It’s news to no one that costs for everything are on the rise these days, causing most of us to reevaluate budgets and cut expenses wherever we can. Unfortunately, some are having to rethink their decision to homeschool due to finances. If this is you, take heart! There is hope and help available. Did you know that certain places offer grants for homeschoolers and allot funds for homeschooling families? Here are a few places to contact.
HSLDA Compassion Grants
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) actually has 3 different types of grants available!
HSLDA Annual Group Grants: If you are part of a homeschool organization, co-op, or group, you may qualify for a Group Grant. Visit their webpage for details, requirements, and further information.
Disaster Relief Grant: If you are a homeschooling family that a natural disaster has impacted in the past year, you can apply for the Disaster Relief Grant. The funds may be used toward replacement curriculum/school materials, household goods, or displacement costs.
Curriculum Grant: As it sounds, this mini-grant is available for curriculum materials, school supplies, co-op classes, testing, school-related tech, and necessary testing or therapies for students with special needs. This is their most popular grant, so be sure to get an application in as soon as they open availability.
Government Funding for Homeschooling
Though it’s seldom mentioned, financial assistance is available from the government for homeschooling families, especially if your child has special needs.
Look into the Education Savings Account (ESA) Program: The ESA program is a great source of state funding for homeschooling. As the name implies, states offer savings accounts for the purpose of education. A portion of our state taxes is allocated to the public school system. Families who choose an alternative means to educate may qualify for a portion of these funds to be used for homeschool curriculum, supplies, and more. There are eligibility requirements, and not every state yet has the program. At the time of this update, the following 17 states have the ESA program in place:
Utah: Utah Fits All Scholarship Program
Montana: Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account Program
Wyoming: Wyoming Education Savings Account Program
Arizona: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Iowa: Education Savings Account Program
Missouri: Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program
Arkansas: Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program
Tennessee: Individualized Education Account Program
Mississippi: Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program
Indiana: Education Scholarship Account Program
Alabama: Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Student’s Education
Georgia: Georgia Promise Scholarship
Florida: Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options Program
South Carolina: South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
North Carolina: Education Student Accounts (ESA+)
West Virginia: Hope Scholarship Program
New Hampshire: Education Freedom Account Program
Check Your State for Grants: My state of North Carolina offers a disabilities grant of up to $4,000 per student per semester for tutoring, curricula, and therapies. Each state is different, but it’s definitely worth checking into.
Check Your Local School District: Local school districts are recipients of public funding as well as state and federal funding. As a member of that district, you are entitled to a portion of that funding as well. Getting it is not a simple process, but if you cut through the red tape and jump through the proper hoops, you may be able to fund the majority of your homeschool costs. Find a helpful and kind district employee and get started!
Join a Public School Athletic Team: If you have an athletic child who is serious about competing on that level, contact that friendly district employee again and see what you can do about getting them an opportunity to join a local public school team. There are sometimes mini-grants available for necessary equipment or sports-related expenses.
Other Financial Assistance Opportunities
Check with Community or Technical Colleges in your area. They will often offer certain online classes for free to homeschool students.
Is there a certain place you’d like to take your children on a field trip? Contact the place directly and see if they offer free or discounted admission for homeschoolers.
Although these lists aren’t extensive, they do give you a place to begin. There are funds out there for homeschooling families who know where to look!
Additional Homeschool Funding Ideas
Here are a few further ways to save money while still being able to educate your child the way your family sees fit.
Did you know that there are free and affordable homeschool curricula out there? Learn more about your options and find one that works for your family here!
One of the options available for use with an Education Savings Account is an online homeschool curriculum. Read here to see how Time4Learning can boost an education!
Another possibility is free Online Virtual Schools. There is a basic difference between homeschooling (where a parent is responsible for the child’s education) and online virtual school (certified state teachers are responsible for instruction and education). Learn more about this option here.
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