Are There Grants for Felons in North Carolina? Yes, there are multiple grants for felons in North Carolina that provide financial support for education, housing, healthcare, and employment. Popular programs include NC Promise Tuition Plan, FELS, NCWorks, SNAP, Medicaid, and the Federal Bonding Program.
Whether you are recently released or formerly incarcerated, this guide highlights the top programs for felons in North Carolina, explaining eligibility and proper application steps. Returning citizens can access financial aid, job training, and housing support to rebuild their lives faster by using available local resources.
Education Grants and Scholarship for Felons in North
Education grants for felons in North Carolina, such as the NC Promise Tuition Plan, FELS, and the Emancipate NC Justice League Fellowship, provide financial assistance to help individuals access college, vocational training, and skill-based programs.
The NC Promise Tuition Plan
The NC Promise Tuition Plan is a North Carolina state-funded program offering financial assistance to individuals to access higher education. It is not a felon-specific program, but eligible students with felony convictions can attend public universities like Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Western Carolina University at a reduced tuition cost.
The NC Promise grants offer $500 per semester for in-state students and $3,500 per semester for out-of-state. The NC Promise Tuition Plan can be combined with other federal and Pell grants, thus making education more accessible and debt-free.
Eligibility For The NC Promise Tuition Plan
To be eligible for The NC Promise Tuition Plan, applicants need to get admitted to a participating NC Promise university, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, cannot be currently incarcerated and must comply with college’s general admission requirements.
This grant is available for in-state and out-of-state students and is open to all students.
How To Apply For The NC Promise Tuition Plan?
To apply for The NC Promise Tuition Plan, choose one of the NC Promise participating universities and complete your admission. Submit required documents and disclose criminal history if asked. Apply for FAFSA to determine your financial eligibility and wait for your approval from the university. Once approved, the NC Promise tuition grant will be automatically applied. For any additional questions related to the grant call (919) 962-1000.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
The Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) program is a North Carolina state-funded financial aid option for felons helping them rebuild their careers and providing opportunities to pursue education. FELS offers a loan-based funding that can be forgiven if the student gets employment in high-demand professions like teaching, nursing, or healthcare within the state. The program is not specifically designed for felons, but it can be a valuable pathway for individuals with a criminal record if they meet the standard eligibility criteria.
Eligibility For Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
To be eligible for Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS), individuals must be a legal North Carolina resident, enrolled in a FELS-approved program, minimum GPA requirement for high school students is 3.0 and for college students is 2.8, must not be in default on any federal or state student loans and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How To Apply For Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)?
To apply for Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS), check the list of FELS-approved programs and choose the eligible course from an approved North Carolina institution. Applicants also need to complete Residency Determination Service (RDS) verification by submitting the necessary documents. Once you get selected, sign the promissory note agreeing to service or repayment. For any queries related to the FELS call (800) 700-1775.
Emancipate NC Justice League Fellowship
The Emancipate NC Justice League Fellowship is a paid, 12-month organizing program specially for the felons in North Carolina helping them to learn on how to build leadership, advocacy, and organizing skills. This fellowship primarily focuses to empower the formerly incarcerated individuals to participate in various campaigns challenging mass incarceration and structural racism. It can be a valuable program for the felons who are looking to gain experience, develop professional skills in North Carolina.
Eligibility For Emancipate NC Justice League Fellowship
To be eligible for Emancipate NC Justice League Fellowship, formerly incarcerated individuals must show interest in advocacy, organizing, and social justice work, willing to participate in campaigns related to criminal justice reform, able to commit at least 5 to 10 hours per month to fellowship activities. This fellowship is open to both young and adults and there are no academic requirements.
How To Apply For NC Justice League Fellowship?
To apply visit the official Emancipate NC Justice League website and fill out the application form. Applicants need to provide background information and other documents that are needed. The application will be reviewed by the Emancipate NC team and if you get selected you can join their services. For any queries related to eligibility or application call on (919) 682-1149.
