While homeschooling has never been a major component of the education landscape in Australia, data shows that it is steadily on the rise, with some numbers suggesting there are up to 30,000 children being homeschooled in Australia.
While the reasons for homeschooling are wide and varied, including religious or philosophical reasons, families who are on long term travels, disability or dissatisfaction, there is often the same need to fundraise as found in mainstream education.
Homeschooling families might need to raise money to purchase new equipment or resources, to pay for a special excursion or event, or simply to teach children social responsibility.
Fundraising Questions to ask:
Are you travelling or based at home?
How much money do you need to raise the money?
Do you have a deadline to raise the money by?
Are you going it alone or teaming up with other families?
Can you afford to pay upfront costs?
For families on the move
GoFundMe: go straight to the source and use this crowdfunding platform to appeal directly to people to donate to your cause. There are no upfront costs and it is straightforward to use. Learn more here.
Smencils: these yummy smelling pens and pencils can be bought in quantities as small as one bucket (50 pencils), and don’t take up a lot of room if you’re on the road. You will need to pay upfront, but they have long shelf-life and are relatively unique. Learn more here.
Scratch’n’Help cards: these scratch cards can be customised and work by asking people to scratch one of the panels, and then donating the amount they reveal, from 50 cents to $3. They take up no space and can be used in a variety of situations. Minimum order and upfront payment applies. Learn more here.
Self-published book: for when you have something really special to share, consider publishing your own recipe or story book using the easy online software from Schoolyard Stories. It might be a journal of your family’s travels or special recipes you can use when camping. You can publish any number of books in a variety of sizes and formats. Upfront payment required. Learn more here.
For families who are predominantly based at home or part of a larger community
All of the above fundraising ideas plus
Billy G Frozen Cookie Dough: lots of fun and easy to sell, this frozen cookie dough comes in a variety of flavours and practically sells itself. Learn more here.
Zoom Kites: for families who want to encourage healthy exercise, fundraising with Zoom kites could be a great way to forge bonds with your local community. Learn more here.
Cadbury Chocolate: a perennial favourite, selling chocolate Frogs and other sweet goodies is a tried and true fundraiser, and available for everyone. Learn more here.
Jolly Soles socks: everyone needs socks and these are some of the cutest you will find. Boxes of socks in sizes to fit all members of the family. Learn more here.
Living Fundraisers: with a great range of natural products from flower, herb and veggie seed kits, gift cards and even candles, there are plenty of options for everyone. Learn more here.
Heather Brae cookies: boxes of individually wrapped cookies are a great fundraising option at any time of the year, and though they are freshly prepared, have a long shelf-life. Learn more here.
Garage Sale: approach your neighbours, friends and family and ask if they have anything they want to donate for your garage sale. Everyone loves a bargain, even more when they know the proceeds are going to your special educational fundraiser. Learn how to run a successful garage sale here.
Car Boot Sale: this is a great option when you don’t have much to sell yourself but are happy to organise others who do. All you need is a suitable location. Learn how to run a car boot sale here.
Car Wash: a great option for raising extra cash, set up a car-wash in a suitable, high traffic area. Keep customers happy by offering them a bottle of water and home made cookie while they wait (build the cost into your prices) and watch the lines grow.
