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.
• Please note that applications can remain open up to a maximum of 60 days while additional information is being provided to support a request. After 60 days the application will be closed.

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.
  • The New Start Fund partners only with Working Wheels for vehicle purchase.
  • Applicant must provide proof to their Case Manager that they have sufficient income to cover monthly payments.
  • 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