Campbell University Second Chance Initiative
The Campbell University offers second chance initiative to the formerly incarcerated individuals by providing them access to college degrees, career-focused education, and reentry support while incarcerated. The primary objective of the initiative is to prepare the participants with academic credentials, job-ready skills, and personal development training that will help them to reintegrate into the society after release.
Eligibility For Campbell University Second Chance Initiative
To be eligible for Campbell University Second Chance Initiative, individuals must be currently incarcerated in a North Carolina prison, must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED/equivalent, meet required academic assessment scores, maintain good disciplinary record and have a specific remaining sentence range.
How To Apply For Campbell University Second Chance Initiative?
To apply for Campbell University Second Chance Initiative, applicants need to express their interest to the prison education staff or program coordinators and complete their application. If eligible, participants need to go through screening and enroll in the degree program inside the facility. For any further queries about the Second Chance Initiative in North Carolina call on (704) 418-2827 or email them at [email protected].
Housing Assistance and Grants for Felons in North Carolina
Housing grants for felons in North Carolina offer support with affordable housing, rental assistance, and transitional living programs through agencies like NCHFA. There are additional programs like HOPWA, TCL, Oxford House and RHA to help formerly incarcerated individuals find safe and stable accommodation.
NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) is a state agency that offers affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and homebuyer support to the low income residents in North Carolina. NCHFA programs are not specifically for felons, but the returning citizens can still access the housing program by meeting the standard eligibility requirements. There are programs like NC Home Advantage Mortgage, rental housing assistance, supportive housing, and home repair grants reducing housing barriers and making reentry successful.
Eligibility For NC Housing Finance Agency
To be eligible for NC Housing Finance Agency, individuals must be a legal U.S resident having low income, having a minimum credit score of 640, apply for a specific NCHFA program, must live in the home as primary residence. Some landlords or housing providers might conduct background checks.
How To Apply For NC Housing Finance Agency?
To apply, visit the official website of NCHFA and choose a program that is appropriate to your requirement. Identify a participating lender, landlord, or local housing partner and complete your application for that specific program. Wait for approval, if approved you will be able to get housing assistance from NCHFA. For general queries about the programs call on (919) 877-5700.
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program is a federally funded housing assistance program that offers support to those individuals that are suffering from HIV/AIDS, including those with criminal records. HOPWA is not a felon-specific program, but the justice-involved individuals can qualify if they meet standard eligibility requirements. This program can be a valuable resource for felons living with HIV/AIDS to get help with long-term stability through stable housing and other supportive services.
Eligibility For Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
To be eligible for Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), individuals must have a documented HIV/AIDS diagnosis, income must be below 80% of the median income, must be residing in the service area, demonstrate housing need or risk of homelessness and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)?
To apply for Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), participants need to find a local HOPWA provider in North Carolina. Contact the agency and complete your application process by submitting the required documents. If eligible, applicants will get approved for housing assistance or supportive services. For general queries about the program or to get help with locating HOPWA providers call on (910) 795-1960.
Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Housing Program
The Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Program is a North Carolina initiative offering help to individuals with serious mental health conditions to make the transition from an institutional setting into independent community housing. It is not a felon-specific program, but individuals with criminal records can qualify if they meet the clinical and housing eligibility requirements. TCL offers rental assistance, supportive housing, and community-based services helping felons to successfully reintegrate into the community.
Eligibility For Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Housing Program
To be eligible for Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Housing Program, individuals must have a serious mental illness (SMI), must be eligible for Medicaid in North Carolina, must be at least 18 years old, transitioning from or at risk of entering an institutional setting and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Housing Program?
To apply for Transitions to Community Living (TCL) Housing Program, contact your local LME/MCO and request screening for the TCL program. Provide the necessary documents and get referred and approved through the coordinated entry system. Keep working with your care team to access secure housing and additional services. To learn about the TCL housing program visit the official website of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) or call them at (855) 262-1946.
