The life of a single parent is difficult and has many challenges. Nonetheless, overcoming these challenges could be a source of great personal satisfaction. There are various support systems available to help successfully meet the tests of single parenthood. Among those that can help are single-parent support groups and organizations, as well as church networks. Many foundations offer financial aid through grants and loans for single parents.

A single can learn much from the Single Parents’ Cash and Sources Guide about these support systems. Available online, this information source can be accessed for free. Many practical tips are contained in this guide. Among these is how to best approach a foundation. The guide suggests concentrating on those foundations that are most likely to meet a single parent’s needs. Phone calls to these foundations are ideal in order to get a faster response regarding loan information. There are even single mother college loans available specifically for single women raising kids.

The guide suggests that single parents must carefully follow the foundation’s application process. Some foundations require detailed proposals, containing such information as references and proof of income. They should submit a letter if it is required. Individual letters should be written and sent to each foundation or organization. Positive results are unlikely if form letters are used. Single parent college money are very competitive so you want to make sure you put your best foot forward.

There are foundations, which do not give loans for single parents directly. The loans are granted through non-profit groups. Hence, single parents will need to first work with these organizations. These groups and agencies are usually listed under the “social service” category of the telephone directory’s yellow pages. A church group which may be familiar with a single parent’s case is another source of potential assistance. Single mother grants are often available through women’s groups or women owned businesses.

Outreach programs in underserved communities are also potential sources of loans for single parents. Some banks now want to tap lending opportunities among those with limited access to financing and are using outreach programs as loan conduits. These banks believe that they can benefit from this market.

Statistics show that there is really a market for such type of loans. A 20% annual growth in small business owned by minorities has been noted by the Census Bureau. This increase is also an indicator that more business loans for single parents need to come from the government. This demand growth is being addressed at the Small Business Administration. The agency’s financing guarantee program is now extending 25% more assistance to women compared to the past years.

Other methods are available besides taking loans to help single parents. Single parents can avail of federal and state government programs. They could turn to the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Skills training and job placement, and securing food stamps as well as financial help are the benefits that could be sought from this agency. For help with heating bills, the government body to go to is the LIHEAP (Low Income Housing Energy Program). The resourceful single parents will not be wanting in practical solutions to meet their families needs.

Tags: church networks, loans for single parents, parent support groups, personal satisfaction, proof of income, single parenthood, sources guide