Amber Grant: Best Overall Business Grant For Women
The Amber Grant might be the best-known grant program for women business owners, and for good reason.
Unlike other grants that accept applications for only a small part of the year, the Amber Grant always accepts applications. Thats because it rewards new grants every month, whereas most grants have an annual award. Those two facts make the Amber Grant more accessible than most.
Plus, the Amber Grant doesnt require a complicated application, and it doesnt have many applicant requirements. Just about any female entrepreneur can apply . And you only have to answer a couple of questions about your business and what youd do with the money. Easy peasy.
Now, the Amber Grant is the only grant program on this list that has an application fee. You have to pay $15 to apply. That fee helps keep the grant fund going, so its probably a worthwhile $15. Still, its something to be aware of.
You should also know that Amber Grants arent the biggest grants out there. In 2021, grant recipients get $10,000 . At the end of the year, one of those recipients will get an additional $25,000 grant. But for most recipients, its just the one-time $10,000.
So no, the Amber Grant is not the biggest, and its not entirely free. But with few restrictions on who can apply and one of the easiest applications weve seen, the Amber Grant is our favorite small-business grant for women.
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Federal Housing Administration Loan Program
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has an agency called the Federal Housing Administration . The FHA has a program in which it insures mortgages for first-time home buyers who qualify. This provides lenders with a layer of security against defaults, enabling more competitive interest rates, easier qualification requirements, and a smaller down payment requirement. If your credit score is at least 580, you could qualify to put down as little as 3.5% of the purchase price. Even if your credit score is worse than 580, you can still qualify for a down payment as low as 10% Learn more about FHA loans here.
V Applying For Multiple Grants
In order to be successful when applying for grants, students should explore every option that is available. Female college students are more likely to see success if they apply for multiple grants. Even if a student meets the eligibility requirements, not every application will be accepted. Some grants have more applicants than they do money. Besides that, there are certain grants that are only offered for one year. Since most schooling takes longer than a year, students will need to find additional funding.
When applying for multiple grants, there are certain points that students must keep in mind. These points are:
- Federal grants are awarded one year at a time. Students can reapply for them year after year.
- Scholarships are usually received in a large lump sum. Some scholarships can be renewed if a student maintains a good GPA.
- Most private grants are only a one-time award.
- Certain grants are meant for undergraduate students. Then, others are meant for graduate studies. Keep this in mind when researching different grant options.
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The Girlboss Foundation Grant
The Girlboss Foundation offers grants for creative female entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the semi-annual grant, youll need to have a women-owned business that operates in the arts, design, music or fashion industries.
Winners of the grant receive $15,000 in funding for their projects. They also get to take advantage of marketing-related benefits with newsletter and social media features by Girlboss.com.
The High Cost Of Childcare
When considering the cost of education, single-parent students should take into account the cost of childcare. According to Inside Higher Ed, 3.2 million college students were parents in 1995, and by 2016, that number rose to 4.8 million. The number of parents enrolling in higher education programs is on the rise, but childcare programs at these institutions have significantly decreased. Between 2003 and 2016, the percentage of public universities offering childcare services dropped by 6%, to 49%. In that same time, childcare provision at two-year colleges went from 53% to 44%. Even so, single parents can take heart in knowing that nearly half of higher learning institutions offer on-campus childcare. These students can prioritize applying to schools with this feature.
Off-campus childcare, on the other hand, can be prohibitively expensive. Child Care Aware found that single parents spend an average of 27% of their income on this expense. Even in areas with relatively low childcare costs like Mississippi, single parents may spend up to 17% of their income on childcare for just one infant. In Massachusetts, the cost of center-based infant care costs 99% of the average single parent’s income.
“Child Care Aware found that single parents spend an average of 27% of their income on this expense.”
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Society Of Women Engineers Scholarship
For women interested in engineering or computer science, the Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000 in value.
While the society offers general scholarships for women, it also designates funds for nontraditional students and women looking to reenter the workforce.
