Grants for Felons in Minnesota: Updated

If you’re a felon in Minnesota looking to rebuild and launch a business, several targeted grants can help cover startup costs and provide essential support. From programs offering $1,000 to $5,000 combined with development coaching, to larger state-backed grants aimed at underserved communities, these resources are designed to overcome barriers such as limited access to traditional loans.

Understanding which grants fit your situation can reveal important funding—but steering through eligibility and application nuances requires careful strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Felons in Minnesota can access multiple grants including SNAP for food assistance and General Assistance for cash aid to support basic living needs.
• Business grants such as Boots to Business ($5,000), Walmart grants, MicroGrants (up to $2,500), and TRANSFORM ($1,000 plus training) support entrepreneurship for former felons.
• Minnesota Housing’s Bridges program offers temporary rental assistance and housing support for low-income individuals, including those with mental illness.
• The federal Second Chance Act provides competitive grants for programs aiding reentry, employment, and reducing recidivism for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Additional support includes the Federal Bonding Program offering no-cost fidelity bonds to help felons secure employment by protecting employers from theft claims.

Overview of Financial Support for Felons in Minnesota

In Minnesota, various financial support options are available to help felons get back on their feet. You can access grants and financial help through programs like SNAP, General Assistance, and HUD, which serve low-income individuals, including those with felony convictions.

Nonprofit organizations like MicroGrants offer up to $2,500 to support small business development and stable employment. Additionally, grants such as the $5,000 Boots to Business and Walmart grants help you start entrepreneurial ventures.

These resources encourage multiple applications to maximize your opportunities for essential financial support and long-term stability.

Types of Grants Available for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Although formerly incarcerated individuals face significant barriers, Minnesota offers several grant types designed to provide non-repayable financial support tailored to their needs.

These include the $5,000 Boots to Business Grant and the Walmart Grant, both aimed at supporting felons in starting or growing businesses.

Additionally, programs like SNAP and General Assistance help with basic living expenses.

Local organizations such as MicroGrants offer up to $2,500 focusing specifically on small business development and employment stability in the Twin Cities.

Applying to multiple grants for felons can improve your chances of securing essential post-incarceration aid.

Private Business Grants for Felons

For felons in Minnesota seeking private business grants, several targeted opportunities combine funding with strong business development support, while also aligning with broader federal initiatives and access to health services. The NASE Growth Grants offer up to $4,000 to members, along with expert guidance that supports long-term stability.

The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides $1,000 plus a year-long development program focused on marginalized entrepreneurs, including felons. Amber Grants award $10,000 monthly to women-led businesses, rewarding compelling business stories. LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy supports formerly incarcerated women with a $1,000 microloan, training, and pitch opportunities.

In addition, programs like Kansas City’s Rise Up offer coaching and grants after a year-long course. Together, these private options can complement federal workforce and reentry initiatives, while improved income and business stability can also enhance access to essential health services and wellness resources.

Government Grants and Federal Programs in Minnesota

You can access several federal and state government grants and programs in Minnesota designed to support felons in rebuilding their lives.

These include SNAP for food assistance, General Assistance for cash support, HUD housing programs, and energy bill help through the Energy Assistance Program.

Exploring these resources can provide essential aid for housing, nutrition, and financial stability as you reintegrate into the community.

Federal Grant Programs

Since federal grant programs in Minnesota are largely designed to assist organizations rather than individuals, people with felony convictions typically access federal support by connecting with local nonprofits or government agencies that receive these funds.

Federal grants primarily fund organizations that support formerly incarcerated people through mentoring, job training, and employment services. The DOJ’s Second Chance Act Grants focus on community-based reentry programs to reduce recidivism and improve reintegration.

Additionally, USDA Rural Innovation Grants may aid rural training programs that include support for individuals with felony backgrounds.

Research local organizations benefiting from these grants to find available assistance.

State and Local Assistance

In Minnesota, state and local assistance programs play an essential role in supporting individuals with felony convictions by providing financial aid and enhancing their reintegration into society.

You can access grant programs designed to meet your basic needs and facilitate employment. Key resources include:

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and General Assistance (GA) offer financial support without repayment to cover essentials.
2. Local government-run programs and nonprofits provide affordable housing options through HUD and emergency help such as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
3. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) delivers job training and employment services tailored specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals to improve workforce access.

State and Local Grant Opportunities

If you’re seeking direct financial help in Minnesota, you’ll find targeted state and local programs like SNAP and General Assistance, which offer food and cash aid if you meet income and citizenship requirements.

Local resources such as the Energy Assistance Program and Medical Assistance reduce utility and healthcare costs, easing daily burdens as you rebuild stability.

You can also access entrepreneurial grants, such as the Boots to Business and Walmart Grants, designed to invest in your business ideas and support self-sufficiency after incarceration.

