Top Grants for Single Moms in the U.S. [Updated July 2025]

Raising a family alone is no easy task, and in the United States, single mothers face higher living costs, childcare expenses, and limited time to work or study. Fortunately, there are federal, state, nonprofit, and private grants designed to help single mothers pay for housing, education, food, utilities, and even start-up businesses.

This guide describes the main grants for single mothers in 2025, how they work, and how to apply for them.

1. Scholarships and Educational Grants

Pell Grant

A need-based federal grant for undergraduate students. Single mothers can receive up to approximately $6,900 per year, with typical grants around $4,000. Requires filing the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Also need-based, this grant is intended for students with exceptional financial need and could offer up to $4,000.

Need-Free Scholarships

• TEACH Grant: For those seeking teaching careers with a service obligation.
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Scholarship: For students who lost a parent in these conflicts.

Single Mother Scholarships (via Bold.org)

• Pereira Arts and Technology Scholarship – ~$3,000
• Cariloop Caregiver Scholarship – ~$8,500
• Charles Bowlus Memorial Scholarship – ~$3,440
• Andrea N. Santore Scholarship – ~$1,856

(All are intended for low-income, single-parent families.)

Other Notable Opportunities

ANSWER Grant – Up to $22,000 for single mothers over the age of 25 pursuing a college education.

ConnectHER Film Festival – Up to $5,000 for films highlighting women’s issues.

Amber Grant for Women: $10,000 monthly or $25,000 annually for female entrepreneurs.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Financial support for single mothers with education or living expenses.

Kickass Stimulus Grant for Single Mothers: A $500 weekly grant awarded without complicated requirements.

Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou Annual Single Parent Grant: $1,000 for single parents pursuing higher education.

2. Immediate Financial and Emergency Assistance

CORE Grants: Temporary financial hardship support (rent, medical care, childcare) for food and beverage workers.

Justice Federal Credit Union Hardship Grants: Between $250 and $3,000 in crisis support.

Union Plus Grants: Assistance with basic needs such as housing or bills for qualifying union members.

3. Government & Community Support

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Financial assistance for low-income single-parent households that meet certain requirements.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Nutritional and health support for low-income mothers and children under five. Eligibility is typically less than 185% of the federal poverty level.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance benefits for qualifying families.

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Assistance with heating and cooling costs for households below the poverty line.

4. Housing, Homeownership, and Supportive Services

Housing Vouchers/HUD Programs: Rental assistance, vouchers, and transition to homeownership.

Good Neighbor Next Door: Single mothers in certain occupations can receive up to a 50% discount on HUD housing in revitalization areas.

National Homebuyer Fund: Offers up to 5% of the home’s cost as down payment or closing cost assistance.

DPA and State/Local Grants: Many states offer down payment assistance or grants for single parents buying their first home.

Operation HOPE and Habitat for Humanity: Offer housing counseling, guidance, and access to home construction or purchase for single parents.

Family Scholar House (Louisville, KY): Offers affordable housing, academic support, childcare, and counseling to single parents in college.

5. Guaranteed Income and Cash Assistance Pilot Programs (New in 2025)

Ohio Mothers Trust (Columbus): $500 per month for 32 low-income mothers for one year.

Howard County, MD: $1,000 per month for 20 families, including single-parent households.

Alameda County, CA (United Way Bay Area): Initial grant of $3,000, then $1,000 per month for one year for selected families.

Columbia County, NY: $500 per month for two years through a lottery for single caregivers with young children.

Rx Kids (Michigan): Up to $1,500 during pregnancy, plus $500 per month for one year afterward, with no income requirements.

Magnolia Mother’s Trust (Mississippi): Expanded program offering $1,000 per month to mothers for one year, now serving more than 100 families.

UBI-type programs nationwide: In 16 states, low-income families receive between $50 and $2,000 per month, depending on the location.

How to apply for these grants

1. Verify eligibility: Review income limits, residency guidelines, and family size.
2. Prepare your documentation: Proof of income, ID, children’s birth certificates, and any required forms.
3. Apply early: Many programs have limited funding.
4. Use multiple sources: You can combine multiple grants (e.g., Pell Grant + WIC + housing voucher).

Final Considerations

Grants for single mothers in the U.S. can significantly reduce the financial strain of raising children alone. Whether you need help with rent, tuition, food, or starting a business, there are programs available, but you must apply proactively and meet the eligibility requirements. additional resources