12 Grants Every Single Mom Should Know About in 2025
Being a single mom is one of the toughest and most rewarding jobs in the world, but it often comes with financial stress. Whether you’re struggling to pay rent, afford childcare, go back to school, or cover bills, grants can be a lifeline.
In this post, we break down 12 financial grants available to single moms in 2025, covering everything from housing and food to education and emergencies. Best of all, most of these don’t have to be repaid.
1. TANF – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
What it is: TANF provides monthly cash assistance to low-income single mothers to help with basic needs like food, clothing, and housing.
How to apply: Through your state’s Department of Human Services or Social Services.
Search your states TANF program here.
2. WIC – Women, Infants & Children Program
What it is: A federal program offering healthy food, formula, nutrition counseling, and health screenings for pregnant women and children under 5.
Great for: Single moms with babies or toddlers.
Check eligibility and apply here.
3. LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
What it is: Helps low-income families pay for heating and cooling bills, especially during extreme weather.
Bonus: Many states offer emergency energy crisis assistance.
4. Pell Grant (For School or College)
What it is: A federal grant of up to $7,395 per year (2025) for eligible low-income students attending college or vocational school.
Why it matters: You don’t need to repay it, and many single moms qualify.
5. SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
What it is: Provides monthly funds on a debit-style EBT card for groceries.
Pro tip: Even part-time working moms may qualify if income is low.
6. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
What it is: Offers rent and utility assistance for moms behind on payments or facing eviction.
Where to get help: Local nonprofits or state housing authorities.
Find ERAP programs here
7. Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
What it is: Helps pay for child care so you can work or attend school.
Tip: Some states let you choose your provider, including family members.
Learn more and apply here
8. Head Start & Early Head Start
What it is: Free preschool and childcare programs for kids from birth to age 5.
Why it helps: Quality childcare and early education = peace of mind.
Apply by location
9. Single Mom Housing Grants from Local Nonprofits
What it is: Many states and cities offer local grant programs to help single moms with housing deposits, mortgage support, or rent.
Examples:
- Catholic Charities
- YWCA
- Salvation Army
- Community Action Agencies
Tip: Search “[your city] single mom housing grants 2025” in Google.
10. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)
What it is: A national grant for single moms who are survivors of domestic abuse and are pursuing higher education.
Who can apply: Moms with a history of abuse who are enrolled in or planning to attend college.
Apply at wispinc.org
11. Modest Needs Grants
What it is: Offers short-term financial help to people who don’t qualify for traditional aid — great for emergencies or unexpected bills.
Known for: Quick, direct help with rent, car repairs, or medical bills.
Apply here
12. Local College Foundation Grants & Scholarships
What it is: Most community colleges and universities offer grants just for single moms, working moms, or low-income students.
How to find them:
- Go to your local college’s financial aid or scholarship page.
- Look for scholarships labeled “non-traditional student,” “parent,” “re-entry,” or “single mother.”
💡 Final Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Apply for Multiple Grants
Many single moms don’t realize you can qualify for several programs at once. For example, it’s possible to get WIC + SNAP + childcare support + housing grants all together.
Keep documentation ready (ID, proof of income, residency, utility bills), and apply early. These programs often run out of funding later in the year.
👉 Bonus: Join Our Group
Are you a single mom looking for support in your state?
Join the Single Moms Group to connect with other moms, ask questions, and share resources.
We’ve created state-specific forums like Arizona, California etc , and more to help you get the most relevant help fast.