State Funding Programs

1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and General Assistance (GA) offer food and cash aid to low-income individuals, including felons.
2. The Minnesota Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program supports affordable housing and rent assistance for formerly incarcerated residents.
3. Local groups like Catholic Charities provide additional services such as food, clothing, and counseling with fewer eligibility restrictions.

Local Assistance Resources

While felons in Minnesota often face barriers accessing traditional funding, local assistance programs and grant opportunities actively support their reentry and development.

Programs like General Assistance (GA), SNAP, and HUD provide direct financial support for monthly income, food, and housing, helping you meet basic needs during financial hardship.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) and Medical Assistance (MA) further cover utility bills and healthcare, ensuring stability as you rebuild.

Local organizations, including churches and charities, sometimes offer less restrictive community assistance programs when you need immediate aid.

Minnesota’s robust grant programs and local assistance resources work together to offer practical, ongoing support for your reintegration.

Entrepreneurship and Training Programs

Formerly incarcerated Minnesotans have growing—and practical—options for entrepreneurship education and seed funding, thanks to a range of programs designed to help you turn business ideas into reality.

Whether you seek hands-on mentorship, a structured business plan, or direct access to capital, these initiatives offer real pathways to economic independence through business grant, entrepreneurship training, and funding opportunities.

• Targeted Support: The LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy and the Transform Business Grant each provide a $1,000 microloan, mentoring, and tailored business development plans—specifically for women and marginalized individuals exiting prison.
• Comprehensive Training: Defy Ventures and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program combine rigorous business skill-building with university-backed certification, empowering you to launch and scale ventures with expert guidance.
• Accessible Education: Inmates to Entrepreneurs delivers free, eight-week online courses on core business topics, ensuring foundational knowledge is within reach regardless of location or schedule.

These programs not only lower barriers to entrepreneurship but also integrate pitch competitions and ongoing mentorship, directly addressing the unique challenges you face in securing stable, dignified work after incarceration.

NASE Growth Grants: Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for a NASE Growth Grant, you must be a current member of the National Association for the Self-Employed, with memberships starting at $11.95 per month and some requiring a 90-day waiting period before applying.

The grants, awarded quarterly, provide up to $4,000 to support specific business growth needs such as marketing, hiring, or equipment purchases.

Your application must include a business plan that clearly outlines how you intend to use the funds to expand your small business.

Membership Requirements

1. You must be an NASE member in good standing, with dues current at application and funding time.
2. Annual members can apply immediately; monthly members must wait 90 days before applying.
3. Only small business owners qualify, including those with prior incarceration looking to expand.

This membership also grants access to valuable business expert support.

Application Timeline

Although you can submit your NASE Growth Grant application at any time, each quarterly review cycle—the only time your application will actually be considered—takes place in January, April, July, and October.

As a business owner, you must be a current NASE member in good standing to apply for these grants directly. The application requires a detailed proposal explaining your business goals, financial needs, and intended use of the funds.

Funding Amount and Use

1. Equipment purchases to improve your business operations
2. Marketing initiatives to attract new customers
3. Operational costs, including hiring and training employees

To qualify, you must maintain a paid NASE membership starting at $11.95 per month.

Applications are accepted quarterly, giving you multiple chances annually to secure this valuable small business grant.

This funding option is designed to support your business expansion and development effectively.

TRANSFORM Business Grant: Features and Access

Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurs from marginalized groups—including those with past felony convictions—apply for access to the TRANSFORM Business Grant, a targeted resource offering both seed money and personalized support to help break down barriers to business ownership.

This grant provides $1,000 along with a year-long business development and strategy plan tailored to your specific needs. Beyond funds, you’ll gain mentorship focused on your growth and business impact.

Applications open online twice a year, with the next window from September 15-30, 2024. Eligibility requires showing your business’s community impact and commitment to personal growth.

Amber Grants for Women-Owned Businesses

You can apply for Amber Grants if you’re a woman 18 or older who owns at least 50% of a business based in the U.S. or Canada.

The application is straightforward, with a $15 fee, and selection focuses on your business story and vision rather than a formal plan.

Winners receive monthly grants of $10,000, with a $25,000 year-end grant awarded to one recipient, plus access to expert networks and resources to help grow your business.

Application Requirements

To apply for an Amber Grant, which supports women-owned businesses, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria.

This grant is open to women aged 18 or older who’ve at least 50% ownership of a business based in the U.S. or Canada. The application process is straightforward, requiring a $15 fee and a compelling business story instead of a detailed plan.

Importantly, the Amber Grant is accessible to women entrepreneurs with felony records, offering a unique opportunity for felons to obtain business grants.

Application requirements include:

1. Being a woman 18+ with majority ownership (50%+) of a U.S. or Canadian business
2. Paying a $15 application fee and submitting your business story
3. Emphasizing your unique narrative, as grants focus on story strength over business model details.

Grant Benefits

Amber Grants frequently award three $10,000 grants each month to women entrepreneurs, plus one $25,000 year-end grant among the monthly winners, making it possible to receive up to $35,000 in funding annually.

