Grants for Women in Illinois

llinois has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, and according to the stats, the rates are the highest for women. If you are a woman living in the state and are struggling financially, here are some grants that can help you get back on your feet and make ends meet.

Live Your Dream Grant

This is a grant funded by the Soroptimist Foundation. It provides help to women who are the primary bread winners for their families and/or other dependents. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive assistance to improve your education skills and access higher levels of employment. Many recipients of this grant are survivors of violent domestic abuse or sexual assault. Visit their website here to learn more information.

SNAP Illinois

The Illinois food stamp program, referred to as SNAP, gives families in need access to food. This is a government program headed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are, of course, eligibility requirements you must meet such as an expense-to-income ratio and a certain number of people living in your home. If you want to get an estimate of the benefits you could receive, use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator, but be aware this is only an estimate. Head to their website here, for the full rundown.

Pell Grant

The Pell grant is made available to students who do not currently hold a bachelors or graduates degree, but wish to attend college. The payout is pretty high, with a maximum of $6,000 per year. One of the great things about this grant is it can be “stacked” with other government grants, such as the SMART program, and others. You can receive benefits for up to 12 school years, however you should know that tuition is usually deducted before you see the money. There are financial requirements you must meet, and you also must attend a participating school. The application form, known as the FAFSA, can be filled out here.

Women Infants and Children Program

WIC is a federally-funded and maintained nutritional and health program, made available to women and also children under the age of 5. An interesting fact is that about 40% of all children born in Illinois are receiving assistance from WIC. Women and children can receive breastfeeding support, nutritional planning, healthy foods, and healthcare referrals if they qualify for the program. To check your eligibility, or if you wish to apply, you can either make a trip down to your local WIC office for a consultation, or you can call the toll free phone number at 1 (800) 252-5942. Additionally, more information can be reviewed here.

Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields Grant Program

This program, funded by the USDA, encourages women to enter the Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Engineering fields. Grant amounts vary and are only available to businesses. But as a women who owns her own business, this could be a great help. If this sounds like something that could benefit you, find more information here.

Family Care Program

This awesome program gives health coverage to single and married women, who live with their underaged children. Assistance is given in the form of covered doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, emergency services, and much more. You must be a United States Citizen and a resident of Illinois, or in some cases immigrants are also granted access to this program. To find out more on the eligibility requirements, or to gather more information, you can visit the Family Care website here.

Amber Grant for Women

This woman-only business grant is provided by the WomensNet foundation, and awards $1,000 in cash to one woman per month. A really cool thing about this grant is that, should you be chosen for the monthly prize, you will be automatically entered to win an additional grant in the amount of $10,000 come the end of the year. This money is available to further businesses or projects that benefit others. Note, there is a $15 fee to apply, and it is not a one-time fee. Each month you wish to apply, you will have to pay the fee, which can add up in the long run if you keep applying. To get the full details on the Amber Grant, visit their website here.

Illinois is no slouch when it comes to offering assistance programs to women. The above mentioned are just a few, albeit best, of the programs available. Apply today to get the help you need.