Are There Grants for Felons in Rhode Island? Yes, felons in Rhode Island may qualify for grants, housing assistance, job training, food benefits, healthcare, and education programs after release that are offered through state, nonprofit, and federal agencies. Returning citizens in Rhode Island may qualify for support through programs like SNAP, TANF (RI Works), and the Federal Pell Grant to pursue education.
There are other reentry programs for felons in Rhode Island that offer help with employment placement, transitional housing, and healthcare coverage. Use this guide to learn about the best financial assistance programs for felons in Rhode Island and on how to apply for the grants to build a stable future after release.
Education Grants For Felons in Rhode Island
There are education and scholarship programs for felons in Rhode Island helping them to pursue college education by covering education-related fees.
Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
The Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship is a financial aid program that is run by the Rhode Island Foundation offering support to the low-income single parents to pursue higher education, career training or certifications. The grant amount ranges from $500 to $2,000, offering help to the returning citizens in Rhode Island to build a stable career. The scholarship can be renewed based on academic progress.
Eligibility For Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship
To qualify for Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship, individuals must be a resident of Rhode Island, must be a single parent, enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college or certificate program, demonstrate financial need, and pursue career advancement through education. This scholarship gives high priority to the formerly incarcerated individuals.
How To Apply For Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship?
To apply for Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship, applicants need to complete the application procedure by visiting the official Rhode Island Foundation scholarship portal. You need to fill out the eligibility form, submit academic details and provide the required documents to get enrolled. To learn more about the scholarship visit the official website of Rhode Island Foundation. For general queries call (401) 427-4017 or email them at [email protected].
OpenDoors RI
OpenDoors RI is a nonprofit organization operating in Rhode Island offering comprehensive reentry support to the eligible individuals by providing access to education, job training, and career readiness programs. They do not offer direct cash grants, but eligible individuals with felony records in the past can benefit from education focused services like education, job training, and career readiness programs. It can be a valuable reentry resource for the formerly incarcerated individuals in Rhode Island helping them to reintegrate back into the community.
Eligibility For OpenDoors RI
To be eligible for OpenDoors RI, individuals must be a Rhode Island resident, formerly incarcerated or justice-involved, willing to participate in reentry, training, or employment programs, demonstrate need for education, job training, or career support and stay committed to personal growth and self-sufficiency.
How To Apply For OpenDoors RI?
To apply for OpenDoors RI programs, individuals can contact the organization directly by visiting the official website of OpenDoors RI and start the application procedure. The application includes an intake assessment where a staff will determine your eligibility and connect you with suitable programs assigned to your goals. You can visit them in person at 485 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909. For general queries about their services call on (401) 781-5808 or email them at [email protected].
RIDOC Educational Services
The RIDOC Educational Services Program provides comprehensive education and vocational training to the eligible incarcerated individuals residing in Rhode Island. The primary focus of the services is to help felons build skills and make a successful reentry after release.
The services are offered all year-round in most of the Adult Correctional Institutions in Rhode Island. Additionally, programs like Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, English language learning, vocational training, and postsecondary education opportunities help eligible felons to restart their education.
Eligibility For RIDOC Educational Services
To be eligible for RIDOC Educational Services, individuals must be incarcerated in a Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institution (ACI), willing to participate in educational or vocational programs, have basic educational needs or interested to pursue higher education, meet specific program requirements and must comply with the set rules.
How To Apply For RIDOC Educational Services?
To apply for RIDOC Educational Services, felons need to enroll through the facility’s Education Unit. The application process involves academic assessment that will help in finding an appropriate program level for the felon. To explore the available education services visit the official website of the State of Rhode Island. For direct assistance call on (401) 462-1415 or email them at [email protected].
CCRI Foundation Scholarships
The Community College of Rhode Island Foundation runs a wide range of scholarships (100+) that is designed to help individuals to pursue education in community colleges of Rhode Island. These scholarships are primarily based on financial need, academic goals, and personal circumstances rather than background history.
CCRI distributes around $900,000 in financial assistance each year, helping the eligible individuals to cover tuition, books, fees, and other education-related costs. Felons in Rhode Island who are looking to pursue college or vocation training can benefit from the CCRI funds.
Eligibility For CCRI Foundation Scholarships
To be eligible for CCRI Foundation Scholarships, individuals must be enrolled or planning to enroll at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), must be a Rhode Island resident, demonstrate financial need, enroll as a full-time or part-time student, and maintain academic progress.
How To Apply For CCRI Foundation Scholarships?
