A Curriculum Grant can make homeschooling possible for a family experiencing financial challenges. These grants are available to help with: 

  • Curricula and materials for core academic subjects and some electives
  • Tuition for co-ops and academic classes, including online classes and dual enrollment
  • Academic testing and tutoring
  • School-related technology
  • Diagnostic testing, therapies, and specialized materials for children with special needs 
  • School supplies

Grants are typically a couple hundred dollars per homeschooled child, depending on family size and circumstances. (Currently the average grant for families homeschooling two children is $300.)

To learn more about how grants may be spent, watch this short video. 

Video Tutorial

For a quick tutorial on how to apply for a Curriculum Grant, watch our four-part video series:

Eligibility

HSLDA membership* is required to be considered for a Curriculum Grant. To qualify, you must also:

  • demonstrate significant financial need;
  • have legal custody of the child(ren) you are homeschooling;
  • be homeschooling at least one child between 6 and 19 years old according to the definition in the FAQ below; 
  • not be receiving state funds to homeschool, including any form of ESA;
  • provide evidence of privately homeschooling for at least 3 months prior to applying (watch this short video);
  • provide two character references who meet the qualifications detailed in the section below; and
  • provide receipts documenting that the grant was spent appropriately (after your grant has been approved).

*If the $14/month membership dues are not possible for your family, email mfa@hslda.org to request financial aid information.

Application Timeline

Our grant applications are limited to certain months of the year. New applicants may choose when they want to apply. Reapplicants must wait approximately a year from their last application before reapplying. 

APPLICATION OPEN PERIODS:
  • January 1–February 28**
  • April 1–June 30
  • September 1–October 31**

Approved applicants receive their grant check 2–4 months after they submit their application.

When there is a high volume of applications, the review process and funding may be delayed. We will provide you with an email update every step of the way. For timely communication, please add compassiongrants@hslda.org to your safe-sender list to ensure that you receive our emails.

**Depending on the availability of funds, these periods may be shortened or cancelled.

References

References must be able to vouch for your integrity and the fact that you're homeschooling.

References do NOT need to know detailed information about your financial situation. They are attesting primarily to your character and general family circumstances.

Watch this short video to learn more about choosing your references.

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.

FAQs

What is the definition of homeschooling for the purpose of receiving a Curriculum Grant?

To be eligible to receive a Curriculum Grant, the parent or legal guardian should:

  • be privately funding their homeschool program (as opposed to using state funds, including any form of ESA);
  • conduct the majority of the schooling at home (as opposed to a daily drop-off co-op);
  • have the authority to choose their child’s studies (as opposed to having the curriculum chosen by a school);
  • have homeschooled in this way for 3 months (e.g., families who did not homeschool last year must be at least 3 months into the current school year and be committed to homeschooling for the remainder of the year).

What if I'm not homeschooling like this yet?

If you want to homeschool but haven’t yet started, let HSLDA help you start strong or check out our list of free and inexpensive curriculum and other homeschooling resources.

What kind of questions will the grant application ask me?

Check out our Preparing Your Application checklist for a complete listing of the information and documentation you'll need for your application.

Can I use Curriculum Grant funds for past expenses?

You can use a Curriculum Grant to reimburse purchases for educational items the grant would normally cover so long as the purchase was made within 6 months of the grant check date and you can provide a receipt of purchase. Please don’t send any receipts until we ask for them after your grant is approved.

What if I’ve received a grant before?

If you have received a grant before and want to reapply, you must still meet the standard eligibility requirements. You must also:

  • have submitted receipts documenting how your prior grant money was spent;
  • have waited approximately a year since your last application.

Ready to apply?

Here are some steps for success.

  • Read the eligibility requirements above carefully. Your application will not be approved if you do not meet them.
  • Read the Preparing Your Application checklist. This will ensure that you have all required information and documentation before beginning your application.
  • Use Chrome as your browser. We recommend filling out the application on Chrome, even on Apple devices where Safari may be the default browser.
  • Apple devices: If you are filling out the application on an Apple device, such as a Mac computer, iPhone, or iPad, you may see a login screen instead of a confirmation screen upon submission of your application. If this happens and you do not receive a confirmation screen, please email compassioninfo@hslda.org so we can confirm that your application submitted successfully. In your email, please include what device and browser you used to fill out the application.
  • Already started an application? If you started and then saved an application and aren't sure how to resume it, follow these instructions.

Start or Resume Your Application

You may be prompted to log in or create a free HSLDA account to access this application.

If you have questions about a requirement, contact a Grant Administrator at compassioninfo@hslda.org or by calling 540-338-8688.