VELA Grant for LOL

In August 2023 our small homeschool group learned about a grant that was available to non-traditional education groups. The grant was called the VELA Grant, and they were offering $10,000, which could be used for educational purposes for any non-traditional education group. Our group was not a traditional co-op, but we did offer regular extra-curricular classes such as a STEM club and LEGO club. As a group, we tended to offer classes that required a group but weren’t standard curriculum classes, and we wanted to expand this opportunity.

To apply for the VELA grant, you begin by filling out an application form, which includes yes/no questions and long-form answers. The questionnaire is quite extensive with approximately 50 questions to answer, so make sure you have a quiet space and some coffee before filling it out. This is probably the most extensive part of the application. After that, you wait to hear back. I applied in the middle of August and heard back saying we were tentatively approved in the middle of October 2023. The application was officially approved in the middle of November, and we received the funds shortly afterwards.

We have used the funds to buy the equipment needed to start a robotics and art club. We make these classes available to our members for free. We also bought some physical education equipment, which we use on a periodic basis, as well as added supplies to our STEM and LEGO club.

The goal for us was to use the money to help fund extra-curricular educational programs and make them free for our members, and we were successful in that aim. However, the money can be used for any educational purpose. They are particularly interested in this money being used to open doors for those who struggle to access good educational opportunities. Since our group likes to focus on creating programs at low cost, we felt we were a good fit for this grant.

One year after the money was received, VELA sent out a questionnaire so we could let them know what we did with the money. This was short and they didn’t ask for receipts. Since this reporting, they haven’t made any demands of our group, and the only communication I receive is emails in my inbox letting me know what else is available. At this time, our group is not in need of further assistance, however, if your group would like that extra support, should you choose to apply, they are there to help.