Today we’re talking about how to afford expensive field trips. 
If you have school aged children, you likely have sat through at least a few presentations from your child’s teacher(s) explaining an upcoming field trip and how fun it will be for them.
At the end of this presentation, you are suddenly hit with the cost and a spiel of how many months you have to come up with the funds to pay for it.
If you’re anything like me, you may have found yourself feeling a panic of you can’t come up with the funds, or guilt if you know there’s no way it’ll happen. The guilt of knowing your child will get stuck at school while their friends get to go on this fun field trip is next level mom guilt that I hope nobody has to face.
I have spent a few years asking questions, like “how are parent’s affording $200+ field trips every year?” and “what are the schools offering to offset the costs that I am somehow not aware of?”
After having sat in these feelings one too many times, I decided I wanted to know these answers. I hope they help you, too.
XO,
Amanda
Arizona Tax Credit
Did you know that you can claim a nonrefundable tax credit for making contributions or paying fees directly to a public school in the state of Arizona? The Arizona Public School Tax Credit allows up to $400 for married individuals filing jointly or $200 for single, heads of households, and married filling separately.
These funds go directly to the school per the information you submit on your form 322 and can be utilized to pay for your child’s field trip.
Scholarship/ Grant
If money is tight, don’t hesitate to speak with the teachers about a scholarship option or grant. Some schools are either provided funds from an outside source or from other parents that help to fund students who can’t afford the field trip.
I was also surprised to find out that a few large corporations (including my own employer) offer field trip funding; this could be a helpful way to help fund not only your child’s portion of the cost but could lower the cost for everyone.
The PTO
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at your school likely does quite a few fundraisers throughout the year.
While most of the money raised goes back into the school, they may save some of it to help fund students on field trips. Ask your child’s teacher if this is an option at your school.
Fundraisers
The teachers may discuss the option of a fundraiser. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the cost, make sure this fundraiser is one that you and your child participates in.
I know soliciting your friends and family is the new way to go when it comes to working fundraisers for your kids, but don’t downplay the power of neighborhood door-to-door sales. Give your child a taste of what it is like to be an entrepreneur, and who knows, you may meet your future best friend in the process!
Good ‘ol fashion hard work
I have four boys, and the idea of sending them outside (and stop wasting their day to video games) to do something crosses my mind quite often.
Why not have them take the chores they do at your house to their neighbors? You may be surprised, but quite a few people would be willing to spare $10 or $20 for your child to pull their weeds, pick up dog poop, or even take their trash bins out to the road for them. This money can add up quickly and pay for the field trip in full.
Here’s a few other blog posts you may be interested in, too:
How to Support a Friend Whose Family is Navigating a Layoff
5 ways our kids’ bank accounts get funded
Realistic Budget Tips from a Full-Time Working Mom
