Completely Curious: Homeschooling Fundraiser?

[greenthumb3]

Has anyone ever considered or carried out a fundraiser for your family's homeschooling experience? I know there are plenty of games and books and resources I'd love to have on hand, but it would be great to get funds from neighbors and family members and people who support homeschooling to supplement our own funds.

Tell me your stories!
Fund-raising ideas appreciated.

[annethcz]

I do know of homeschooling *groups* that have done fundraisers, but I don't know of anyone who has done fundraising as a family to pay for HSing expenses. I've always just figured that it's a part of of the family's expenses.

[dawningmama]

Most of the people I would hit up for fundraising have vested interests in my kids' education. So I cut out the middleman and just ask for money for homeschool stuff. MIL & FIL sponsor XYZ class/book/activity, my mom is helping with ZXY curricula and trips to the city, etc.

I love that we don't have to bring those fundraisers books and such into our workplaces. It frees me from feeling obligated to buy something from my coworkers.

[dawningmama]

Oh, I've also found asking for sponsorship is a great way to silence doubts from extended family members. What's that, uncle Joe? You're worried about the kid's lack of oranized sport time? Would you like to sponsor his enrollment in the local soccer club at the Y? Sometimes you get a donation out of it, but it almost always shuts Uncle Joe up and stops everyone else in ear shot from tossing out their two cents!

[greenthumb3]

Originally Posted by dawningmama

Oh, I've also found asking for sponsorship is a great way to silence doubts from extended family members. What's that, uncle Joe? You're worried about the kid's lack of oranized sport time? Would you like to sponsor his enrollment in the local soccer club at the Y? Sometimes you get a donation out of it, but it almost always shuts Uncle Joe up and stops everyone else in ear shot from tossing out their two cents!

That's not a bad idea!!

You know, I am pretty lucky to have a family of educators who do/have home schooled some of their kids. It wouldn't hurt to ask, I suppose. Sponsoring an activity or purchasing from the kids' wishlists. I am all about family support, especially since we do our fair amount of it in our extended families!

[accidental_hs'er]

I wouldn't...

...anymore than I would ask for donations/money to send them to private school or summer camps. It is just a part of our family finances and budgeting. I do, however, kindly suggest certain things for birthdays and Christmas - if asked. Like a zoo membership from Grandpa would be nicer than, say, more toys that they don't need. Books are always welcome. Friends and family know what we do and help out in ways they can. Of their own volition.

We've set up our lifestyle to afford this in the way that we want. Like 1 car, a cheaper house, etc... I've met successful homeschoolers who make way more and way less than we do. There are ways to make it all come together.

[Ruthla]

Oh, goodness, no! Getting away from those stupid "fundraisers" at school (the kind where the company keeps half the money and the school only gets half) is one of the benefits of homeschooling! Why on earth would I bring that back into my life intentionally?

I have asked my parents to pay for some items- science classes that are fun and educational, and are the type of thing that would be part of an "after school program" that they'd likely pay for if DC was enrolled in school. They've been buying my kids educational magazines for years- why would that stop when the child switches from school to homeschool? And if my Mom decides, all on her own, to buy stuff for DS that she thinks would enhance his learning experience, why would I decline?

But I didn't participate in any fundraisers when my kids were in school, and I'm not about to start now. My neighbors can pay for their OWN kids' educations, and I'll pay for mine.

[4evermom]

I can't imagine hitting up family or neighbors for money to support our lifestyle.

I do put some interesting things on an online wishlist and direct anyone who asks for a gift idea to it.

I do like the idea of asking Uncle Joe to sponsor sports, however!

[HappyMommy2]

How about fundraising by having a yard sale (and a lemonade stand) after the kids help you organize/sort/clean a room or two?

The kids could bake some cookies to sell at the lemonade stand too.

[ccasanova]

Originally Posted by HappyMommy2

How about fundraising by having a yard sale (and a lemonade stand) after the kids help you organize/sort/clean a room or two?

The kids could bake some cookies to sell at the lemonade stand too.

That is the only type of fundraiser that I would feel comfortable having. I guess it is what I've been doing all along, although I never thought of it as a "fundraiser" Selling kids old clothes, baby items and the like on Ebay brings in some $ and then I spend that on whatever school items strike my fancy at the time. But as far as asking someone to give my family some $ to support our homeschool...would not feel comfortable with it at all. It is my family's decision to homeschool, it is my family's responsibility to pay for it. But also as someone said, if asked when it is gift giving time, I would give ideas for books, games, passes, etc.

[greenthumb3]

As much as I appreciate everyone taking the time to reply to this thread, and while I do respect those who would not fundraise for homeschool, I am not interested in advice as to whether I should fundraise or not for homeschool or whether anyone else would or not, for whatever reason. Thanks for understanding.

If anyone either has fundraised before or has ideas for fundraisers, please post them on this thread.