Grants and Resources for Single African American Mothers

Nov 17, 2025 0

The ever-increasing student debt burden, rising cost of higher education, and ongoing need for education funding is an alarming reality of our times. Many organizations and programs offer grants and scholarships specifically designed to support single African American mothers in achieving their educational and entrepreneurial goals. Check out the list of scholarships below and share this list with as many women as possible.

Educational Grants and Scholarships

Being a single mother is no easy task, especially if you are trying to earn your college degree. Caring for children, attending your school schedule, trying to figure out how to pay for college, and taking care of yourself is a lot for anyone to take on. Scholarships for single moms are important resources for single mothers to manage their higher education costs while supporting their children.

Why Are Financial Aid Efforts Essential for Single Moms?

The significance of financial aid is highlighted by the fact that a considerable percentage of single moms in college are low-income students, and a significant number do not complete their degree within six years. Programs that offer targeted support and financial aid to single moms are essential to help them overcome these barriers. Approximately 22% of all undergraduates are parents, equivalent to about 3.8 million students attending college while also having to provide financial support to their dependent children. Of those 3.8 million students, 70%, or roughly 2.7 million, are mothers, including 1.7 million single moms.

Community colleges are the most popular institutions among single-parent students, with 42% of single parents attending community college. Additionally, of the women who attend community college, 21% are single moms.

We know that women earn less than men, even one year out of college, and thus may have more difficulty than men in paying off their student debt. At Bold.org, we’re committed to helping students pay for college. In our assortment of scholarships for single moms, we hope to support hard-working moms, those who demonstrate financial need, and those who need a little extra support to pursue their degrees to help them create a better future for themselves and their children.

Read also: Eligibility for African Funding

There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can win, so make sure to apply early and often because every little bit matters when it comes to financial aid!

Specific Scholarships and Grant Programs

Dr. Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at African American women who are either returning to school after a break or who are starting college for the first time following a break after high school because of family responsibilities or other personal demands.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education: The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education is a need-based grant program providing one-time financial assistance to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that improves their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families. Applicants should have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student in their adult lives and be within 2 years of completing their desired educational program.
Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting: The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting awards scholarships to women who are pursuing Accounting degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
Hospitality Industry Association Scholarships: This hospitality industry association for women has a bunch of scholarships opportunities for women who are pursuing degrees in the culinary arts.
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship: To encourage more women to pursue education and careers in business, Zonta International established the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards: The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Each year, more than $1.6 million in education grants are awarded to more than 1,200 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence and/or drug and alcohol abuse.
ASIST Scholarship: The ASIST scholarship is available to adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges, who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities. Local Chapters partner with educational providers and social services agencies to identify potential candidates. Students first apply and compete at the local Chapter level.
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program: The objective of the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program is to help survivors of intimate partner abuse obtain an education that will, in turn, offer them the chance to secure employment, personal independence, and self-sufficiency.

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest package when it comes to federal grants, with an average award of $4,000. The Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPSP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are great options to help finance your journey in higher education further.

Tips for Winning Scholarships for Single Moms

Applying for scholarships for single mothers can feel stressful. With so many single moms pursuing degrees and looking for financial aid, it can feel impossible to distinguish yourself. At Bold.org, we're here to help! Check out the tips below to maximize your chances of winning a scholarship.

Apply for Scholarships Early and Often: Applying for scholarships as early as possible not only gives you flexibility in case you're having difficulty submitting your application, but it can also make your application stand out. Applying for more scholarships can also boost your chances of winning by giving you more opportunities.
Put Time, Effort, and Detail into All of Your Scholarship Essays: Many scholarships for single moms require essays as part of the application, so you need to be sure to spend time crafting a quality essay. Make sure your essays are detailed, grammatically correct, focused on the prompt, and personal so that you can make an impression on the donor.
Find the Best-Fitting Scholarship for Single Moms: In order to have the best chance of winning scholarships, seek out opportunities that have limited eligibility pools, such as scholarships for single mothers in a certain sector, such as a business-related field, or single moms pursuing a specific degree.

Government Assistance Programs

In addition to scholarships, several government programs provide financial assistance to single mothers:

Pell Grant: Grants such as the Pell Grant is a unique need-based grant that helps neediest students pay for college. Beginning in the 2024-25 award year, Pell Grant eligibility will be determined by a new formula. Pell Grant is America’s largest student aid program that provides grants to the neediest students to attend college. The first step in applying for a Pell Grant is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Federal Student Loans: Although the least desirable form of financial aid, federal student loans allow you to borrow money for college at interest rates that are lower than most private loans. As with most federal student aid, you will first have to complete and submit a FAFSA.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): TANF is the essential part of the safety net for very low-income families. These cash grants is often referred to as “welfare” and the conditions under which you can receive it largely depend on where you live. Yes. TANF cash benefits vary greatly from state to state. As a condition of eligibility, the recipient is required to work or participate in work activities for a minimum number of hours per week.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): For many of the poorest Americans, SNAP has become the only form of income assistance they receive. For instance, women who are pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding. Infants are eligible up to the infants’ first birthday. For a single mother of two, that’s about $4,109 a month to qualify.
Head Start and Early Head Start: Both Head Start and Early Head Start are federal programs designed to promote “school readiness” of children from birth to age five. Eligibility is based on family income at or below the poverty level. For a family of three, that’s $26,650. However, there are some exceptions. Other factors that affect eligibility include homelessness or children in foster care. To apply for Head Start and Early Head Start, you can contact the program in your community, closest to where you live.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Section 8 is a federal housing program assisting the neediest families to afford safe and decent rental housing. Voucher amounts are based on Fair Market Rents (FMRs) calculated in the area by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Section 8 program has historically been oversubscribed and waiting lists can run into the years.
Public Housing: Unlike Section 8, public housing allows eligible low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to live in public housing units, at a rent they could afford. To apply for public housing, you must submit an application to the local housing authority (HA) in the city or town where you wish to reside.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): LIHEAP offers one-time financial assistance to qualifying low-income households who can’t afford to pay their utility bills. In almost all cases, LIHEAP pays only a portion of the monthly bill, and the family pays the rest. Grants are paid directly to the utility company. Families who struggle to keep their homes cool during the hot summer months may apply for Summer LIHEAP.
LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program): NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. To be eligible for LIHWAP, you must have an income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level. LIHWAP will run through September 30, 2023, 3 or until funds are exhausted.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills. One of the primary factors affecting eligibility is income. WAP conducts an assessment, or “energy audit” analysis of your home to address health and safety concerns.
Medicaid: Medicaid isn’t the same thing as Medicare. For most families, it’s free.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Since its launch in 1974, SSI has guaranteed a minimum level of income to those who qualify. SSI recipients may also get non-cash forms of assistance. For many single parents with disabled child, SSI often represents their only source of income.
Free School Meals: Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. If you’re already receiving food stamps, your child automatically qualifies for the free lunch program. These policies are part of the Healthy School Meals for All initiative.
Unemployment Benefits: If you’ve been laid off or furloughed, you’re qualified to apply for unemployment benefits in the state where you live.
Lifeline Program: The program provides a monthly phone or broadband internet subsidy to low-income individuals or families but limited to $9.25 per household per month. Lifeline subsidy isn’t restricted to “welfare recipients” only. You may apply for Lifeline discount through a provider in your state or designated state agency.

Additional Resources: You may also dial 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling or whenever you need help paying your bills.

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Apply Grants And Scholarships For Single Moms Grant Money

Entrepreneurial Grants and Resources

According to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, accounting for 10 percent of total entrepreneurs. Seventy-seven percent of Black women say they would start their own businesses if they had access to funding through business loans, seed or other funding, according to Goldman Sachs. Business grants for Black women can help these entrepreneurs get the funding they need. Some grants are made especially for Black female business owners.

The federal government does not directly provide grants to start a business. But it does award grants to organizations that provide grants and additional resources to businesses.

Specific Grant Programs

The Wish Local Empowerment Program Grant: The Wish Local Empowerment Program Grant is part of a plan to aid in the fight against systemic racism and its impact on Black-owned businesses. To complete the online application, business owners must provide details about their business and qualifications for the program.
The Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG): The Publish Her Business Impact Grant (BIG) has been operating since 2018 and has already issued $250,000 in grant proceeds. The program is currently running a contest for a $5,000 grant that will be awarded to a woman of color business owner. Applications are typically open between June and August. If you get chosen as one of the 10 qualifiers, be ready to submit a two-minute video about your business.
The HerRise Micro-Grant: The HerRise Micro-Grant was created by the Yva Jourdan Foundation, a HerSuiteSpot non-profit that raises money through donors and sponsors. Its goal is to offer community, coaching and capital to women, including women of color, who own businesses. Each round of applications closes on the last day of the month, and winners get announced at the next HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer.
The Amber Grant: The Amber Grant was founded in 1998 by WomensNet to honor Amber Wigdahl, an aspiring business owner who died when she was 19 years old. Three monthly $10,000 grants are awarded to one woman-owned business through its Amber Grant, Startup Grant and Business Category Grants. The application for the Amber Grant is available online. Applicants must submit personal and business details and a $15 application fee. One application can be completed, and it will apply to all eligible grants related to your business.
37 Angels: Instead of a grant, 37 Angels teams up with angel investors to financially support women-owned small businesses. Every two months, eight companies have the opportunity to pitch to 37 Angels’ network of investors in person in New York. To apply, businesses must register for a Gust account. They will then complete a 20-minute call with 37 Angels to determine if they are a good fit.
NASE Self-Employed Growth Grant: While the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) doesn’t specifically offer grants for Black women, the Self-Employed Growth Grant has granted money to business owners consistently since 2006, so it’s worth mentioning. This grant is open to any business owner, though you must be a NASE member in good standing. Additionally, you must provide details about their business and how the grant will be used when completing the online application.
The BREAKTHROUGH Grant: The BREAKTHROUGH Grant is offered by digitalundivided’s BREAKTHROUGH Program, which is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. These business grants for entrepreneurs are currently offered periodically to different geographies. You can apply for the grant program starting in August through September.
Backing the B.A.R.: The Backing the B.A.R. Grant is part of the initiative launched by the NAACP and Bacardi to support minority-owned businesses in the sales, hospitality and beverage alcohol service industries. This includes bars, lounges, restaurants, liquor stores and nightclubs. The application opens on April 15 and runs until May 24.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: Each year, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest issues grant money to selected small business owners nationwide. In 2024, 10 recipients were awarded grants, including a $50,000 grand prize and $20,000 second prizes. To be eligible for the grant, you must be a for-profit business in operation for at least six months, have fewer than 99 employees and have shipping needs for your business.
The StartHER Grant: The StartHER Grant is a program through the Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs that helps Texas-based women business owners fund projects and initiatives. Grant applications are currently closed and dates are to be announced for the 2025 grant application year. Once opened, business owners can apply online.
Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program: The Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program empowers minority women entrepreneurs operating in designated cities. It offers them the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition, with first-place winners receiving a grant of $10,000, second-place winners receiving $6,000, and third-place winners taking home $2,000. To apply, founders must complete an application online.
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant: The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources. All rising and established Black entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the Powershift Entrepreneur Grant.
Power Forward Small Business Grant: Vistaprint and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation launched the Power Forward Small Business Grant in partnership with NAACP and announced a combined commitment of $1 million. This grant program aims to create a lasting impact through the economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses across New England with grants of $25,000 to be awarded on a rolling basis.
The Boss Impact Fund: The Invest in Progress Grant is available through The Boss Impact Fund, a program created by Boss Network and Sage that invests in Black women-owned businesses and provides resources to owners and founders looking to build and grow their companies. Over the next three years, the program will give out a total of $1.5 million to business owners across the country.