To apply for CCRI Foundation Scholarships, individuals need to complete a single online scholarship application and it will get automatically matched with other eligible scholarships. Applicants need to submit FAFSA, academic records and other documents including education goals and background. Most of the scholarships are highly competitive, so it is advised to apply early. For general queries call on (401) 825-2003 or email them at [email protected].
David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund
The David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund is offered by Rhode Island Foundation to the eligible residents to pursue trade, vocational, or technical training programs. This scholarship can be ideal for felons in Rhode Island as it focuses on employment-based skill development rather than criminal background.
This scholarship ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 that can be renewed annually. The fund amount can be used to cover tuition and other education-related expenses to seek careers in high-demand fields like construction, automotive, healthcare, or technical trades.
Eligibility For David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund
To be eligible for David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund, individual must be a resident of Rhode Island, enrolled in or planning to enroll in a trade, vocational, or technical school, demonstrate financial need, pursue education to gain employment or job skills, and willing to submit an essay and supporting documents.
How To Apply For David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund?
To apply for the David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund, applicants need to visit the Rhode Island Foundation website and complete the application process. There is a single universal application procedure to apply for any scholarship through the Rhode Island portal. For general queries call on (401) 427-4017 or email them at [email protected].
Housing Grants For Felons in Rhode Island
Housing assistance for felons in Rhode Island is available through RAPs, Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing, Crossroads RI etc. These programs help individuals by connecting with housing, case management and other supportive services.
Regional Access Points (RAPs)
Regional Access Points (RAPs) offer an updated front-door system for individuals or families who are suffering due to homelessness or at risk of homelessness. RAPs have replaced the former Coordinated Entry System (CES), it allows residents to connect with emergency shelter, housing navigation, case management, mental health referrals, substance use treatment referrals and other supportive services. It can be a valuable resource for the felons in Rhode Island to get help with reentry and build a stable future by accessing the services.
Eligibility For Regional Access Points (RAPs)
To be eligible for Regional Access Points (RAPs), individual must be a Rhode Island resident, currently homeless, at immediate risk of homelessness, or unstably housed, in need of emergency shelter, housing support, or case management, willing to complete an intake or housing assessment, need referrals to get access to mental health, substance use, employment, or supportive services.
How To Apply For Regional Access Points (RAPs)?
To apply for the RAP services, it is best to visit a nearby Regional Access Point in person or contact a local RAP provider to get assistance. The intake process helps in understanding the housing crisis, background, and immediate needs. The eligible individuals will get connected to the required services based on the availability of the program.
RAPs Locations in Rhode Island
Crossroads RAP (Providence)
Website: Crossroads RAP Services
Phone: (401) 865-6215
Email: [email protected]
Community Care Alliance RAP (Woonsocket)
Website: Community Care Alliance RAP
Phone: (401) 445-4237
Email: [email protected]
Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH)
The Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH) program is a Rhode Island initiative specifically designed to help the individuals who are experiencing chronic homelessness and are dealing with complex life challenges to secure housing along with supportive services. This program can be highly beneficial for felons as it targets formerly incarcerated individuals that are involved in the Department of Corrections (DOC).
Eligibility For Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH)
To be eligible for Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH), an individual must be a Rhode Island resident, currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, facing complex behavioral health or medical challenges, have used public systems like Department of Corrections involvement, Medicaid-funded emergency care and Homeless shelter system and willing to engage in voluntary supportive services.
How To Apply Pay For Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH)?
To apply for Pay For Success Permanent Supportive Housing (PFS PSH), participants need to get a referral through homelessness outreach teams, shelters, healthcare systems, and reentry networks. It is best to connect with the Rhode Island homelessness access agency or reentry organization and get help with supportive housing. To learn more visit the official website of Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness or call them at (401) 721-5685.
Amos House Housing Programs
Amos House is a non-profit reentry and homelessness service provider that operates in Rhode Island offering a wide range of housing programs that might be of great benefit to the felons and formerly incarcerated individuals. The types of housing offered include emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, recovery-based housing, and family reunification housing programs. This housing program offers help to 200 people each year and helps them to reintegrate back into the community.
Eligibility For Amos House Housing Programs
To be eligible for Amos House Housing Programs, individuals must be a Rhode Island resident or currently located in Rhode Island, currently homeless, unstably housed, or at risk of homelessness, in need of emergency shelter, transitional, or supportive housing, and willing to participate in intake and case management.
How To Apply For Amos House Housing Programs?