To apply for a scholarship for the coming school year, check the website for the latest deadlines. In previous years, due dates were as follows:
- Sophomores through graduate students: Applications are usually accepted between December and February
- Freshmen: Applications are usually due between March and the beginning of May
Grants For Women Pursuing Programs In Underrepresented Fields
Some of the more plentiful grant programs for women originate with public and private organizations that support the interests of a specific industry or field of study. For example, female students with an interest in math, science, engineering, technology, law, business and medicine will find that many professional associations and organizations are energetically nurturing the interests of women. Up until recently these fields have been dominated by white males, regardless of any interest on the part of women, who often fail to find support for non-traditional career tracks that would have been typically pursued by males in the past.
Up until recently women working in the business and corporate arena were relegated to low-level positions and largely ignored as far as leadership roles were concerned. To those ends, more and more professional business associations have become active in supporting the professional education of women, realizing the value of women among all levels of their ranks. In such instances many women are falling into the non-traditional educational category, meaning they are outside the traditional college age range. Professional women are returning to college for career advancement and to retrain following family roles. Business environments have been impermeable when it comes to minority women, especially. This is another tide that is slowly but surely turning:
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Association Of American Indian Affairs Displaced Homemaker Scholarship
To encourage more Native Americans to pursue higher education as a means to combat the poverty that occurs on the reservations, the Association of American Indian Affairs offers a $1500 scholarship to any Native American who meets the criteria of displaced homemaker. The applicant should be age 35 or older and has never attended college or completed college due to family responsibilities. The funds are dispersed on a semester basis. The funds can also be used for child care, day to day living expenses and transportation.
Additional Business Resources For Women
Women in business have more opportunities than ever before. With these grants, you have a little more ammunition to reach the next level in your business adventure. If you are looking for additional grant opportunities, be sure to read our list of grants for small businesses for a general audience.
Keep in mind that business isnt all about grants. While they help, remember to focus on your revenue, bottom line, and business credit score to keep other borrowing and capital opportunities available to you and your business. Here are additional resources that could help you grow your business.
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Scholarships For Women In Science
Marie Curie. Rita Levi-Montalcini. Chien-Shiung Wu. Dr Patricia Bath. All of these women made substantial contributions to the scientific community, but women scientists are still scarce. Less than 30% of the worlds scientific researchers are women.
To increase the number of women in science, many organizations offer scholarships to female undergraduate and graduate students. For example:
- Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship: Undergraduate students studying the biological or physical sciences can receive up to $3,000 through the Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
Patsy Takemoto Mink, former Hawaii representative, was a staunch Title IX advocate. Title IX is the federal law passed in 1971 which states, âNo person in the United States shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistanceâ. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation awards five scholarships of up to $2000 each to low income mothers who are pursuing their education. The applicant must be enrolled in skills training, English as a second language course, or GED program. The applicant may also be pursuing a technical/vocational degree, associateâs degree, first bachelorâs degree, or a professional/masters/doctoral degree in an accredited program. Applicants must also meet income requirements to qualify.
Visit the Patsy Mink Foundation website for an application.
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Grants Or Scholarships Based Upon Students Age
Not all low income students are fresh out of high school. Many of these women have been in the workforce and wish to return to school for job retraining or work towards a career change. Others have finished raising their families and wish to return to school. Older women who wish to pursue higher education are sometimes overlooked when awarding scholarships and grants. A few organizations have recognized the insight, point of view, and diversity older women bring to the table and now offer grants and scholarships to women who wish to return to school long after they have left high school. There are scholarships and grants available to these non-traditional students.
Types Of Scholarships For Women And Single Mothers
When youre looking for scholarships for women and single mothers, consider your major or future profession.
- Are you interested in the STEMs ? Women are often underrepresented in these areas, so there are a number of awards from national industry groups.
- Were you a Girl Scout? Apply for a scholarship for former members who are going into STEM fields.
- Will you be attending nursing school? There are a lot of nursing scholarships out there, especially for single mothers.
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Low Income Financial Assistance Programs For Women
If you are a woman who qualifies as low-income, there are many assistance programs that can help you to pay for your basic necessities. Here is a collection of the largest and most helpful.
Women, Infants, and Children
WIC is a program that aims to help children get the best start at life through proper nutrition. It does so by providing pregnant women, and mothers of young children, with education and financial assistance. You can get support with breastfeeding, learn about proper nutrition, and get vouchers for purchasing healthy food. You can qualify if your child is five years old or younger.