Oxford House North Carolina
Oxford House North Carolina is a statewide network offering reentry housing options to the individuals recovering from substance use. Oxford Houses can be a great option for formerly incarcerated people to get access to a safe, structured, and drug-free environment. Oxford House is self-run and self-supported, where residents share responsibility, pay equal portions of rent and support each other with recovery.
Eligibility For Oxford House North Carolina
To be eligible for Oxford House North Carolina, individuals must be recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, willing to live in a sober environment, must agree to follow the house rules, must be able to pay a share of rent and expenses and must complete an application and interview with house members.
How To Apply For Oxford House North Carolina?
To apply for Oxford House North Carolina, search for available Oxford Houses vacancies based on your location. Next, fill out the Oxford House membership application and contact the house directly to schedule an interview. The current residents will conduct your interview and you will be selected through a house vote. If selected, you can start living in Oxford Houses.
Reentry Housing Alliance (RHA)
The Reentry Housing Alliance (RHA) is a grassroots coalition in North Carolina that offers housing assistance to the formerly incarcerated individuals. They primarily operate in the Charlotte area focusing on advocacy, education, and connecting felons to the available housing resources. RHA collaborates with landlords, nonprofits, and local governments to expand housing for individuals with criminal records.
Eligibility For Reentry Housing Alliance (RHA)
To be eligible for Reentry Housing Alliance (RHA), you must be formerly incarcerated individuals, seeking housing or reentry support services, engage with partner organizations or housing networks, there are no formal income or credit requirements. The program mainly prioritizes individuals with criminal records and services might depend on local availability.
How To Apply For Reentry Housing Alliance (RHA)?
To apply, connect with your local reentry organization or legal aid office and request for a referral to Reentry Housing Alliance or partner programs. You need to attend housing workshops or informational sessions and get connected to felon-friendly landlords or housing programs. Complete your application process as guided by the housing provider and wait for approval. For general queries about housing programs call on (704) 494-0001.
Job Training and Employment Programs for Felons in North Carolina
Job training programs for felons in North Carolina provide access to workforce development, career training, and employment assistance using the NC Works Local Innovation Fund and CEO. Programs like PROWD and STRIVE help individuals with criminal records gain in-demand skills, overcome employment barriers, and secure stable jobs.
NC Works Local Innovation Fund
The NCWorks Local Innovation Fund is a workforce development grant initiative that is specially designed to help out the felons in North Carolina with job training and employment programs. The NCWorks Local Innovation Fund supports projects that remove barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals. It connects participants with job training and high-demand career opportunities.
Eligibility For NC Works Local Innovation Fund
To be eligible for NC Works Local Innovation Fund, individuals must be formerly incarcerated, must be seeking job training, employment, or reentry support and must participate through a local workforce program or nonprofit funded by NCWorks. The eligibility might differ by location.
How To Apply For NC Works Local Innovation Fund?
To apply for the NCWorks Local Innovation Fund, visit your local NCWorks Career Center or workforce board and inquire about reentry or training programs that are funded by NCWorks. Next, work with your workforce counselor and complete your intake process and get matched to an appropriate program. For further questions or guidance call on (919) 814-4600.
North Carolina PROWD For Felons
The Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) program in North Carolina is a federal-state workforce initiative especially designed to help out the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals to reenter the workforce. This program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce through the NCWorks system offering job training, skill development, and employment placement before and after release.
Eligibility For North Carolina PROWD For Felons
To be eligible for North Carolina PROWD, individuals must be currently incarcerated in a federal prison OR recently released, must be eligible for reentry and workforce services, willing to participate in job training and employment programs, engage in pre-release and/or post-release services and collaborate with NCWorks or partner workforce agencies.
How To Apply For North Carolina PROWD For Felons?
To apply for North Carolina PROWD For Felons, participants need to enroll through their federal correctional facility and connect with NCWorks Career Center after release. Complete intake, assessment and participate in training, certifications, and job readiness programs. Keep working with your case manager to get access to job placement and ongoing support. For general queries related to eligibility and application call on (919) 814-4600.
