Homeschooling is becoming very popular in the United States and It can be quite difficult to keep up with the curriculum and material when changing different grade levels and courses of study. In addition to the cost of purchasing new material and supplies, it can be hard on your pocketbook. In Iowa, there are a few options available to those who want to donate used homeschool curriculum and other supplies, either to reuse themselves or to help another family save money.
Let’s take a look at these options.
What Types of Donations Are You Looking For?
The most common items requested from donors are books and supplies. This can include textbooks, workbooks, novels, manipulatives, lab equipment, craft supplies, and any other items you have related to a particular course or subject. Each of the organizations listed below are always accepting donations, so the items you have to donate may vary slightly.
However, it’s helpful to know what types of homeschool curriculum and materials are in demand before you donate.
Where Can I Donate Used Homeschool Curriculum and Supplies in Iowa?
There are a few different organizations and groups that accept homeschool curriculum donations in Iowa. These include:
- Iowa Homeschoolers Group: This group is a non-profit online group that helps connect Iowa homeschoolers with other parents and homeschoolers in their area. The group has an online store where members can sell and donate curriculum and other materials.
Donations are greatly appreciated, and can benefit many different homeschool families.
- Reach Out & Read: Reach out & Read is a national organization that provides books, materials, and other resources to families who can’t afford them.
They accept homeschool curriculum donations in Iowa and distribute them to underserved communities.
- Local Bookstores: Many local bookstores in Iowa offer special discounts and deals on used homeschool curriculum and supplies.
Contacting your nearest store can help you find out more information on what they are accepting and what deals they have available.
- Donor’s Choose: Donor’s Choose is an online platform that links donors with teachers who are in need of specific curriculum, materials, and supplies. Donors can specify where they would like their donations to go and can benefit students and schools in Iowa.
- Homeschoolers of Cedar Rapids: This group is a local Cedar Rapids organization that supports and encourages homeschooling in the area. They are always accepting donations of all types, and homeschool curriculum often makes its way to parents who can use it.
How Can I Make a Donation?
Once you have collected the materials you want to donate, the process for donating homeschool curriculum in Iowa is fairly simple. If you’re donating to a group like Iowa Homeschoolers Group or Homeschoolers of Cedar Rapids, you can contact them directly by email or through their website with information about what you have to donate. If you are donating to a local bookstore or Donor’s Choose, you will need to check their website for the specific instructions to make a donation.
Lastly, Reach Out & Read accepts donations of homeschool curriculum through their website donation page.
What Can I Donate?
There are a variety of materials that can be donated to help other families with their homeschooling needs. This includes textbooks and workbooks, fiction and non-fiction books, art and craft supplies, lab equipment, manipulatives, and other materials that may help a family with their studies.
It’s a good idea to sort through the materials you have on hand, keeping only the items that are still usable and that are related to the current grade level your children are in.
Are the Donated Materials Tax Deductible?
In some cases, you may be able to deduct the value of homeschool curriculum donations on your taxes. This is usually true if you are donating to a registered 501(c)(3) organization, such as Reach Out & Read, or if you are donating to a local school or bookstore.
However, it’s important to research the specific organization you are donating to, to make sure that the items you are donating are tax deductible.
Are Donations Taxable?
No, in most cases, donations of homeschool curriculum are not taxable. However, it’s important to note that donations of certain items, such as technology or high-end items, may be subject to taxation. In these cases, you may need to notify the Internal Revenue Service of your donation, to ensure that it isn’t taxed.
Are Donations Accepted Through the Mail?
Yes, in many cases, donations of homeschool curriculum can be accepted through the mail. It’s important to double-check the organization’s website to make sure that they are willing to accept donations this way. In addition, you will need to make sure that the materials are packaged safely, to ensure that they arrive in the same condition they were sent in.
Is There a Way to Sell My Used Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, if you would rather get some money for your used homeschool curriculum rather than donate it, there are a few options available. You can list the items for sale on websites such as Craigslist or eBay, or you can join an online group like Iowa Homeschoolers Group, which allows members to sell and donate curriculum.
How Can I Sheet the Cost of Donations?
When donating homeschool curriculum and other materials, the value of the items can be estimated and reported for tax purposes. The value of the items is usually based on their original purchase price and the condition they are in when donated. However, it’s important to make sure that you are reporting and accounting for donations accurately, as incorrect reporting could result in penalties.
Do I have to Include Shipping Costs when Donating?
No, you do not have to include shipping costs when donating homeschool curriculum. However, if you are donating to an organization that is not local, you should check with them to make sure that they will pay for shipping costs.
In many cases, the organization you are donating to may have a system in place to cover the cost of shipping.
Can I Donate Multiple Items?
Yes, you can donate multiple items of homeschool curriculum, such as textbooks or workbooks, as well as craft supplies or other materials. It’s important to make sure that all of the items you are donating are in good condition and that they are related to a specific course or subject.
The organization you are donating to may have specific rules and guidelines for what types of items they accept.
Can I Donate Online or Make a Cash Donation?
Yes, many organizations that accept donations of homeschool curriculum also accept online donations or cash donations. This is a great way to support the organization you are donating to while also being able to donate from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s important to make sure that the organization you are donating to is a registered 501(c)(3) before making a donation.
Conclusion
Donating used homeschool curriculum and other supplies in Iowa is a great way to help other families save money on materials, while also supporting local and national organizations. There are a few different ways to make a donation, such as contacting local groups or contacting online platforms or bookstores.
When donating, it’s important to make sure that all of the materials are in usable condition and that they are related to a course or subject. Finally, you may be able to receive a tax deduction for your donations, so make sure to research this option.