Learn more and see if you qualify here.
++ Popular grants for women
Section 8
Section 8 is the federal governments main program for helping people who cant afford decent, sanitary housing. Those who qualify can have their rent subsidized.
How does it work? After applying and being approved, an individual can go out a search for a home of their liking. The landlord must be willing to accept housing choice vouchers. If they are, the program will provide a voucher directly to the landlord each month which covers a portion of the rent. The renter only pays the difference.
To find out more and apply, contact your local public housing agency . Find it here.
Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Jeannette Rankin Foundation Womens Scholarship
Jeanette Rankin was a proponent of womenâs rights. In 1916, she was the first woman elected to Congress. Upon her death, Rankin left a portion of her estate to assist âmature, unemployed womenâ. This money became the seed money for the Jeanette Rankin Foundation. The foundation awarded its first scholarship in 1978.
The Rankin Foundation Scholarship is available to women at least 35 years old and enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational program at an accredited university and are pursuing technical or vocational training, an associateâs degree, or their first bachelorâs degree. They must also meet income requirements and be a United States citizen.
To apply for this scholarship, visit rankinfoundation.org.
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Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Homepath Ready Buyer Program
Like the FHA program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back mortgages to offer lenders more security. As a result, the lenders can approve more applicants who may not have established a solid financial history yet. Down payments of as little as 3% of the purchase price are offered. Plus, the HomePath Ready Buyer Program is designed specifically to help first-time homebuyers through the homebuying process. Learn more here.
++ Popular grants for women
A The American Association Of University Women
This professional organization was specially created to help women with their educational endeavors. Awards that are funded through this organization are referred to as career development grants. Anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000 can be awarded. Minority women have the best chance to receive this grant. Along with that, it is also commonly given to women who are entering a nontraditional field of study.
Interested candidates can learn more about it by going towww.aauw.org/learn/fellowships_grants/careerdevelopment.cfm.
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Jeannette Rankin Womens Scholarship Fund
Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Upon her death, she left a portion of her estate to create a scholarship for women returning to school. Since its launch in 1978, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation has awarded about $3 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 women.
The Jeannette Rankin Womens Scholarship Fund is for low-income women over the age of 35 who want to get their associates or bachelors degrees. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Award recipients are selected based on their goals and how they plan to give back to the community.
Review detailed eligibility information, including income restrictions, via the scholarships website. All applications must be received by Feb. 18, 2022.
What Is A Small Business Grant And Why Are They Important
If youre unfamiliar with grants, its important to understand that they are a form of non-dilutive funding that doesnt require you to give up any percentage of your company and you do not have to pay them back. Funds provided often come from local, state, or federal governments, private foundations or corporations and are designed to help small business ownersin this case, womenlaunch and scale their businesses.
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Tips For Applying For Grants
All grants have terms and conditions that give a detailed breakdown of eligibility. Read them before applying. Its important to know which grants you actually qualify for versus the ones you dont.
Remember that most grants will want to know these things:
- Why did you create your business and when
- Revenue from the previous year
- Your backstory
- A breakdown of how youll allocate the funds
Utilize Google Docs or your notes app to have those core responses saved. Itll make the process of filling out applications a bit easier. In addition, many will ask for a video, usually under 2 minutes of why youre applying for the grant and how itll help your business. You should store a video or two with these responses so that you dont have records for every grant application.
Keeping a spreadsheet of the grants youre applying to will also help. Itll help to keep track of due dates, grant types, grant amounts, and the intended hear back date.
As a woman entrepreneur, you want to do whatever it takes to succeed. It may well be worth your time and energy to research grants to get the funds you need to grow.
Women Grants International Grants Scholarship Grants
The Global Fund for Women supports women’s groups that advance the human rights of women and girls.
Women Human Rights Grants support and strengthen women’s right groups based outside the United States by providing small, flexible, and timely grants ranging from $500 to $20,000 for operating and program expenses.
Global Fund for Women values local expertise and believe that women themselves know best how to determine their needs and propose solutions for lasting change.
Who the Global Fund supports
Contacts:
Global Fund for Women, 1375 Sutter Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, 94109, USA.
Phone: 202-7640. Fax: 202-8604. Email:ssafrica@globalfundforwomen.org
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