New Start Fund
GRANT GUIDELINES
Womansong’s New Start Fund provides small grants as a hand up for women who are actively taking steps toward a more self-sustaining future. New Start grants are not intended for use as a “stop gap.” We ask that a woman be ready to sustain her new start before applying for a grant.
Applying for a Grant:
- The maximum amount for a New Start Fund grant is $700.00.
- Applications must be submitted by a social service agency on behalf of an individual applicant. Individual applicants are not eligible to apply for NSF Grants on their own behalf.
- Applicant must have a case manager and currently be receiving services from the agency submitting the NSF Grant Request.
- The applicant must be on a path to self-sufficiency, such as furthering education, participating in job training, or obtaining new employment.
- The applicant must be a resident of one of the following counties in Western North Carolina: Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Yancey.
- Individuals may receive only one New Start Grant in their lifetime.
- Grant checks are made payable directly to the appropriate vendor, not to the individual applicant.
- Applicant names are shared on a need-to-know basis in confidential Womansong NSF records; Grant recipients’ names are kept confidential elsewhere unless a recipient gives NSF permission to share their name publicly.
Eligible Funding Requests:
Requests for the following will be considered:
- Education, job training, and costs for licensure/certification that help a woman become more employable
- Laptop computers for school
- Housing costs such as security deposits, rent, moving costs, other associated fees and costs
- Utilities (current or service start-up) if person is making a new start
- Vehicle purchase or repair when the vehicle is required as a condition of employment by the client’s current employer or essential for getting to work or for school, related expenses, and transportation, if such requests are essential needs for a new start.
o Applicant must provide proof to her Case Manager of valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance,
and sufficient income to cover monthly payments
o The New Start Fund partners with Working Wheels for vehicle purchase. Alternatives may be
considered if Working Wheels is not an option.
o Vehicle repair applications must include an itemized estimate from a reputable auto repair shop.
Applicant must own the vehicle and provide a valid driver’s license, current registration, and proof of
automobile insurance. - Costs associated with family reunification requirements
Exclusions
Requests for the following will not be considered:
- Medical or dental expenses
- Childcare
- Pell Grant or any loan repayments
- Fines or fees that are the result of an applicant’s unlawful act
- Overdue or unpaid bills or expenses
If you have questions regarding your applicant’s specific needs, please email: womansongnewstartfund@gmail.com
