How to Find Funding for Homeschool Costs

Author:
Amy Stephens
Updated date:
Mar 8, 2022

Are You in Need of Money for Homeschooling?

Many parents that choose to give their children a home-school education could use extra money to help with homeschool expenses. The costs for buying needed books, building science projects, purchasing learning material, going on field trips and paying membership costs for home-school students may not be affordable for parents themselves.

These types of grants can come from many places: foundations, businesses, groups and areas. Below are a few ideas on where to look for mini-grant funding for home-school costs.

Mini-Grants for Homeschool Costs

Mini-grants can sometimes be more effective when seeking grants for home-school costs than a regular grant because they fund specific things and usually have only limited qualifications. Mini-grants also tend to have quicker funding turnaround times, which means an applicant can get their awarded money faster.

Mini-grants help pay for many types of homeschool costs and can come from various types of sources. Finding mini-grants for homeschool costs is one way many parents and home-school groups cover the costs.

Where to Find Funding for Homeschooling

The first place you should look is in the child's school district itself. Many school districts have funding available to pay for learning material homeschooling may need. Many homeschool students are able to check books, laptop computers and other tech equipment from their local schools. Local schools may also have grant money available to help pay for a tutor, team sport member fees and other costs a student may not have if they were going to public school.
The second stop should be homeschool groups, or if you are a homeschool group, consider contacting a larger group or organization. Sometimes larger numbers are better. While many funding organizations or grant-giving groups may hesitate to give to individuals, they may be more giving when a home-school group asks for funding. Homeschool groups have found grants to start gym programs, fund social events, start computer and book lending programs and fund educational programs for homeschool parents.
Do not overlook other educational institutions in your area. Many local technical schools and community colleges offer free online classes to local homeschool programs. Many receive grant funds to allow homeschool students to use their facilities for learning purposes.
Those looking for funding for a specific field trip should consider contacting the facility you are wishing to visit directly. Many traditional field trip destinations offer discounts and free admission for homeschool students.

Homeschooling Grants for Children With Special Needs

There are many state and city agencies that will help through a public health and wellness center for help in paying for medical costs and therapy. But it is hard to find specialized financial help in getting supplies and other things needed to home school a child with special needs.

While it is harder to get grants for individual homeschool students, it is not impossible. The first stop should be the local public school if available, many schools are allowed to loan out equipment to local homeschool students. Students with special needs for learning are usually on top of the list.

Homeschool Organizations such as the Home School Legal Defense Association are also a great place to start. Many of the organizations have special grant programs geared specifically for special needs kids in low-income families.

For more information, you can read more about

Homeschooling Grants for Gifted Kids

It can be costly to try to challenge a gifted child through homeschooling. Foundations such as The Patrick Henry Scholarship was set up to help parents pay for equipment, trips, programs and supplies to assist a child with a high academic achievement meet their potential. Read more about the Patrick Henry Scholarship for Homeschoolers.

In most cases, the student must not only show a high level of academic achievement but also has participated in other activities such as sports and volunteering.

Does Walmart Offer Homeschool Grants?

At this time, Walmart does not currently have grants just for homeschool students that are still in high school.

However, it does have grants available to family members of full-time employees that are going into college. Homeschool students can qualify for this grant, as well as those obtaining their GED.

Best Resources for New Homeschool Parents

These homeschool websites are all created to help parents with their homeschooling needs.

Single Parent Homeschool
This website is great for support for single parents that are thinking about or are trying to start their children in home school.
Ambleside Online
The Ambleside Online curriculum is a free homeschooling curriculum designed to be a modern equivalent to the curriculum that Charlotte Mason (CM) used in her own PNEU schools. Though not quite CM-in-a-box, a homeschool guide such as this can be a rea

Carl hoilman on July 29, 2020:

Iam trying to find help with a labtob for my son for home schooling

Ebonee smith on April 24, 2020:

I’m enquiring for a free laptop or low cost computer,I have 5 kids and 1 laptop,it’s a struggle too get any more done for all 5 kids,and all the school stuff I have too buy at home,can u help?