Alternative Funding Options

While there are options when it comes to business grants for Black women, not everyone can get them. Black women may be the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country, but they still face many barriers when it comes to launching and growing their businesses. While many other founders turn to bank loans, credit cards or lines of credit to fund their businesses, Black business owners tend to self-fund, which can be risky.

Small Business Loans: Small business loans allow owners to borrow a large sum and pay it back over time, plus interest and any fees. These loans are available through various lenders, including banks, credit unions, online lenders and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Some lenders provide affordable and accessible loans for business owners from disadvantaged and underserved communities.
Business Line of Credit: A business line of credit is another option for business owners who need to cover short-term expenses, such as inventory or payroll. Similar to a business credit card, a business line of credit is revolving, so purchases can be made up to a certain limit and interest is charged only on the amount borrowed.
Business Credit Card: A business credit card is ideal for short-term expenses because it is a revolving line of credit that allows the cardholder to make purchases up to a certain limit. You can also build business credit as long as you pay your bill on time each month and keep your debt to a minimum.
Crowdfunding: Through crowdfunding, business owners fundraise to cover various business expenses. Sites like SeedInvest and Indiegogo are great for crowdfunding, but Black Girl Ventures is an organization that offers Black women a unique crowdfunding experience. Through the BGV Pitch Program, business owners can participate in a live pitch event.

Additional Resources

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Under the United States Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is an agency that was founded with the goal of helping minority-owned businesses succeed.
Amazon Black-Owned Business Program: If you create a Professional selling account with Amazon and go through the process to certify your business as Black-owned, you get access to resources tailored to support your store’s success.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): CFDIs are financial institutions with a dedication to helping individuals and business owners in underserved communities. Plus, the federal government has a CDFI Fund that helps those institutions offer funding and services to their clients.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Small Business Administration (SBA) backs loans for small businesses, including ones geared toward historically disadvantaged communities. That includes SBA microloans to help business owners who can’t qualify for other types of SBA loans. The SBA provides training and funding that can assist women and minorities, including the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program and 8(a) Business Development Program. The SBA also offers business loans that are meant to help underserved communities like minorities, women and veterans, such as its SBA microloans.
Black-Owned Business Resource Center: NAACP, in partnership with Hello Alice, is working to provide a growing resource of money, networks, and opportunities for one of the fastest-growing groups of small business owners in America.

These loans are available through various lenders, including banks, credit unions, online lenders and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The business owner completes an application and provides details about their business, and the lender approves or denies the application.

Additional Scholarships and Grants

Here are some additional scholarships and grants that can help single mothers:

Helping Hands for Single Moms: This program is designed for low-income single mothers pursuing a college degree, offering varying award amounts. It's available for those who are legally single and not living with a partner, carrying at least a 9-credit-per-semester course load, with at least one child under the age of 11.
The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: Annually, this foundation provides five scholarships to low-income women who are mothers with minor children pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or vocational degree or certificate.

By exploring these educational and entrepreneurial resources, single African American mothers can find the support they need to achieve their goals and create a better future for themselves and their families.