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – North Carolina
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) runs a wide range of effective reentry employment programs for felons in North Carolina helping them to reenter the workforce through paid work and job training. CEO mainly offer their services in cities like Charlotte, it is a valuable resource for the felons to build financial stability by providing direct connection to full-time employment.
Eligibility For Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – North Carolina
To be eligible for Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), individuals must be currently released from incarceration, legally authorized to work in the U.S., willing to participate in employment and training programs and do not have any strict academic requirements.
How To Apply For The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – North Carolina?
To apply, visit the official website of the CEO or find a nearby CEO location and sign up for an orientation session. Applicants need to complete intake and eligibility verification and work with their job coach to get full-time placement. The main head office is located at 50 Broadway, Suite 1604, New York, NY 10004, for program queries call on (212) 422-4430.
STRIVE North Carolina (Job Readiness & Training Program)
The STRIVE Job Readiness & Training Program in North Carolina is a recognized workforce development initiative offering help with job readiness training, career coaching, and employment placement services especially for the felons.
STRIVE does not have any standalone presence in North Carolina but they work in collaboration with partners offering programs that help with reentry and to enter the workforce. Additionally, the program also helps formerly incarcerated individuals with technical training and certifications in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, and logistics.
Eligibility For STRIVE North Carolina
To be eligible for STRIVE North Carolina, individuals must be justice-involved, legally eligible to work in the U.S, motivated to gain employment and complete training, must participate in job readiness workshops and training sessions and it is open to individuals with little or no prior work experience.
How To Apply For STRIVE North Carolina?
To apply, search for STRIVE or STRIVE partner programs in your area through NC works or local non-profit organizations. Contact the program or organization directly to complete your intake and eligibility screening. Enroll in career training and skill development programs and keep working with your career coach for job placement. They are located at 205 East 122nd Street, New York, NY 10035, for general queries call them at (212) 360-1100.
Federal Programs Available For Felons in North Carolina
Federal programs for felons in North Carolina like Federal Pell Grant, SNAP, TANF, Federal Bonding Program and Medicaid provide financial assistance to help individuals access college, vocational training, and skill-based programs.
The Federal Pell Grant in North Carolina
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell) is administered by the U.S. Department of Education to help out the incarcerated individuals in North Carolina to get access to college education while they are serving sentences in prison. The Second Chance Pell initiative allows the eligible students to get enrolled in approved Prison Education Programs (PEPs).
The need based financial aid in North Carolina can be used to cover for tuition, books, and required coursework. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Pell Grant awards can exceed $7,000 per year depending on eligibility. Students must submit the FAFSA application. To learn more, visit the official U.S. Department of Education website at StudentAid.gov.
SNAP For Felons in North Carolina
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in North Carolina administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers monthly food benefits to the eligible low income individuals and households, including felons. The main aim of the program is to ensure access to nutritious food while individuals can work towards employment, housing stability and become self-sufficient. To apply for SNAP in North Carolina, you can submit your application online through the ePASS NC portal, visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or call the DSS customer service line at (800) 662-7030.
TANF For Felons in North Carolina
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program known as Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) in North Carolina provides cash support to the low income families to meet basic requirements like food, housing, utilities, and childcare. North Carolina has lifted the old federal drug felony ban and TANF does not automatically disqualify individuals with felony convictions if they meet the program requirements. To apply for TANF in North Carolina, you can submit your application online through the ePASS NC portal, visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or call the DSS customer service line at (800) 662-7030 for assistance.
The Federal Bonding Program In North Carolina
The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) in North Carolina provides free, $5,000–$25,000 fidelity bonds to employers who are hiring job seekers who have criminal records. The fidelity bond protects the employers from any kind of theft or dishonesty caused by the employee for the first six months.
