We want your Curriculum Grant application process to be smooth and easy. This article can help you gather any information you need for your application!

Homeschool Documentation


The type of documentation you provide as evidence of homeschooling will likely vary based on the homeschool law in your state.

Submit the following:

  • NOT your “Notice of Intent”, but a dated letter, email, receipt, acceptance, or acknowledgement of the Notice of Intent you submitted to the:
    • State, county, school district, or superintendent
    • State, county, school district, or superintendent for religious exemption
    • Public or private school, withdrawing your child(ren)
    • School umbrella program, church/religious school, or accredited day/boarding school your child(ren) attend

If unable to provide the above, submit one (1) of the following:

  • Official letter or invoice from the leader of your homeschool co-op or support group on letterhead (e.g., Classical Conversations, local co-op, hybrid co-op, etc.)
  • End of year assessment or evaluation test results for each child, ages 6–19
  • A month of lesson plans of academic subjects for each child, ages 6–19
  • Current report card/transcript for each child, ages 6–19
  • Writing sample AND a math test for each child, ages 6–19

Financial Documentation

Provide all that apply:

  • Copy of IRS Form 1040 (first 2 pages only) from your recently filed income tax return, if you were required to file
  • One month of current paystubs*
  • Social Security statements for survivor’s benefits or disability (including children’s benefits)
  • Food stamps and housing assistance benefit letters
  • Child support or alimony documentation
  • Student aid loans
  • Any other forms of financial support or benefits
  • Any other forms of current income, including letters of church/pastoral or parental support

If you are homeschooling through unusual circumstances that limit your access to documents, contact a grant administrator at compassioninfo@hslda.org or 540-338-8688 to discuss your situation and see how best to proceed.

OTHER DOCUMENTS, IF APPLICABLE:

The following documentation only applies to specific circumstances. We may be able to grant more of your funding request if we have supporting documentation of your situation.

Diagnosis of special needs: If you want to use the grant towards special needs curriculum or therapy for your child(ren), you may be asked to provide more detailed information about their diagnosis.

Spouse’s death certificate: If you are a widow or widower, the application may ask you to provide your spouse’s death certificate.

Military status: If you have served in the military, you may be asked to provide documentation reflecting your current military status.

* If self-employed, submit income statements from the last three consecutive months. Be sure this documentation indicates:

Major Purchase List

The application will ask you to list the major educational expenses that you would use grant funds to cover. You do not need to list everything you might buy, just the purchases that you consider higher priority for your homeschool. Intended purchases and recent purchases (within the last six months) both qualify.

For each major purchase, list:

  • Company/vendor
  • Item description
  • Approximate cost
  • If not self-explanatory, describe how the item fits into your child’s core academics

For more information about how you may use grant funds, view the eligible and ineligible purchase lists.

Can I use my grant to purchase things that weren’t listed on my application?

Yes! You can use your grant to purchase items that weren’t listed on your application, as long as they are still within the list of eligible purchases.

Can I include past purchases?

Yes! Any purchases made within six months of your grant date are eligible for reimbursement.


Character References


The application will ask you to list two people as character references.

References should be able to vouch for your integrity, your general family situation, and the fact that you’re homeschooling. They do NOT need to know detailed information about your financial circumstances. Reapplicants may use the same references as in prior applications.

Gather the following information for your two references:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Current email address

The following individuals may NOT be used as references:

  • You
  • Your spouse/ex-spouse
  • Your significant other
  • Your children
  • Grant applicants from within the past year
  • Anyone living with you

We recommend that you consider references from your homeschooling community or from the leadership of your faith community. We prefer that references not be related to each other.

Be sure to disclose your full and accurate relationship to your references.

† The information linked does not constitute endorsement or recommendation. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate providers and services. Please consult your own professional advisor for all advice concerning legal or financial matters.