PRACTICAL VIEW : ‘Free Money’ for Private School

Families interested in sending their children to private schools should look into grants, says the author of a series of books on “free money.”

“Middle-class parents making $50,000 are always surprised to learn that they may be eligible for grant money for private schools,” says Laurie Blum. Her “Free Money for Private Schools” shows how to get money for preschool through secondary schools. The book helps parents identify what kind of grant they may be eligible for and how to apply.

Blum is also the author of “Free Money for Day Care,” a sourcebook for parents.

“It’s extraordinary that there’s all this money sitting in research libraries that only professional researchers know about,” says Blum.

“Foundations are quirky. You never know exactly what makes them decide to give a grant,” Blum adds. However, she says that there are definite dos and don’ts.

“Read restrictions, apply to six or seven foundations, always make copies of the application and by all means, type it.” She says patience is a virtue: If at first you don’t succeed, reapply.