Grant programs for Black Americans
People of color, including Black families that are struggling or that need financial help, such as grants to start a business or to pay the bills or for housing, can get assistance. There are non-profit organizations, micro grants or loans, and charity programs that focus on people of color as well as disadvantaged households. While almost all the programs for Black Americans are open for anyone to apply, some give priority to minorities. Find grant programs for Black and African Americans.
Foundations, non-profits and the government try to come up with resources that will give African-American families the assistance that they need to succeed over the long term. The overall goal is to boost the economy and quality of life for the millions of disadvantaged people across the nation, including Black women and mean. The resources are offered as part of United Way donations, women-minority business centers, and others. The concept of these assistance program is similar to that of some programs skewing towards veterans - the fact is some are focused on other minorities including Black Americans.
Background on grants for Black Americans
As noted, the jobless rate for Black Americans is almost always higher than the general population. Whether the economy is weak or strong that statistic tends to hold true. The current unemployment rate for African Americans is generally the highest of any major racial group in America. That rate also does not include the number that are working part time but would like a full time position.
A major need, as well as use of grants and government aid, is for job creation for all American families, including the black community. This also involves grant to help Black Americans pay their bills, whether rent, utilities or transportation, as they work towards self-sufficiency/. The programs, such as those from the United Way or government funded Minority Business Development Agency, take steps to help jump start job creation. The programs will work to strengthen the economic security and long term self-sufficiency of Black American families.
Below you will find highlights and descriptions of some of the short-term grants as well as other financial assistance programs that are now available. These are all part of the initiatives that were created as part of the government or non-profits. These programs can also provide short term relief for paying everyday bills. Learn more below about how to access the programs, and where to sign up for the grants.
Information on housing grants and assistance programs
CDFIs, or Community Development Financial Institutions Funds, are non-profit lenders that focus on helping the disadvantaged, including Black Americans, minorities, and people that live in lower-income communities. The CDFIs operate somewhat similar to banks in that they provide small dollar loans, funds, and even grants to help the disadvantaged pay bills, start businesses and gain stability. A major focus is on helping people of color, including Black Americans. Find more details here. https://www.cdfifund.gov/.
Project-Based Rental Assistance Program, informally known as section 8, helps pay for rental costs. Billions of dollars are provided each year by the federal government run section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance program. This resource helps all Americans, including minorities and African Americans, find new places to live.
- It will provide them with rental assistance, which will allow individuals and families to live in decent housing in neighborhoods of their choice. Or the funds can also be used to help them stay in their homes or apartments with the grants provided by the federal Housing and Urban Development. More on HUD housing programs.
- This investment will help low and moderate income households to obtain or keep decent, safe and sanitary housing. It will stop an eviction, help them pay energy bills, or help the homeless find a place to live. In addition to section 8 Project Based Rent vouchers there are additional programs that offer help with rent.
Black Americans are often “targeted” by banks and lenders in discriminatory lending practices. Housing Assistance from non-profits and the government Protect Families from Mortgage Fraud. There programs provided by the federal government HUD agency that will be used to support foreclosure prevention and also homeownership through Housing Counseling. So it addresses retention and home buying as well as fraud and illegal lending practices. Homeless prevention and the lack of affordable housing hits Black Americans very hard.
Million of dollars more will be available to stop mortgage fraud. Neighborhood Works of America and other government supported non-profits offer mortgage relief and foreclosure prevention. There are also resources from banks, lenders, and mortgage servicers among others that help minorities, including African Americans. Find additional ways to get mortgage help.
Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are offered. The federal government provides tens of millions of dollars for this need with additional funds coming from non-profits, corporations, and private donors. In general the amount allocated continues to increase each and every year over recent levels.
- The grants will be used to provide additional resources and support for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This includes Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This should allow more minority students to receive a college education. Find free scholarship grant resources.
Business and educational grants for the Black Community
Small business and entrepreneur loans are available for Black owned businesses as well as entrepreneurs. Many states, non-profits, and corporations will create grant programs to help African American companies or entrepreneurs either (1) start or (2) grow. Each week there are more funds released and it is variable. Find a list of business grants for African Americans.
Student Loan Debt relief is available to help graduates who are overburdened with student loans as well as other forms of debt that may be the result of their education. The government works to strengthen income-based repayment plans for student loans, and some of that relief is still offered to people of color This will be accomplished by reducing the monthly payments that need to be made by the student, both before and after they graduate.
- Another big improvement in the program is that those African American and other students who enter public service after graduation will have their student debt forgiven after 10 years. Additional funding will also be provided for low-cost Perkins student loans and grants. There are many resources available, and find other ways to get help with student loans.
Crowdfunding for the Black community, including business owners, start ups, or people seeking job training is an option. These crowd funding platforms are similar to loans or grants, with the money aimed at helping to address long term economic stability. Grants for African Americans are available for a number of needs, and get details here on Crowdfunding to pay bills.
Additional financial assistance and grants for African Americans
Grant money is offered for the unemployed. With the Black American unemployment rate often higher than the national average, the fact is that they need more opportunity to work. While they seek employment, there is additional help provided for those who have been most affected by a recession or lay-off. Much of this will be offered in the form of cash grants and it will help people pay some of the bills they incur on a monthly basis.
- For example, there will be an extension of emergency assistance and grants that are available to seniors and families with children, COBRA tax credits, Unemployment Insurance benefits, and additional funds. Much of this is from the federal government, however there is additional relief to states and localities so they can expand their resources. Find a detailed list of public assistance programs.
Additional help to pay child care costs is an option. The grant program is focused on helping people, including the Black community, gain economic self-sufficiency. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for middle-class families is available to Black Americans as well that meet income criteria. In general free or affordable day care is offered to African Americans whose income is under 200% federal poverty levels.
- In addition, the federal government also pays for state as well as federal Head Start program or the Early Head Start program, which will allow them to continue to serve tens of thousands of children and families. Many free day care vouchers are also available, and find how to get help with child care costs.
Government fund to Prevent Hunger supports tens of millions of low and moderate income participants who are in the WIC or SNAP program, whether Black Americans or people of another ethnicity. This is after a service that is critical to the ongoing health and nutrition of pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants. Find a list of free government food assistance programs.
Grant money for Black Americans and minorities is offered from Community Development Block Grant Program. Money is provided by local community action agencies to qualified low-income families. The federal budget provides hundreds of millions dollars each year to local organizations with matching funds from corporations and non-profits.
- This is a financial assistance program that is administered by your local community action agency. These non-profits are located in most counties, and click here to find a listing of financial help programs as well as to get more information on community action agencies as well as other local charities.
Habitat for Humanity's Advancing Black Homeownership Initiative is focused on increasing Black home ownership. There are programs around budgeting, home building, financial literacy and more. The goal of the Habitat program is to help those faced by historical discrimination, in particular Black Americans, achieve home ownership. Learn more here https://www.habitat.org/our-work/advancing-black-homeownership.
Where to sign up for assistance and grants
Since many of these are government programs that involve non-profit or corporate donations, the best place to turn to for more information or to sign up is your local community action agency or your local government office, such as department of social as well as human services. They have programs for low and moderate income families, African Americans, the elderly, the disabled, and others.
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