The Federal Bonding Program does not require any paperwork and it is completely free. The Federal Bonding Program is highly valuable for the individuals with felony convictions in North Carolina as it gives them a chance to get jobs with regards to their history. To apply for the Federal Bonding Program in North Carolina, visit your nearest NCWorks Career Centers or contact your local workforce agency for assistance and immediate bonding services.
Medicaid For Felons in North Carolina
Medicaid is a health coverage program administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services for low-income adults, families, and individuals with disabilities. Remember, Medicaid services will be suspended when you are incarcerated but upon release the services get resumed. To apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, you can submit your application online through the ePASS NC portal, call the DSS customer service line at (800) 662-7030, or apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
Are There Legal Help Available For Felons in North Carolina?
Yes, felons in North Carolina can get several legal help through organizations like Legal Aid of North Carolina, North Carolina Justice Center and NC Second Chance Alliance. These programs provide free or low-cost assistance with expungement, reentry rights, and legal issues after release. Legal help is necessary for returning citizens to understand their rights, clear eligible records, and overcome legal barriers. Getting access to the right legal help, individuals with criminal records will be able to improve their chances and make a successful reintegration into the community.
Is There Emergency Help For Felons in North Carolina?
Yes, emergency help is available for felons in North Carolina by simply contacting United Way 211 and getting connected with trained specialists who will provide you information on the available reentry resources nearby. It is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7 in North Carolina. Furthermore, agencies like North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services run emergency programs that help with food assistance, Medicaid, and crisis services.
Bottom Line
North Carolina offers a wide range of grants and reentry programs to help felons rebuild their lives, including support for education, housing, healthcare, and employment. Federal programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF (WFFA), and the Federal Bonding Program are also available, providing assistance with food, financial support, job opportunities, and healthcare. To apply for federal programs in North Carolina, use the ePASS NC portal, and for other programs, visit their official websites directly. Start applying today to improve your chances of faster approval and continue working closely with your caseworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can felons in North Carolina get grants immediately after release?
Yes, felons in North Carolina can get grants immediately after release through workforce and reentry services like NCWorks and the Federal Bonding Program. There are other grants like NC Promise Tuition Plan, which takes more time due to admission and application procedure.
Are there grants for felons in North Carolina without a high school diploma or GED?
Yes, felons without a GED or diploma in North Carolina can access job training programs through NCWorks and workforce initiatives. However, completing a GED increases access to more education grants and funding opportunities.
Do felony convictions affect FAFSA eligibility in North Carolina?
No, felony convictions do not disqualify applicants from FAFSA. Most of the educational programs like the Federal Pell Grant require FAFSA to determine eligibility of the applicant. However, there might be strict restrictions depending on the specific situation.
Are there small business grants for felons in North Carolina?
Yes, returning citizens in North Carolina can get access to small business grants through local programs and workforce initiatives connected to NCWorks. There are no direct grants, but individuals can get access to training, funding guidance, and startup support from organizations like Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO).
How long does it take to get approved for grants for felons in North Carolina?
Approval time for grants depends on the program. Programs like the Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid might be processed within a week, while education grants like the NC Promise Tuition Plan or FELS take a longer time.
Can felons qualify for multiple grants at the same time in North Carolina?
Yes, felons can apply for multiple programs at the same time in North Carolina to receive full support. Individuals can apply for education grants, food benefits and housing assistance all together by meeting the eligibility requirements.
Are there grants specifically for female felons in North Carolina?
Most of the grants are not gender-specific, female felons in North Carolina can get benefits by programs from Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and training initiatives under NCWorks.
What documents are required to apply for grants for felons in North Carolina?
Most programs in North Carolina require documents such as a valid ID, Social Security number, proof of income, and residency verification. Keeping the documents handy will speed up your application procedure.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee approval for any program. Eligibility, benefits, and application processes for grants in North Carolina might change over time. Applicants should verify details through official program websites or agencies before applying. We do not represent any government body or organization mentioned. Always consult with a qualified professional or caseworker for personalized guidance regarding reentry programs and financial assistance options.
