Grants for Homeschooling

Homeschooling families can access funding through state Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), curriculum grants, and private assistance programs to cover educational expenses. While federal direct homeschool grants are limited, many states now offer significant funding ranging from $2,000 to $9,000 per student annually for curriculum, technology, tutoring, and educational materials. Below you'll find state ESA programs, private curriculum grants, and 174 federal education opportunities that may benefit homeschool families.

📚 Quick Funding Options

State ESA Programs: Check if your state offers Education Savings Accounts (30+ states available in 2026) | HSLDA Compassion Grants: Financial assistance for eligible families | Tax Benefits: Explore state homeschool tax credits and deductions where available

Types of Homeschooling Funding Available

🏛️ State Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

What they cover: Curriculum, online courses, tutoring, educational materials, technology, testing, special education services

Eligibility: Varies by state - some universal (all students), others income-restricted or special needs priority

Typical amounts: $2,000 - $9,000 per student annually

How to access:

Texas: Up to $2,000/year ($30,000 for disabled students) - Universal ESA starting 2026-27 school year
Florida: Average $8,000 per student - Multiple scholarship programs available
Arizona: $6,000 - $9,000 (avg $7,400) - Universal ESA for all K-12 students
West Virginia: $5,300 per student - All homeschoolers eligible starting 2026
Wyoming: Steamboat Legacy Scholarship $7,000/year - No income limit, all homeschoolers
Utah: Utah Fits All Scholarship - $4,000 (ages 5-11), $6,000 (ages 12-18)
Alaska: IDEA homeschool allotment $2,700 per K-12 student (2025/26)
North Carolina: $8,000/year for disabled students enrolled in homeschool programs

Application process: Contact your state's education department or ESA program office for enrollment details, deadlines, and approved expense categories

🎓 Private Curriculum & Compassion Grants

What they cover: Core academic materials, online classes, co-op tuition, testing, tutoring, educational technology

Eligibility: Financial need, natural disaster victims, specific curriculum users

Typical amounts: Varies by program - $500 to $5,000

How to access:

HSLDA Compassion Grants: Financial assistance for families facing hardships or natural disasters - Over 15,000 grants awarded since 1994 - Call (540) 338-5600 or visit hslda.org/explore/grants-for-homeschooling
Regional grants: Family Educators Alliance of South Texas (FEAST) awards K-12 curriculum grants to income-eligible families
Curriculum scholarships: Sonlight Curriculum awards up to $5,000 to college-bound homeschool seniors who used Sonlight programs
State-specific programs: Check local homeschool associations and co-ops for regional assistance programs

Application process: Contact organizations directly to verify current eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation

🎓 College Scholarships for Homeschoolers

What they cover: College tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses for homeschool graduates

Eligibility: Homeschool students applying to college

Typical amounts: $1,000 - $5,000 per scholarship

How to access:

Homeschool-specific scholarships: 30+ scholarships available specifically for homeschoolers on Bold.org and Scholarships360.org
General college scholarships: Homeschool students eligible for most traditional college scholarships
Curriculum provider scholarships: Many homeschool curriculum companies offer college scholarships to customers

Application process: Research scholarship databases, prepare transcripts and portfolios, meet application deadlines typically in senior year

🏦 Tax Benefits & Financial Support

What they cover: Tax deductions or credits for homeschool expenses (state-dependent)

Eligibility: Homeschool families in participating states

Typical amounts: Varies by state tax structure

How to access:

State tax deductions: Some states allow deductions for homeschool curriculum and materials on state income taxes
529 Education Savings Plans: Some states permit 529 plan funds for K-12 homeschool expenses (up to $10,000/year federal limit)
Special needs tax benefits: Additional deductions may be available for therapy, special education materials, and medical-related educational expenses

Application process: Consult state education department and tax advisor to determine available benefits in your state

How to Access Homeschool Funding

Check Your State's ESA Program

Visit your state's education department website or search "[your state] education savings account homeschool" to determine if ESA funding is available. 30+ states now offer some form of ESA or voucher program.

Review Eligibility Requirements

State programs vary: some are universal (all students qualify), others have income restrictions, prioritize students with disabilities, or require prior public school enrollment. Verify your family meets the criteria.

Gather Required Documentation

Common requirements include proof of residency, student age verification, homeschool notification or registration (if required in your state), and income documentation (if income-restricted program).

Apply to State Program

Submit ESA application through your state's designated portal or education agency. Application windows vary - some states accept year-round, others have specific enrollment periods.

Explore Private Grants

While waiting for state funding decisions, apply to private grants like HSLDA Compassion Grants, regional homeschool organization grants, and curriculum provider scholarships.

Use Funds for Approved Expenses

ESA funds typically loaded on debit cards or reimbursement accounts. Use for approved educational expenses: curriculum, online courses, tutoring, testing, educational technology, special services. Keep receipts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there federal grants specifically for homeschooling?

No, direct federal homeschool grants do not currently exist. The U.S. Department of Education does not offer specific federal funding for individual homeschool families. However, homeschool families can benefit from:

State ESA programs: 30+ states offer Education Savings Accounts or voucher programs for homeschoolers (see state list above)
Federal education tax benefits: 529 Education Savings Plans can be used for K-12 expenses (up to $10,000/year)
Federal college aid: Homeschool graduates are eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA) for college
Private grants: HSLDA Compassion Grants and other private organizations provide direct assistance

The federal government's role in education is limited, with funding primarily directed to public schools and institutions. Homeschool funding comes from state legislatures through ESA/voucher programs.

How much money can I get for homeschooling?

