Educational grants for homeschoolers are often available, but you need to know where to look. Grant databases, such as the Foundation Center or Grant Station, can provide you with resources and databases available to find homeschool scholarships. There are also foundations, such as the Home School Foundation, the Homeschool Association and Home School Legal Defense Association, that provides grants for those who homeschool. Some local governments can also provide funding to homeschool your children or develop a homeschool group. Check with church groups or ministries to see if they have funding available.
Grants for homeschools often provide funding for tuition, books or other educational materials. Foundations for homeschool grants often have specifications about what the funding can be used for. Make sure that you apply for an appropriate grant.
Many private foundations will require that applicants participate in a government-approved homeschooling program. Foundations will probably want a homeschooler to be active in their community or someone who volunteers on a regular basis. Homeschoolers are often not able to participate in activities through local schools, so it is important that they become involved in community services. Each foundation will have specifications for the grade point average.
Foundations will often require additional material during the submission process, such as proof of test scores, art projects, essays or portfolios. A letter of recommendation or personal testimony will often be required and some may request lesson plans and attendance information.
Be sure to only apply for grants that your child is qualified for and do not waste your time on a homeschool grant that has criteria that you can't meet.
Some businesses are willing to give in-kind donations of books, art supplies or other products to homeschooling groups. Contact business owners by phone or via a letter to see if they can donate learning material.
If your child is being homeschooled as result of health problems, you should contact your area school district to get approved for home-bound homeschooling. If it cannot help, contact the Department of Education in your state.