Carole wagland on April 20, 2020:

Please could advice me where I may be able to get help with a computer for my 4 boys aged from 13 to 8, to assists them with their workman’s thanks,

I am a signal parent

I look forwards to hearing from

Many thank carol

Mrs Summers on March 14, 2020:

I have finally decided to home school my kids. I meed information on getting funding.

Ashley Cook on January 04, 2020:

K-12, is an online virtural school & it's free! It's free online public school. I live in Arkansas and we have ARVA (ARKANSAS VIRTURAL ACADEMY) I'm telling you all, this has been the answer to our prayers! If your child has special needs, you get The same help that they would get at any public school,BUT ur child gets to be at home! They send ur books, and have daily live sessions.They even give loaner computers and printers to families who qualify. You do have to have an internet connection. Give this a try! You will love it

Joan Mastascuso on October 27, 2019:

I am a retired teacher with experience with children with special needs I am trying to open a homeschool. I live in Slidell, La Any help on how to get started.

Korynn L on October 13, 2019:

OMG! I never realized how many other people are going through this. I'm a single mom of a seven year old that's hyperactive. My son has had many terrible issues at school so I pulled him out to homeschool. I just thought I was the only one suffering with so many choices.

Michelle on August 19, 2019:

My mom has brain cancer and needing to get a kid in home school she is on ssi so does not have money to pay for it and need to find help to pay for it how can i call to gind help for her

JENNIE PEREZ on March 21, 2019:

Any idea? My 3rd is being treated wrong how can i help him from home pls, any idea?

Mollie Studer on March 19, 2019:

Lou Gula - are you familiar with Inspire Charter? We just started and it is amazing! The state offers $2,600/child annually (maybe more for older kids?) to use for classes, educational consumables, etc. It's incredibly easy and helpful, I would recommend to anyone homeschooling in California.

Lou Gula on February 16, 2019:

Hi All I'm new to this site and new with homeschooling. We are looking to start homeschooling our 5 years of daughter this fall 2019-2020. We didn't realize all that is required to homeschool correctly and effectively. We can't afford to put our daughter into public or private school and heard homeschooling creates better students and smarter kids.;) Do you know of any grants or scholarships available for new or gifted homeschoolers in Escondido, California (if specific to area)?

Karen on February 09, 2019:

Paula,

I am unsure where you live but I would recommend you go to

www.k12.com and see if they are still having open enrollment in your area. I have one of my 5 kids in it now and love it the other 4 will start next year cause it is to late in the year for them to be excepted.

Paula on January 29, 2019:

I am a single unemployed mother of two teenage daughters that have both attempted to kill themselves due to bullying at school. I have spoken to school officials so much we know each other by first names. I have decided to homeschool them but do not have the money to pay for a program. Someone please tell me what I can do or who I can reach out to.

Dr. Mary Whitrock on December 18, 2018:

Thank you for noting public schools can help. I am the superintendent in Ripon, WI and was approached by homeschool parents in our district to help with funds. Together we are opening Odyssey Academy of Virtual Learning in 2019-2020, a public tuition-free virtual charter school, to help fund curriculum materials, computers, iPads, field trips, internet access and even private lessons and memberships to museums. Technically, our students will be enrolled in a public school, but we consider them homeschoolers. If you live in Wisconsin email.... odyssey@ripon.k12.wi.us

JEADA on October 12, 2018:

EasyPeasy All In One Homeschool is the easiest and cheapest option I have seen if you have a laptop. You don't have to register with them or even let them know you are using it. There may be times you need to print something or some levels you can buy printables. One level I bought for The year was less than 10 dollars . There are many fb groups if you need help with Easy peasy or if links don't work. https://allinonehomeschool.com/how-to-use-this-cur...

Tana Bigham on September 25, 2018:

im a fist time home school mom,with a adhd little girl.ive been tring t find ways to take her on a field trip,but with me beinng out of work funding is a problem. How do i or who can i contact for that type of support?

rene on August 31, 2018:

I am just now trying to enroll my 9th grade granddaughter for homeschool,this is my first time in doing this and I have to say I have no idea what to be expecting but I'll do anything to keep my grandkids safe at home and help them with their education.Any information i need to know or do they have any funds available for laptops and what our students need or hwere can i apply for funding as i am staying in Cape town, South Africa

Amanda Kintner on August 25, 2018:

I am a single mother of 3.i am unemployed at this time and do not have the money needed to order the books and test that i need to homeschool my 3rd and5th grade children.i need all the help i can get.please anyone that can help me out on where to get free books needed please let me know asap...thank you a million and one times

LaQuieta on August 23, 2018:

Really needing information on homeschooling free computer or laptop.

