The life of a single parent is difficult and has many challenges. However, great personal satisfaction could be felt after these difficulties are hurdled. Many support mechanism are in place to assist single parents in successfully meeting the challenges of raising a family. Assistance may be sought from single-parent organizations, support groups, and 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. This guide is an online publication that could be read for free. This e-book is rich with practical tips. One is in getting the best results from a foundation. The guide suggests concentrating on those foundations that are most likely to meet a single parent’s needs. Calling by phone is an ideal way to initiate quick contact and get information on loans from these foundations. There are even loans for single moms available specifically for single women raising kids.

Under the guide, single parents are urged to strictly conform with the foundation’s application procedure. They should be prepared to submit references and proof of income if the foundations require such documentation. Others simply want a letter. 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. They course these loans to non-profit groups. Hence, single parents will need to first work with these organizations. Their contact details be accessed by checking the “social service” heading in the yellow pages of a telephone directory. 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. These programs serve as loan conduits for some banks which have recognized a growing market in groups traditionally with limited access to financing. These big lenders now want to tap this growth market.

Statistical data support this growth trend. The latest Census Bureau statistics show that small businesses owned by minorities are increasing by 20% annually. 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. At present, 25% additional assistance has been extended to women under the agency’s financing guarantee program.

Coping with single parenthood should also extend beyond seeking loans. Single parents can avail of federal and state government programs. They could turn to the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). This agency can help in skills training and job placement, and getting food stamps as well as financial assistance. 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.

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