To apply for Amos House housing programs, individuals need to directly contact Amos House and start intake screening. A staff will be assigned who will further assess your current housing situation, reentry background, recovery needs, and eligibility for available housing programs. According to need and eligibility, individuals will be referred to a housing program that can benefit them. To learn about the housing programs visit the official website of Amos House. To get direct assistance with eligibility or application call on (401) 272-0220 or visit them at 460 Pine Street, Providence, RI 02907.
Crossroads RI: Reentry Housing Navigation
Crossroads Rhode Island has a wide network of stable housing-support following a Housing First model. It is one of the largest homelessness and housing-support organizations in Rhode Island that works relentlessly to remove barriers to homelessness. It is not a felon-specific program, but returning citizens can get benefits through this program to get help with housing navigation, shelter access, case management, landlord connections, rental assistance pathways, and supportive housing referrals.
Eligibility For Crossroads RI: Reentry Housing Navigation
To be eligible for Crossroads RI: Reentry Housing Navigation, individual must be located in Rhode Island, currently homeless, at risk of homelessness, or unstably housed, seeking for shelter and other housing-support, willing to complete intake and case management steps and get referrals for employment, health, or reentry support services.
How To Apply For Crossroads RI: Reentry Housing Navigation?
To apply for Crossroads RI reentry housing navigation, it is best to contact the housing team directly. A staff will complete an intake screening to understand your current housing crisis, criminal justice reentry needs, income status, and support barriers. Depending on the eligibility, you will be assigned to housing programs that might benefit you. To learn more visit the official website of Crossroads Rhode Island. To get direct assistance call them at (401) 865-6215 or email them at [email protected].
House of Hope CDC: Permanent Supportive Housing
House of Hope Community Development Corporation is a non-profit organization in Rhode Island that offers secure housing by pairing it with supportive services. It follows the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) model where they combine affordable or subsidized housing with case management, housing stabilization, referrals to treatment, and support for employment or independent living. It can be a valuable program for felons and formerly incarcerated individuals to make reentry easier by removing the barriers to housing.
Eligibility For House of Hope CDC: Permanent Supportive Housing
To be eligible for House of Hope CDC, individual must be a Rhode Island resident or currently living in Rhode Island, currently homeless, chronically homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in need of stable long-term housing with supportive services, willing to participate in intake and case management and facing barriers like felony records, disability, low income, mental health or substance recovery needs.
How To Apply For House of Hope CDC: Permanent Supportive Housing?
To apply for House of Hope CDC Permanent Supportive Housing, contact the organization directly to start your intake process. A staff will assess your current housing status, income, reentry needs, and service barriers. Based on eligibility and availability of the program, you will be placed into support housing or get connected to a partner program or organization. To know about their programs visit the official website of House of Hope Community Development Corporation. For general queries call on (401) 463-3324 or email them at [email protected].
Job Training & Grants For Felons in Rhode Island
Job training and work development grants for felons in Rhode Island are available through WorkRI, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, Man Up, Inc. and CCAP. These programs offer help to the returning citizens to reenter the workforce through employment opportunities.
WorkRI (Workforce Reentry Initiative – RIDOC)
WorkRI (Workforce Reentry Initiative) is a Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) employment program that helps felons to get connected with employers that are willing to hire them. The main focus of the program is to rescue recidivism by offering stable jobs, vocational pathways, and career opportunities after incarceration.
RIDOC, helps to bridge the gap between reentering individuals and Rhode Island employers. While WorkRI does not offer direct cash but offers job placement assistance, employment matching, access to employers, workforce connections, and reentry support.
Eligibility For WorkRI (Workforce Reentry Initiative – RIDOC)
To be eligible for WorkRI (Workforce Reentry Initiative – RIDOC), individuals must be a Rhode Island resident or returning to Rhode Island after incarceration, must be justice-involved, formerly incarcerated, or nearing release, can legally work in the United States, seeking employment or reentering the workforce, and willing to work with RIDOC staff, parole/probation support, or reentry services.
How To Apply For WorkRI (Workforce Reentry Initiative – RIDOC)?
To apply for WorkRI, job seekers need to visit the RIDOC WorkRI webpage and get connected with RIDOC staff, parole officers, or reentry case managers for guidance. You can also try getting a referral while incarcerated to get connected with employers through the WorkRI platform. To get direct assistance call on (401) 462-1000 or email them at [email protected].
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI)
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a statewide nonprofit workforce organization that offers help to the unemployed and underemployed by connecting them with jobs, career coaching, and free training opportunities.
