleges, and connect with nonprofits for community support; check eligibility criteria, then start your application process.
Conclusion
As you navigate grants for felons in Wisconsin, keep in mind that programs like the Second Chance Act can make a significant impact. Importantly, Wisconsin’s reentry initiatives face challenges such as housing insecurity and employment barriers. Considering that Black men are disproportionately represented in Wisconsin’s prison population, targeted support is essential. Investing in reentry programs can reduce recidivism rates significantly, offering a second chance for thousands returning annually.