Grants for Women in Louisiana

If you are a woman in Louisiana who is looking to further your education, start your education, receive help with your rent or utility bills, or start a business, then the following seven grants and programs may be able to help. Read on to see if any are right for you.

TANF

TANF, short for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, gives financial assistance and other services to families with children, though the children must be under 18. This program’s intent is to help people get back on track and take care of their families independently. If you are approved, you must be actively seeking a job while receiving the benefits. To apply and find more information, visit this website here.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant program provides financial assistance to low-income students in Louisiana and across the nation to help pay for books, tuition, room, and board. You must be an undergraduate student who will be attending an eligible public college or university. Currently, you can get up to $6,000 per year for a maximum of a 12-year period. To qualify, you will need to show proof of financial hardship and a need for the money to attend college. If you wish to apply, you must fill out a FAFSA form, which you can do here. To learn more information, including the requirements and restrictions, visit the page here.

Multi-Family Housing Rental Assistance

This USDA-funded housing program assists low-income renters who are unable to pay their rent. It is intended for housing projects which are subsidized. No money is actually given to the one receiving assistance, instead, payments are submitted for rent on behalf of the tenant(s). Those with low to very low income are obviously given first priority with assistance, though you must be living in a rural area to qualify. For more information, you can head over to this website where you will find the eligibility requirements and application information.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

This program falls under Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937. It provides eligible very-low income families with help paying rent and utilities. The difference between this program and other housing programs is that covered housing includes private homes, apartments, etc, as opposed to housing projects which are subsidized.

As with the previous program above, the money here is paid directly to the landlord on the recipients behalf. The amount received is dependent on several factors, and is not usually 100% of the rent amount. in this case, the eligible family is then responsible to pay the remaining amount. To learn more, visit the website here.

Halstead Grant for Women

The Halstead grant program is a yearly awards competition exclusively for women who are either emerging, or established, jewelry artists. The entire competition, as well as the cash and prizes, are funded by Halstead. The first place winner receives a hefty $7,500 in cash and another $1,000 in jewelry supplies, not to mention a paid trip to the Halstead headquarters. The next ten runners up also receive cash and prizes, although in lower amounts. To apply, you must be a United States citizen, and must already possess a jewelry portfolio. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, or to apply, visit the website here.

Live Your Dream Grant

If you are a woman who is the primary source of income for you and your family, then the Live Your Dream Grant should be right up your alley. This program is funded by the Soroptimist Foundation, which provides assistance to improve education, and gain higher employment. Many eligible recipients who are chosen for this program are survivors of of sexual assault and violent domestic abuse. For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit their website here.

LIHEAP Program

This is a state-run program, which benefits low-income women and families in Louisiana with paying their utility bills. Assistance comes in the form of cash grants which are doled out to households that meet the requirements. However, the funds are only to be spent on utility and energy bills. To apply for this great program, or to just learn a little more, visit the website located here.

Get assistance to help you make ends meet and to work towards a brighter future. Use this guide to take advantage of the programs that Louisiana has to offer its women.