There are several grants available for ex-felons.
Felons released from prison often have a hard time re-adjusting to life outside of prison. Not only do the same issues and problems that led to a life of crime still haunt them, but the label of "felon" carries a heavy stigma that makes finding good housing or a good job much more difficult. Fortunately, there are federal grants available specifically for aiding ex-felons to get back on their feet.
Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are available to most felons, something many do not know. Pell grants are used for higher education and are a major part of funding college expenses for many students. The only ex-felons who might have difficulty qualifying are those who were imprisoned on drug charges, as there is a specific clause denying financial aid to people who have failed drug tests. However, there is a loophole that allows schools to award Pell Grants if the student in question passes multiple drug tests and can prove that they are clean and staying that way.
Federal Reentry Program
The Department of Justice Federal Reentry Program is a grant-based program run by the Department of Justice that provides individuals, charities and states with funds to run programs specifically designed to help released felons reintegrate into society and prosper in a law-abiding role. These programs can vary greatly, but there are many grants available for ex-felons that range from going back to school, learning new trade skills or even starting a business.
State Based Programs
Many state-based grant programs for released felons are funded through federal funds. Because of the large amount of money offered from the federal government, most states set up programs of some type to aid in housing, education, job training and job locating for ex-felons who need assistance getting back on their feet. These state-based programs are often the easiest to find, as information is normally available at any local courthouse.
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