Funding varies significantly by state, ranging from $2,000 to $9,000 per student annually through state ESA programs. Breakdown by funding source:

State ESA Programs (30+ states): $2,000-$9,000 per student per year
- Arizona: $6,000-$9,000 (avg $7,400)
- Florida: ~$8,000 average
- Wyoming: $7,000/year
- Utah: $4,000-$6,000 (age-dependent)
- West Virginia: $5,300
- Texas: $2,000 ($30,000 for disabled students)
- Alaska: $2,700
Private Curriculum Grants: $500-$5,000 (varies by organization, eligibility)
Tax Benefits: Up to $10,000/year through 529 plans (if state permits K-12 use)
College Scholarships: $1,000-$5,000 per scholarship (for homeschool graduates)

Example: An Arizona family with 2 children could receive $14,000-$18,000 annually through the state's universal ESA program, while a Texas family starting in 2026 could receive $4,000/year for 2 children ($60,000 if both have disabilities).

What can homeschool grant money be used for?

ESA funds and private grants typically cover a wide range of educational expenses. Approved uses generally include:

Curriculum & textbooks: Core academic subjects (math, science, English, history), supplemental materials, workbooks
Online courses & programs: Virtual classes, online academies, subscription-based learning platforms
Tutoring services: Private tutors, academic coaching, subject-specific instruction
Educational technology: Computers, tablets, educational software, internet service (if educationally necessary)
Testing & assessment: Standardized tests, achievement tests, SAT/ACT prep
Co-op tuition: Homeschool cooperative classes and memberships
Specialized services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling (if educationally related)
Educational materials: Art supplies, science equipment, learning manipulatives, educational games

Not typically covered: Non-educational expenses, family entertainment, sports equipment (unless part of PE curriculum), transportation, general household items. Always verify approved expense categories with your specific ESA program.

Do I need to register my homeschool to receive funding?

Requirements vary by state - some states require official homeschool registration or notification before receiving ESA funding, while others do not.

High-regulation states: May require advance homeschool registration with the state or local school district, submission of curriculum plans, and periodic assessments before ESA eligibility
Moderate-regulation states: Typically require simple notification to the state education agency that you are homeschooling, but minimal oversight
Low-regulation states: May not require any formal registration, though ESA programs themselves may have separate enrollment requirements

Best practice: Before applying for ESA funding, verify your state's homeschool laws through HSLDA or your state's education department. Some families must establish homeschool status first, then apply for ESA funding as a second step.

Can I use ESA funds if I only homeschool part-time or hybrid school?

Many states allow part-time homeschoolers or hybrid schooling families to receive ESA funding, but rules vary. Common scenarios:

Full ESA funding: Some states provide full ESA amounts regardless of whether the student is enrolled part-time in public school (check state policy)
Prorated funding: Other states reduce ESA amounts if students take some classes at public schools (e.g., 50% ESA if attending half-day public school)
Dual enrollment: Some programs permit using ESA funds for community college courses, online classes, or co-op participation while partially enrolled in public school
State restrictions: A few states require full-time homeschool status to qualify for ESAs

Hybrid schooling options: Many families use ESA funds to supplement part-time public school attendance with homeschool curriculum, online courses, or specialized tutoring. Contact your state's ESA program office to determine part-time eligibility rules.

How do I apply for HSLDA Compassion Grants?

HSLDA Compassion Grants provide financial assistance to homeschool families facing hardships. Application process:

Eligibility: Families experiencing financial difficulties, natural disaster impacts, or unexpected hardships that threaten their ability to continue homeschooling
Uses: Core academic subject materials, online class or co-op tuition, academic testing and tutoring, school-related technology
Contact: Phone (540) 338-5600 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET, or visit their website portal
Application: Visit hslda.org/explore/grants-for-homeschooling and click "See If You Qualify" for curriculum grants
Documentation: Be prepared to provide details about your family's situation and financial need
History: HSLDA has awarded over 15,000 grants since 1994 to eligible families

Note: HSLDA operates these grants through private donations, not federal funding. Processing times and award amounts vary based on available funds and family needs.

Essential Homeschool Funding Resources

🏛️ State Education Departments

Contact your state's education department to inquire about ESA programs, vouchers, and homeschool funding options in your state.

What to ask: "Does [state] offer Education Savings Accounts or school choice programs for homeschool families?"

📚 HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)

Offers Compassion Grants for families facing financial hardships. Over 15,000 grants awarded since 1994.

hslda.org/explore/grants-for-homeschooling

Phone: (540) 338-5600 | M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET

💳 EdChoice - State Policy Tracker

Comprehensive database tracking Education Savings Account programs across all 50 states, including eligibility rules and funding amounts.

edchoice.org

🎓 Homeschool Scholarships Database

Browse 30+ college scholarships specifically for homeschool students on Bold.org and Scholarships360.org.

Start searching: Visit Bold.org and filter by "homeschoolers" demographic category

🏦 State Homeschool Organizations

Connect with your state's homeschool association for information on local grants, co-op funding, regional scholarships, and community resources.

Find yours: Search "[your state] homeschool association" or ask local homeschool families for referrals

📖 Curriculum Provider Grants

Many curriculum companies offer scholarships and financial assistance programs to customers. Check with providers like Sonlight, Time4Learning, and others.

Example: Sonlight awards up to $5,000 to college-bound seniors who used Sonlight programs

Federal Education Grants (174)

While these federal grants primarily target educational institutions, nonprofits, and organizations rather than individual homeschool families, they may be relevant if you're involved with homeschool co-ops, educational nonprofits, or community learning programs. Organizations serving homeschool students may be eligible to apply.

Showing 1-20 of 174 grants