The organization works in collaboration with employers across healthcare, manufacturing, customer service, office administration, hospitality and other demanding sectors to help individuals with employment opportunities. Additionally, they offer job placement, resume support, interview preparation, digital skills, and workforce training to the individuals building a major pathway for employment support.
Eligibility For Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI)
To be eligible for Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI), individuals must be a Rhode Island resident, currently unemployed or underemployed, legally able to work in the United States, need help with job placement, training, or career advancement, willing to complete intake steps, career coaching, or interviews, and must have interest in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, customer service, hospitality, office work, logistics, or trades.
How To Apply For Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI)?
To apply, job seekers need to visit the official website of Skills RI and complete an online interest form or application. A staff will assess your work history, skills, career goals, and readiness for open opportunities. Further connect you with employer interviews, job coaching, certifications, or free training programs based on your eligibility and background. To get direct assistance call on (401) 680-5960.
Man Up, Inc. (Workforce Development)
Man Up, Inc. is a Rhode Island nonprofit organization that offers support to the formerly incarcerated individuals to help them build a stable future through workforce development, education, and reentry support. This non-profit was founded in 2011 offering help especially to the men of color by removing barriers to employment, higher education, and long-term self-sufficiency.
The program might not offer direct cash grants, but it does offer high-value services such as free job training, industry-recognized certifications, job placement assistance, mentoring, case management, counseling, and referrals for legal, housing, and transportation support. Man UP has helped many participants to get employment opportunities in manufacturing, construction, marine trades, and defense industries.
Eligibility For Man Up, Inc. (Workforce Development)
You may be eligible for Man Up, Inc. (Workforce Development) if you are a Rhode Island resident or returning to Rhode Island, must be formerly incarcerated, justice-involved, or facing reentry barriers, need help with employment, training, or career development, willing to participate in intake, coaching, and workforce readiness activities, and interested in seeking careers in manufacturing, construction, welding, machining and other skilled trades.
How To Apply For Man Up, Inc. (Workforce Development)?
To apply for Man Up, Inc., individuals need to contact the organization directly and start the application process. You need to work with a staff who will assess your work history, career goals, education level, and reentry challenges. Further, connect you with appropriate training programs, certifications, job placement opportunities, or wraparound support services. To learn more visit the official website of Man Up, Inc. To start your appointment procedure visit 80 Washington St, Providence, Rhode Island or call them at (401) 277-5304.
CCAP: Learn to Earn Program
The Learn to Earn Program is a workforce development and education initiative operated by Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) in Rhode Island offers help to the young individuals with education, job skills, and work experience making them self-sufficient. The program is youth-focused, but young felons and returning citizens can benefit through this program through free GED classes, job training, paid work experience, career readiness workshops, digital literacy training, leadership development, and job placement assistance.
Eligibility For CCAP: Learn to Earn Program
CCAP: Learn to Earn Program eligibility requires an individual to be a Rhode Island resident, aged between 14 to 24, currently in-school youth or out-of-school youth seeking employment support, need assistance with GED completion, training, or job placement, and willing to participate in case management and work-readiness activities.
How To Apply For CCAP: Learn to Earn Program?
To apply for the CCAP Learn to Earn Program, individuals need to submit the application by visiting CCAP or directly contacting Youth Center locations. A staff member will review your age, education status, career goals, and employment barriers, and then connect you with an appropriate program. For general queries about the program call on (401) 467-9610 or email them at [email protected].
Federal Programs Available For Felons in Rhode Island
Federal programs like OWF, SNAP, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Bonding Program and Medicaid offer felons financial aid, food assistance, healthcare, and education support.
TANF For Felons in Rhode Island
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), commonly known as Rhode Island Works (RI Works) offers financial aid for felons in Rhode Island through cash assistance and employment support. However, the felons in Rhode Island need to meet the basic program eligibility rules to qualify. There is no automatic ban on felons from TANF. You can apply for TANF in Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services online Customer Portal, by phone, or by visiting a local DHS office. For further queries related to the program, call 1-855-697-4347.
SNAP For Felons in Rhode Island
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Rhode Island, commonly referred to as Food Assistance, helps low income individuals and families to buy groceries using an EBT card. Felons in Rhode Island are eligible for SNAP as their felony record does not automatically disqualify anyone. The felons need to meet the standard rules of SNAP to receive food assistance. You can apply for SNAP in Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services online Customer Portal, by mail, or by visiting a local DHS office. For general queries related to the SNAP program in Rhode Island, call (855) 697-4347.
The Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program in Rhode Island is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored hiring incentive that helps individuals with felony records by removing the barriers to employment. The Federal Bonds protect the employers from any kind of theft because of employee dishonesty for the first six months. The Federal Bond that is offered is $5,000. Thus, encouraging the employers to recruit felons in Rhode Island without hesitation. Locate your nearest Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training career center and apply for the Federal Bonding Program. For more information about employment services in Rhode Island, call (401) 462-8000.
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the largest U.S. need-based college financial aid programs that is available for felons in Rhode Island. The individuals who had felony convictions in the past can apply for the Federal Pell Grant if they meet the basic program requirements. However, individuals who are currently incarcerated can apply for the Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative. Remember to submit your FAFSA application and to apply for Federal Pell Grant visit StudentAid.gov
Medicaid in Rhode Island
Medicaid in Rhode Island is a health coverage program, available for felons if they meet program requirements. Having a felony conviction will not disqualify you from Medicaid in Rhode Island. Felons can get access to essential healthcare services such as doctor visits, mental health care, substance-use treatment, hospital services, and prescription drugs after release. Felons in Rhode Island can apply for Medicaid through the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services or through the state health coverage portal. For assistance or questions related to Medicaid in Rhode Island, call (855) 840-4774.
Are There Legal Services for Felons in Rhode Island?
Yes, there are legal services for felons in Rhode Island that offer help with expungement, reentry issues, housing disputes, employment discrimination, and access to public benefits. One of the major programs is Rhode Island Legal Services offering assistance to low-income residents on civil legal matters. Another important program is Rhode Island Center for Justice assisting residents who are facing legal barriers involving healthcare, economic security, and fairness in public systems that can affect successful reentry after incarceration.
Is There Emergency Help For Felons in Rhode Island?
Yes, emergency help is available for felons in Rhode Island. They need to simply dial 211 and get connected with housing assistance, food pantries, utility help, and emergency services. The United Way of Rhode Island helps individuals to get connected with essential local resources. Additionally, the felons can get help with short-term assistance with transportation, clothing, and job readiness after release.
Bottom Line
There are many helpful grants for felons in Rhode Island offering support with housing, education, food, and employment after incarceration. To improve your chances of approval, it is recommended to keep your documents ready including photo ID, Social Security card, proof of Rhode Island residency, income verification, release papers, and school transcripts. Submit your applications before the deadline and explore multiple assistance programs that can open doors to stability, self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Can felons get grants in Rhode Island?
Yes, grants for felons in Rhode Island are available offering assistance with housing, education, food, healthcare, and job training. Felons can be eligible for SNAP and RI Works, if they meet the standard eligibility requirements.
What is the fastest way to get emergency help after release in Rhode Island?
One of the fastest ways to get emergency help in Rhode Island is to simply call 211 and get connected to emergency housing, food pantries, transportation help, and utility assistance. The United Way of Rhode Island helps felons in Rhode Island to get immediate access by connecting them with local resources.
Are there housing programs for felons in Rhode Island?
Yes, there are housing programs for felons in Rhode Island offering secure and stable housing. Programs like Amos House Housing Programs and Crossroads RI Reentry Housing Navigation offer help with shelter, case management, and supportive housing services.
Can felons get free job training in Rhode Island?
Job training for felons in Rhode Island is available through WorkRI (RIDOC) and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) offering help with free job training, resume support, and employment placement.
What documents do felons need to apply for grants in Rhode Island?
The documents that are required include photo ID, Social Security card, proof of Rhode Island residency, income verification, release papers, and school records. Programs like SNAP or Federal Pell Grant might request you these documents for a smooth application process.
Can felons get college financial aid in Rhode Island?
Yes, financial aid for felons in Rhode Island is available through Federal Pell Grant and CCRI Foundation Scholarships. This program offers help by covering tuition, books, and career training expenses.
Does a felony conviction stop someone from getting food or cash assistance?
No, it does not prevent someone automatically from getting food or cash assistance. They can qualify for the assistance if they meet the standard eligibility requirements.
How can felons increase approval chances for Rhode Island assistance programs?
Felons can increase their approval chances for the Rhode Island assistance program by applying early, submitting complete paperwork and applying to multiple programs. It is better to learn the eligibility of the program and then apply, as it will save your time.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or funding from any program listed. Grant rules, deadlines, income limits, and criminal background policies may change at any time. Always verify details directly with the official agency, nonprofit, or program administrator before applying. We do not provide legal, financial, or government services. Individual results may vary based on circumstances.
