Nicole Doyle, a homeschool leader from Georgia, shared with me several places where she received grants for her homeschool group:
- WalMart Foundation gave her group $500
- Target gave $350 for field trips
- Publix (grocery store) gave Nicole’s homeschool group $200
- Kroger grocery store gave gift cards
- Home Depot gave a $50 gift cards to buy supplies
- Some employers like FedEx match donations given by their employees.
- Vela Foundation gives grants of $1,000, $5,000 and Nicole’s group even received a grant of $10,000!
- TechSoup.org is a nonprofit that arranges free or cheap software for nonprofit groups like QuickBooks Online.
Nicole was busy getting these grants, but she found it easy! All she had to do in most cases was ask!
What does it take to get a grant?
Your homeschool group needs to be a nonprofit organization with a board and bylaws.
See my checklist of steps.
In addition most grantors require proof of 501c3 tax exempt status from the IRS as a “qualified” charity.” If you group does not have 501c3 tax exempt status it is fairly easy to apply for the status with the IRS with some help!
HomeschoolCPA.com has assisted over 200 homeschool groups apply for 501c3 status and has plenty of resources to help you get this coveted status and begin asking for grants!
Resources to apply for 501c3 tax exempt status
The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization explains when and how often your homeschool group needs to interact with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specific attention given to the application for 501c3 tax exempt status for homeschool organizations. Helpful to homeschool support groups, co-ops, hybrids, music, and sports groups.
This 90 minute webinar 501c3 Application for Homeschool Nonprofits will explain the pros and cons of tax exempt status, what is needed before applying for tax exempt status, the cost and steps to take, and an explanation of the IRS Form 1023-EZ line-by-line. All created for homeschool groups by CPA Carol Topp.
HomeschoolCPA’s Recommended Consultants can help advise homeschool organizations. These qualified, experts in homeschool groups offers consultations to homeschool leaders. Some of the consultants also help homeschool groups apply for 501c3 tax exempt status.
Carol Topp, CPA
HomeschoolCPA.com