Raising kids on your own and going back to school is a lot. These are the awards written for women in exactly that spot, plus the federal aid that makes the biggest difference.
First steps
File as independent
If your children get more than half their support from you, the FAFSA treats you as independent. Check the questions.
Pell first
The Pell Grant is the biggest grant most single moms get: up to $7,395 for 2026-27, per the Department of Education.
Ask about child care
Some colleges hold federal CCAMPIS grants for campus child care for low-income student parents.
Verified awards
Awards written for single mothers
Cash awardVerified Nov 7, 2026
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women
Soroptimist International of the Americas
MomsSingle momsOver 30, 40, 50
Who can applyWomen who provide the primary financial support for their families and are working toward more education or training.
What it givesAwards can go toward any cost of getting an education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation. Soroptimist says it gives more than $3.6 million a year to over 2,500 women.
Good to knowLocal Soroptimist clubs also give club-level awards in their own communities.
TimingApplications run August through November each year, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. Open now.
Who can applyLow-income mothers of minor children, 17 or older, enrolled full time at a U.S. nonprofit accredited school in a program above any degree they already hold (vocational through doctoral). For 2026-27, family income had to be under $27,320 for a family of three.
What it givesIn 2026, five awards of up to $5,000 each, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026. Paid in two installments and usable for school or living expenses.
Good to knowThe foundation contacts awardees only and doesn't grant deadline extensions.
TimingThe 2026-27 cycle closed in August 2026. The foundation says 2027-28 details will be posted in May 2027.
Who can applyWomen 35 or older with financial need, in a technical or vocational program, a first associate's degree or a first bachelor's degree at an accredited nonprofit U.S. school.
What it givesUp to $3,000 a year for non-tuition costs, paid to you directly and renewable for up to five years, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
Good to knowStart with the foundation's eligibility survey, and give recommenders three to four weeks.
TimingThe 2026-27 cycle opened in October 2026 and closes in February 2027, per the sponsor's site as of Nov 2026.
Who can applyStudent parents from low-income backgrounds at colleges that hold a CCAMPIS grant. The grant goes to the college, not to you.
What it givesCampus-based child care, and in some cases before- and after-class support, so low-income parents can stay in school. Programs often use a sliding fee scale.
Good to knowNot every college has one. Ask the financial aid office or student parent center.
TimingColleges apply; the latest competition closed in May 2026.
Who can applyAdults looking to train for a better job. When funds are used for training, American Job Centers must give priority to people on public assistance and other low-income individuals.
What it givesJob search help and training opportunities through local American Job Centers. Services vary by state.
Good to knowServices and eligibility vary by state. Ask which training programs the funds can pay for.
TimingYear-round, at your local American Job Center.
It's free and it decides your Pell Grant, work-study and most college aid. Answer the dependency questions carefully: supporting your children usually makes you independent.
Apply for Live Your Dream before November
Soroptimist's awards are for women who provide the primary financial support for their families, and can go toward child care and transportation as well as tuition.
Ask your college three questions
Do you have campus child care for student parents? Do you have work-study jobs? Are there emergency grants for students with children?
Mark the next cycles
The Rankin grant (35 and older) closes in February 2027. The Patsy Mink Foundation posts its next cycle in May 2027.
How to spot a scholarship scam
You're asked to pay. The FTC's advice: never pay to apply for a scholarship, and treat "processing" or "redemption" fees as a red flag.
It's guaranteed. No real sponsor guarantees an award or offers a money-back promise.
Someone charges to file your FAFSA. The FAFSA is free at studentaid.gov. Never share your FSA ID.
They want bank or card details "to confirm eligibility," or say you're a finalist for something you never entered.
"Government grants for moms" ads. Federal grants come through the FAFSA, not through a third-party sign-up page.
A short email with awards for women that are opening or closing soon, each rechecked at the source.
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Questions
Questions women ask us
What grants are available for single mothers?
The largest is the federal Pell Grant, which you apply for with the FAFSA. Private awards for mothers include Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards and the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award for low-income mothers.
Is there a government grant just for single moms?
There isn't a federal grant only for single mothers. Federal grants like Pell are based on financial need, and single parents often qualify as independent students. Be wary of ads for special "grants for moms" that ask you to sign up on a third-party site.
Can scholarships for single mothers pay for child care?
Some can. Soroptimist says Live Your Dream Awards can go toward child care, and the Patsy Mink award can be used for living expenses while you're enrolled.