Financial Assistance For Single Mothers

Finding financial assistance for single mothers can be tough and finding the money for everything you and your kids need can be even tougher. That’s why governmental branches and private organizations have set up ways to provide single moms with the financial help they need – including free money.

Below is a list of resources that might help. You can also visit our blog which has state assistance programs for single moms and our Single Mom Forums where moms are helping moms.

The 529 Savings Plan – This is a very special type of financial aid. This plan is like a plan from tax advantages that is designed especially to help save money for college. This “qualified tuition” are usually offered by state agencies and some educational institutes. This money is only designed to be used for college or a higher education. Once the account is established, anyone can contribute to the account to add more funds for the college journey. For more information on what a 529 plan is and how you can find out if you are eligible, check out their website.

Grants. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. They are given to those who need them the most, and often those people have to go through a screening process to determine eligibility. Grants are commonly given to those who want to pursue higher education, though other grants for single mothers are available, depending on specific needs and where you are located.

Sunshine Lady Foundation. Established in 1996 by Ms. Doris Buffet, the Sunshine Lady Foundation is dedicated to helping mothers get out of abusive relationships and get back on their feet. The fund provides money for education, offers scholarships, and is dedicated to helping families in crisis. To determine if you qualify, visit www.sunshinelady.org.

Our Families, Our Future. This organization is dedicated to providing a helping hand to those who are trying to get back on their feet. They help train women for positions in the work force that will allow them to make a living wage and take care of their children without help from the government or welfare programs. Find out more at www.ourfamiliesourfuture.org.

The Women’s Opportunity Awards. These are awards given to mothers who are the primary money-earners for their families, and who are furthering their options by going back to school. The cash award recognizes hard work and rewards it with not only the money, but the recognition of a job well done. You can learn more about the awards at www.soroptimist.org.

Institutional Grants. Some colleges and universities will offer grants to those who are already enrolled with them. For instance, if you want to take online classes, a computer is necessary – but for the struggling single mother, this can be an expense that is impossible to meet. Some colleges will provide computers for free, with the understanding that it is “on loan” until you complete your educational requirements – and then you get to keep it.

There are many organizations, both private and public, that are based in your specific area. Start by looking in the phone book for organizations like Helping Hands or the Salvation Army. These are good starting points to help you find further information on financial help for single mothers, including free money for single moms. To find further information on governmental grants, visit the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at www.cfda.gov. These are great places to go to for financial help for single mothers.