These government grants help people like you—especially women, including those formerly incarcerated—build and grow your business with relatively simple application requirements and a $15 fee.

Rather than focusing on detailed business plans, selection emphasizes compelling business stories.

Beyond funding, you gain access to valuable resources such as business advice and mentorship through Business Administration networks designed to support your entrepreneurial success.

LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy and Microloans

The LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy and MicroGrants offer essential support for formerly incarcerated individuals in Minnesota by providing financial assistance and skill development.

LEAP’s 12-week program equips women with business skills and access to microloans up to $1,000.

You can benefit from:

• Comprehensive Training: LEAP offers a structured curriculum focusing on financial, marketing, and legal aspects of entrepreneurship.
• Microloans: Participants are eligible for up to $1,000 in financing to kickstart their ventures.
• Mentorship: Personalized guidance improves business success chances.

MicroGrants and Community-Based Financial Assistance

With direct grants of up to $2,500, MicroGrants provides essential financial support for Minnesotans facing economic hardship—including felons—by partnering with local agencies to help individuals access work, keep a job, or even create their own small businesses.

You can benefit from these microgrants for small business development, which focus on empowering marginalized communities.

By offering resources like tools and educational grants, MicroGrants aims to improve income and quality of life.

Collaborations with community organizations guarantee networking and support for diverse entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable economic growth in the Twin Cities.

Additional Assistance Programs for Basic Needs

Beyond small business and employment support, you can access a variety of programs aimed at helping with basic needs like food, housing, and utilities that often pose immediate challenges.

These programs complement your path to stability by offering essential services:

1. SNAP: Provides monthly food assistance.
2. HUD: Offers affordable housing solutions.
3. EAP: Assists with energy bills, ensuring you can afford utilities.

These resources can help you develop basic business skills indirectly by securing your personal needs first.

Housing, Food, and Energy Assistance for Felons

Although having a felony record can create barriers, you can still qualify for several Minnesota programs that address housing, food, and energy needs to support your reentry. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food assistance through an electronic debit card, helping you access nutritious food. The General Assistance (GA) program offers cash grants for living expenses like housing and transportation. Housing options and rent support are available through HUD programs targeting low-income individuals. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps with heating and cooling bills, ensuring you maintain essential utilities during extreme weather.

Resources for Business Planning and Development

Once you’ve taken steps to stabilize your basic needs, exploring resources for business planning and development can open new doors to economic independence, even with a felony record.

1. The Minnesota Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free or low-cost workshops, one-on-one counseling, and a business training program that helps you create effective business plans and strategies.
2. Programs like Defy Ventures and Inmates to Entrepreneurs provide tailored mentorship and entrepreneurship training designed specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals.
3. Grant opportunities such as the TRANSFORM Business Grant provide financial support alongside strategic development assistance, helping you launch or grow your business with targeted funding.

Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Grant Opportunities

If you’re facing barriers due to a felony conviction, you can overcome challenges by targeting grants designed expressly for formerly incarcerated individuals, which can provide essential financial support and business development resources.

Grants designed to help people like you include the MicroGrants initiative offering up to $2,500 for small business development or stable employment, and the TRANSFORM Business Grant providing $1,000 plus a year-long business development plan to fuel entrepreneurial aspirations.

Additionally, programs like the LEAP Virtual Entrepreneurship Academy offer microloans and support to women formerly incarcerated, increasing your access to essential funding and skills for success.

State-by-State Grants for Felons: Quick Summary of Support & Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What Grants Can Felons Get?

You can access felon employment resources and financial aid programs like SNAP, General Assistance, and the Energy Assistance Program, plus rehabilitation assistance options including HUD housing grants and business grants such as Boots to Business or Walmart grants for entrepreneurial support. These grants focus on reducing barriers and providing financial aid tailored to your needs as a felon in Minnesota.

What Is the Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota?

The Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota offers temporary financial assistance options covering essentials like housing and utilities. Eligibility criteria focus on income and financial need, supporting residents through Minnesota grant programs without repayment requirements.

Is There Any Free Grant Money?

Free financial assistance in Minnesota flows like a river through government funding options such as SNAP and General Assistance, alongside nonprofit support programs like MicroGrants; these provide felons with grants and aid without repayment obligations. You can tap these resources to meet basic needs or launch ventures.

Who Is Eligible for Minnesota Grants?

You’re eligible for Minnesota grants—including financial assistance options—if you’re a resident, meet specific eligibility criteria, and in some cases, have a felony record, but always check each grant application process for detailed requirements.

Conclusion

You’re on the verge of a breakthrough — numerous grants specifically target former felons in Minnesota, combining essential startup funds with mentorship and development programs. But knowing about these resources is just the start. The true challenge lies in steering through eligibility and timing to maximize your advantage. Will you seize these opportunities and transform setbacks into solid business growth? The doors are open; the next step is yours to claim.