May on August 23, 2018:

I am just now trying to enroll my 9th grade daughter for homeschool,this is my first time in doing this and I have to say I have no idea what to be expecting but I'll do anything to keep my kids safe at home and help them with their education.Any information i need to know or do they have any funds available for laptops and what our students need?

La Shundra on August 01, 2018:

I have a 12 year old and we are looking for curriculum if you still have it @Lyn my email is sandersacademy7@gmail.com

Thank you

Tashi on July 19, 2018:

Lyn I would gladly take your curriculum material . Thanks

marielabonne885@gmail.com on June 25, 2018:

Just starting out!

Lyn on June 13, 2018:

Can anyone tell me where I can donate old curriculum? I sure hate to throw it out!

Theresap on May 23, 2018:

I have been teaching English for 5 months now

Judy Vanvalkenburgh on November 18, 2017:

My son is 7. He is in the 2nd grade and is super hyper. I've volunteered and his older sister has too. Now he's in 2nd grade and this new principal doesn't allow volunteering in 2nd grade. My son gets in trouble daily. The principal told me to take him home early one day. My son needs a computer to home school him. Every day he asks if it's Friday. Or even if I could buy a computer and make payments. I love children and miss helping them read and make it fun.

Homeschooling mama on September 13, 2017:

@Katrina, you may want to try K-12, when I first began homeschooling my children I signed up with K-12 and the local virtual school sent me all of the books, equipment, and a computer to use for free, with the understanding that I would send them back at the end of the school year.

Katrina gregory on September 12, 2017:

I am desperately needing help getting a computer for my son to start his home schooling. He is already a week late starting. And in a single parent and I don't have any income right thus second. I didn't want him going to public school right now . . I just don't think hes really ready to go to public schools. He is hyper active. And really I have been able to get him ready to be on his own yet . .we have been having some things that have happen in the past year and a half . my mom found out she had stage 4 cancer and I went to stay with her and help her through alot of chemotherapy and radiation treatment's. She went threw and she fought her way . now she's doing alot better now. But with all this going on my son missed out on starting 4-k . so I figured ill just start him in 5-k this year. . but hes so attached to me. . I wanted to kinda ease him into being able to interact with others more . and he does really good with technology. And computers. So I believe he would do wonderful with home schooling. . he hasn't been evaluated. Or anything yet either. And I don't really got the time to wait on a answer back about a grant or anything. His got to start ASAP. And my nerves are tore up worrying about this . so please can anyone help me out at all.

Cee Lilly on August 19, 2017:

Hi, Thank You! One funding for HomeSchooling is either through Maine State Homeschooling Funding Program. or through Washington. D.C. HomeSchooled Children Talent FUNDING PROGRAM. HOW TO FIND THESE PROGRAMS IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

Kathy on August 15, 2017:

I'm trying to get a grant also, so I can get reading books, and everything I need to home school my son

JoAnn umberger on August 10, 2017:

I'm trying to get grant to home school my boys one in 10 and a one in9. They were put out off school this yr. and I try to get grant for abecka school.

Maryann on May 13, 2016:

Hello, I'm homeschooling my daughter who is 12 yes old. She was bullied in school and she has been diagnosed with PTSD and intellectual disability and schizophrenia with multiple episodes and autism moderate. I'm trying to find out if you can help on funds.

Spiderlily321 on October 16, 2012:

This is a great lens. Thank you so much for the info. I featured you on my lens, "My 4 yr old has epilepsy" under lenses about homeschooling

Apalmer001 LM on January 23, 2012:

Hi Amy, If you write a lens on women s grants or small business grants could you send me a link. I am very interested in helping my daughter start her own photography business in a building instead of always doing on location. Thanks!

Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on August 25, 2011:

Great ideas!

Virginia Allain from Central Florida on July 04, 2011:

Many funders want to see cooperation, so it might be helpful to come up with a project involving a number of homeschooling parents. Submit that for the grant.